West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
@wsft.bsky.social
A fisheries trust based in North-west Scotland. Concerned with the conservation of all native fish species - Salmon, Trout, Eel and Charr.
#FridayChallenge Another from this year, but where were we?
November 21, 2025 at 8:04 AM
#FridayChallenge Another from this year, but where were we?
#FridayChallenge Thanks to Andy for this photo from his fishing this year, but where was he?
November 14, 2025 at 8:28 AM
#FridayChallenge Thanks to Andy for this photo from his fishing this year, but where was he?
#FridayChallenge A wee while since we visited this site, but where is it?
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
#FridayChallenge A wee while since we visited this site, but where is it?
Reposted by West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
It IS the most lucrative wildlife crime, and it ain't even close, folks.
Eel-egal trade: the world’s most lucrative wildlife crime?
https://www.europesays.com/2541386/
Eels have been a staple of European diets for millennia, from London’s jellied eels to Spanish angulas. But…
https://www.europesays.com/2541386/
Eels have been a staple of European diets for millennia, from London’s jellied eels to Spanish angulas. But…
Eel-egal trade: the world’s most lucrative wildlife crime? - EUROPE SAYS
Eels have been a staple of European diets for millennia, from London’s jellied eels to Spanish angulas. But the world’s appetite is bringing them to the brink
www.europesays.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:08 AM
It IS the most lucrative wildlife crime, and it ain't even close, folks.
A spooky thank you to our temporary employee - not sure how he got in, but a hard worker :)
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 PM
A spooky thank you to our temporary employee - not sure how he got in, but a hard worker :)
The clocks have gone back, the fishing season is finished and it's time to snuggle up in front of the fire dreaming about the lochs and rivers of Sutherland. Help is here, with #FridayChallenge, but where were we?
October 31, 2025 at 8:17 AM
The clocks have gone back, the fishing season is finished and it's time to snuggle up in front of the fire dreaming about the lochs and rivers of Sutherland. Help is here, with #FridayChallenge, but where were we?
The Trust will be holding it's AGM on Friday 21 November at 12.00 in Achfary Village Hall. We look forward to seeing you there. Tea and coffee provided.
October 28, 2025 at 10:20 AM
The Trust will be holding it's AGM on Friday 21 November at 12.00 in Achfary Village Hall. We look forward to seeing you there. Tea and coffee provided.
A few days in the field getting invertebrate samples. There were a few issues - really, who makes a flow meter that isn't waterproof? - but I have high hopes for some good information from the work. On a different note - any suggestions for the big metal ring?
October 20, 2025 at 8:14 AM
A few days in the field getting invertebrate samples. There were a few issues - really, who makes a flow meter that isn't waterproof? - but I have high hopes for some good information from the work. On a different note - any suggestions for the big metal ring?
It's been a different couple of weeks as we gear down for the end of the season. Not sure we should have passed the notice - not given the next day in the brambles - honest, there is a biologist in there somewhere!
September 30, 2025 at 2:44 PM
It's been a different couple of weeks as we gear down for the end of the season. Not sure we should have passed the notice - not given the next day in the brambles - honest, there is a biologist in there somewhere!
Reposted by West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
It's Monday, & you're wondering: "Why should I care about eels?"
Well...in addition to being great fodder for memes, eels are super-important to stream ecologies! Historically, eels have made up as much as 50% of the total fish biomass in lower reaches of US & European rivers.
🗃️🧪
Well...in addition to being great fodder for memes, eels are super-important to stream ecologies! Historically, eels have made up as much as 50% of the total fish biomass in lower reaches of US & European rivers.
🗃️🧪
September 15, 2025 at 2:12 PM
It's Monday, & you're wondering: "Why should I care about eels?"
Well...in addition to being great fodder for memes, eels are super-important to stream ecologies! Historically, eels have made up as much as 50% of the total fish biomass in lower reaches of US & European rivers.
🗃️🧪
Well...in addition to being great fodder for memes, eels are super-important to stream ecologies! Historically, eels have made up as much as 50% of the total fish biomass in lower reaches of US & European rivers.
🗃️🧪
Just like that, the netting season has finished, and what a way to finish! Some amazing fish, fantastic volunteers, great craic and decent weather :) Thanks to Maaike and John for the photos and to everyone for their help over the year. Here's to 2026 being as good.
September 14, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Just like that, the netting season has finished, and what a way to finish! Some amazing fish, fantastic volunteers, great craic and decent weather :) Thanks to Maaike and John for the photos and to everyone for their help over the year. Here's to 2026 being as good.
Reposted by West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
I love summer, and I hate the change of seasons. But eels change in excellent ways, so let's talk about that, instead!
That's right, friends...it's Big Eel Life Cycle Thread time!
Before we start, let's remember that I'm a historian, not a scientist. But I'll do my best. 1/11
🗃️🧪
That's right, friends...it's Big Eel Life Cycle Thread time!
Before we start, let's remember that I'm a historian, not a scientist. But I'll do my best. 1/11
🗃️🧪
September 9, 2025 at 2:54 PM
I love summer, and I hate the change of seasons. But eels change in excellent ways, so let's talk about that, instead!
That's right, friends...it's Big Eel Life Cycle Thread time!
Before we start, let's remember that I'm a historian, not a scientist. But I'll do my best. 1/11
🗃️🧪
That's right, friends...it's Big Eel Life Cycle Thread time!
Before we start, let's remember that I'm a historian, not a scientist. But I'll do my best. 1/11
🗃️🧪
Last week was our final week with Ellen who has been a great addition to the team this summer. Thanks to her input we've had a really successful season and she will be missed. Good luck with your final year.
September 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Last week was our final week with Ellen who has been a great addition to the team this summer. Thanks to her input we've had a really successful season and she will be missed. Good luck with your final year.
The weather has been perfect for electrofishing and so we've made the most of it. Out and about around the area, with some lovely fish as well. I say it often, but you really can't beat this for an office - other than the midges and other bitey things :)
August 26, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The weather has been perfect for electrofishing and so we've made the most of it. Out and about around the area, with some lovely fish as well. I say it often, but you really can't beat this for an office - other than the midges and other bitey things :)
A week of field work, more or less. We had the paparazzi around at the nettings - more to share later - and some good electrofishing with only our photographic skills. Still, some lovely fish :)
July 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A week of field work, more or less. We had the paparazzi around at the nettings - more to share later - and some good electrofishing with only our photographic skills. Still, some lovely fish :)
🎥 Just released! A new short film on simple ways anglers can help protect Scotland’s wild salmon. Hands-off releases, cooler days, the right tackle — the way we fish today can impact wild salmon’s future tomorrow. #CatchandRelease
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp2...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp2...
Catch and Release - Small Changes, Big Impact
YouTube video by Fisheries Management Scotland
www.youtube.com
July 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM
🎥 Just released! A new short film on simple ways anglers can help protect Scotland’s wild salmon. Hands-off releases, cooler days, the right tackle — the way we fish today can impact wild salmon’s future tomorrow. #CatchandRelease
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp2...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jp2...
A busy couple of weeks - and very diverse. Happy to welcome Ellen to the Trust for the summer - you brought the weather! We've spread ourselves around the area and enjoyed the sun, if not the clegs, and looking forward to more of the same next week :)
July 18, 2025 at 11:24 AM
A busy couple of weeks - and very diverse. Happy to welcome Ellen to the Trust for the summer - you brought the weather! We've spread ourselves around the area and enjoyed the sun, if not the clegs, and looking forward to more of the same next week :)
Many thanks to all our many volunteers, both mink monitoring and sweep netting. If you would like to come netting then please get in touch - good company and good craic for all. Thanks also to Tara, Rosie and Donald for these pictures.
June 6, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Many thanks to all our many volunteers, both mink monitoring and sweep netting. If you would like to come netting then please get in touch - good company and good craic for all. Thanks also to Tara, Rosie and Donald for these pictures.
Reposted by West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
Sometimes people ask me how medieval people could possibly catch so many eels.
Welll...it's because there were So. Many. Eels.
How many? Currently, every year, c. 1 billion elvers (baby eels) come ashore in Europe. And this is more than a 90% decline from historic levels. 1/2
Welll...it's because there were So. Many. Eels.
How many? Currently, every year, c. 1 billion elvers (baby eels) come ashore in Europe. And this is more than a 90% decline from historic levels. 1/2
June 3, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Sometimes people ask me how medieval people could possibly catch so many eels.
Welll...it's because there were So. Many. Eels.
How many? Currently, every year, c. 1 billion elvers (baby eels) come ashore in Europe. And this is more than a 90% decline from historic levels. 1/2
Welll...it's because there were So. Many. Eels.
How many? Currently, every year, c. 1 billion elvers (baby eels) come ashore in Europe. And this is more than a 90% decline from historic levels. 1/2
Always nice to see them leave
May 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Always nice to see them leave
It's Friday - time for some fish :)
April 25, 2025 at 5:05 AM
It's Friday - time for some fish :)
I am excited to announce the first ever West Sutherland Fisheries Trust online spring charity auction is open.
We have over 30 fantastic lots available at uk.givergy.com/wsft-spring-auction/
We appreciate your support, happy bidding! 🙏🏻🐟
We have over 30 fantastic lots available at uk.givergy.com/wsft-spring-auction/
We appreciate your support, happy bidding! 🙏🏻🐟
Spring Auction | Powered by Givergy
Bid on exclusive money can't buy items & experiences with West Sutherland Fisheries Trust. Enter into one of our charity auctions, prize draws or buy
uk.givergy.com
April 20, 2025 at 8:59 AM
I am excited to announce the first ever West Sutherland Fisheries Trust online spring charity auction is open.
We have over 30 fantastic lots available at uk.givergy.com/wsft-spring-auction/
We appreciate your support, happy bidding! 🙏🏻🐟
We have over 30 fantastic lots available at uk.givergy.com/wsft-spring-auction/
We appreciate your support, happy bidding! 🙏🏻🐟
The smolts continue to trickle through the screw trap - with a bit of water we might get more :) - so here's a few pictures of some pretty fish
April 17, 2025 at 10:32 AM
The smolts continue to trickle through the screw trap - with a bit of water we might get more :) - so here's a few pictures of some pretty fish
Reposted by West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
Your occasional reminder that eels are the most smuggled animal on earth; there's a $4-$5 billion per year black market trade in eels.
INTERPOL has called the trafficking of European elvers to Asia "Europe's ivory trade."
INTERPOL has called the trafficking of European elvers to Asia "Europe's ivory trade."
A French court sentenced eight people for smuggling eel larvae in a scheme worth over $2 million that prosecutors likened to cocaine trafficking.
8 people sentenced to prison for smuggling endangered eels in $2 million operation
A French court sentenced eight people for smuggling eel larvae in a scheme worth over $2 million that prosecutors likened to cocaine trafficking.
cbsn.ws
April 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Your occasional reminder that eels are the most smuggled animal on earth; there's a $4-$5 billion per year black market trade in eels.
INTERPOL has called the trafficking of European elvers to Asia "Europe's ivory trade."
INTERPOL has called the trafficking of European elvers to Asia "Europe's ivory trade."
The Inver trap is back in location, and we're picking up the odd fish. Lovely brown trout today, along with the salmon smolt.
April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The Inver trap is back in location, and we're picking up the odd fish. Lovely brown trout today, along with the salmon smolt.