Anglers like to have a idea of the weight of a good fish, especially if it appears to be a personal best or of specimen size, but of course most also realise the need to minimise any damage to the fish through keeping it out of the water too long.
Weighing fish by measuring them helps minimize any potential harm to the fish.
To help address this need we have developed a number of alternatives which will not only enable you to ‘weigh’ a particular fish but also gain an …

Recent discussions between SSACN and Sportvisserij Nederland (Royal Dutch Angling Association) highlighted the fact that there is an apparent northern migration of smoothhound – increasing numbers of the species being caught each year.
Whether the increased numbers are due to decreased competition for food as cod stocks have declined, decreased commercial pressure reducing the numbers taken as bycatch or northern waters getting warmer, is a matter for detailed research.
During the discussions it soon became apparent that as both parties had tagging programmes, that by working together in a collaborative manner we …

The Scottish Government has international commitments to create an ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas  (MPAs) in the seas around Scotland.
The Scottish MPA project is an initiative  to provide advice to the Scottish Government on the selection of MPAs around Scotland.
As part of the initiative, third parties, from an individual person to an organisation or industry sector, were invited to submit proposals for MPAs.
A summary  ‘Guide to the Scottish MPA process’ is available for download which also contains pointers for in-depth reading; more detailed papers regarding SSACN’s Proposals …

This year we have a specific focus on expanding our educational outreach programme.
We are looking to take advantage of the vast knowledge base which has been accumulated by our community in order to create a wave of respect for the marine environment amongst others. To do this we need to train volunteers to deliver our material in a safe and enjoyable manner.
We are offering you the opportunity to become a Dreamstore Level 2 Coach.
It’s free – The cost of the course is covered.
We have secured a number of places …

Here is a fine example of an infographic from the Discovery Channel.
Note :: It is quite a large image so may take a while to download.
 

Any idea what caused the wound in the following photo ?

No !
Well, skate and rays are common bycatch in many trawled fisheries; to return the fish to the water some commercial fisherman cut a ‘handhold’ in the fish to make them easy to handle; with larger fish they will cut a slit in both wings and thread a rope through the cuts in order to lift the skate out and overboard.
Although the end result is not very pretty, as you can see the wounds can heal well; in fact earlier …

Tonight’s (8/12/11) AGM has been cancelled because of the storm force winds that are due for the region today and the to the long distances many members need to travel. The police and met office are advising there will be trees down and local flooding.
We will publish an alternative date once we have determined one.

Looking ahead to 2012 ?
Want to enjoy some good company and fishing ?
Want to make a real difference ?
Support the Scottish Shark Tagging Programme
Help save Scotland’s sharks.
Three Events which throughout the year.
 
Download a copy of the poster and share it around.
Tagging is the only non-destructive assessment of sharks available which will help provide data such as :

Species migrations
Growth rates
Population and stock make-up
Stock fluctuations dynamics

The data will be used to input into the Scottish Government shark management plans.
Reports on each event highlighting socio-economic benefit to the area …

The Scottish Government published a consultation paper Scottish Marine Regions – Defining their Boundaries on 23rd November 2010 and written responses were invited until 18th February 2011.
There were eleven main questions and 81 written submissions were received by the deadline. There were also twelve public meetings in coastal communities around Scotland and one video-conference meeting.
The 81 written submissions in response to the consultation paper came from individual members of the public (nineteen) and a range of sectors and interest groups – local authority representatives (seventeen); fisheries and aquaculture (nine); …

The AGM this year will be held on the 8th December at the Royal Marine Reserve HQ, 37 – 51 Birkmyre Road, Govan, Glasgow, G51 3JH – it will start at 7.30pm and all Members are welcome to attend.
As the HQ is a gated compound, please respond to this email address / write directly to The Secretary if you intend to attend in order your name can be given to Security.
If any Member would like to propose a Resolution, please ensure it is received by our Secretary on or before the …