A fishing authority has welcomed Scottish Borders Council’s decision not to support moves for the release of beavers into the River Tweed.
At a recent meeting local authority members instead endorsed a motion backing the need for a coordinated, catchment-wide approach when considering the future of beavers on the river.
The River Tweed Commission recognises that beavers can bring environmental benefits.
But it believes active reintroduction at this stage would be premature without a clearer understanding of the potential impacts and the long-term management that would be required.
The River Tweed is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, with Atlantic salmon one of the species for which it is protected.
The river supports a very large and important Atlantic salmon population, at a time when wild Atlantic salmon populations in Great Britain are classified as endangered
Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said: “We welcome the council’s recognition that the Tweed needs a coordinated, catchment-wide approach.
“This is not about being for or against beavers. Before any active reintroduction is considered, we need robust evidence about the potential impacts of beaver dams on the movement of salmon and sea trout, and on the spawning and nursery habitats these populations depend on. We also need clear plans for long-term management and funding.
“Beavers may reach the Tweed naturally in time, but we believe there is an opportunity now to make sure the right monitoring, and management arrangements are in place.”
The Commission believes that any future consideration of beavers on the Tweed should take account of the needs of the entire river system, balancing potential ecological benefits with the protection of migratory fish, habitats, infrastructure, and existing river restoration work.
The River Tweed Commission will continue to engage with Scottish Borders Council, NatureScot and other organisations as discussions develop.
The Commission is the statutory fisheries authority responsible for the protection, regulation and management of salmon, sea trout and other freshwater fish within the River Tweed district.
The recently-established Beavers on Tweed is a community organisation supporting the return of beavers to the River Tweed and its tributaries (the Tweed catchment) in ways that benefit nature, people, and long-term climate resilience.
SOURCE – MIDLOTHIAN VIEW
