Freshwater Lice close fishery
Friday 16th March 2012
Regrettably, the Council can confirm that Gartmorn Dam will not be open for any form of fishing in 2012 because of freshwater lice.
Freshwater lice have been known to devastate still water fisheries in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. Two Scottish fisheries have completely closed because of the lice, including Lindores Loch.
The Council first became aware of the problem earlier this year and took scientific advice on how to alleviate the problem. We have also kept Gartmorn Angling Forum informed and updated.
Lice inflict wounds on fish which allow the introduction of diseases and fungus which eventually cause the fish to die. The lice start breeding when the air temperature is 8 degrees and above.
We will be working with experts from Stirling University over the next few months to try to eradicate the lice problem at Gartmorn.
Garry Dallas, Director of Services to Communities, said: "It is with regret that Gartmorn Dam will not be open to any form of fishing in 2012. I know this news will come as a disappointment to the many people who were looking forward to fishing at the dam this coming season, but there would be no point us stocking the dam with trout only for them to be attacked by lice. We will continue to work with experts from Stirling University to manage this situation with a view to re-opening next year as part of Gartmorn Dam's tri-centenary celebrations."
Notes to Editors
The lice affecting Gartmorn Dam are called Argulus. The fishing season at Gartmorn Dam was due to open on 30th March.
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