Beaver Salmonid Working Group

From 2009 to 2015, this group looked into the possible interactions between beavers, salmon and trout in Scotland.

The Beaver Salmonid Working Group was set up in 2009 to consider the potential impacts of beaver activity on salmonids (Atlantic salmon and brown trout). It was formed as subgroup of the National Species Reintroduction Forum.

The group completed its work and published its final report in January 2015. This helped to inform our Beavers in Scotland report.

Read the Final Report of the Beaver Salmonid Working Group

You can also search our publications for other reports relating to work with beavers in Scotland.

Objectives of the group

The Beaver Salmonid Working Group was asked to:

arrange for the further, ongoing review of new beaver–salmonid information from Eurasia and North America
examine the availability of potential beaver habitats that overlap some Scottish salmonid catchments
examine how beavers’ presence in specific Scottish catchments and whole ecosystems might affect salmonid populations
examine specifically how the presence of beaver dams in Scottish rivers might affect salmonid populations
consider potential management issues, methods and options in relation to beavers and salmonids
consider options for field-based assessments of beaver and salmonid interactions in Scotland

The group reviewed literature and experience from Scotland and abroad to inform its final report.