Salmon Fishery Board Calls for Moratorium on Hydro-Electric Schemes in Scotland

The Ness District Salmon Fishery Board has petitioned the Scottish Parliament for a temporary halt on new pumped storage hydro-electric projects on Scottish lochs, citing concerns over their impact on wild salmon populations. The board emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of how these schemes, which involve drawing water from lochs to generate power, could disrupt shoreline habitats and fish migrations. The board's concerns are particularly focused on Loch Ness, where fluctuating water levels could affect the natural currents that young salmon rely on for downstream migration. Director Brian Shaw highlighted the risks posed by artificial changes to loch levels, warning that maintaining a 'compensation flow' in the River Ness would compromise its natural state. He stressed the ecological significance of the area, calling it "Scotland’s and arguably Europe’s most iconic loch." In response to the board's concerns, Statera Energy, which has proposed a project involving water from Loch Ness and Loch Kemp, stated that their operations would be regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa). A spokesperson assured that the project would adhere to existing water levels and acknowledged potential operational curtailments during summer months due to low water levels, which have been exacerbated by climate change. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between renewable energy development and the preservation of vital ecosystems, as stakeholders seek a balance that protects both wildlife and energy needs.