Beaver Salmonid Working Group

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.

Beaver Salmonid Working Group members

• Professor Roger Wheater (chair)
• Association of Salmon Fishery Boards
• Marine Scotland
• National Museums Scotland
• Scottish Government
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency
• NatureScot
• Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board
• University of Southampton