FAQ: What impact will the beavers have on migratory fish?
This question is raised by people concerned with the potential damaging effects that beavers may have on some migratory fish species such as Atlantic salmon and Sea trout. Like all other evaluation criteria for the trial, the impact that beavers have on general fish populations in Knapdale will be monitored by scientists, and in this case the Argyll Fisheries Trust will report to Scottish Natural Heritage on the matter. This particular issue will not be extensively tested as the trial site does not contain Atlantic salmon and has a very small number of Sea trout.
It is important to note however that beavers and other native species, including migratory fish and notably salmon, have co-existed naturally for many years in other countries. The Scottish Beaver Trial’s view of the beaver-salmon issue is outlined on an information sheet which can be read in our publications section.
