The Edinburgh Napier University Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science (CCRS) were awarded funding to help assessing spawning herring under the WOSHH-eDNA-Sound project. The project collected a range of data using environmental DNA (eDNA) and passive acoustic monitoring devices (PAM) deployed by local fishers. During the surveys for herring, the WOSHH-eDNA-Sound team were able to gather eDNA data around Arran, near Broadford on Skye, Applecross and Melvaig. 16 PAM devices were also deployed to collect acoustic data.
The work received national recognition after a new herring spawning ground was discovered also evidence of spawning habitat on maerl beds and of a biodiversity indicator for large spawning herring shoals.
A key part of the project was engagement with local communities, where in the past, herring determined the pattern of daily life. This included “Silver Darlings” a collaborative project with the Skye and Lochalsh Rivers Trust and Albatross Arts to merge science and art. Creative workshops were hosted and the resulting artwork was then exhibited at the community centre, this has fostered a closer connection to take into the future. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one P7 student saying, “when you mix science with art, you remember it more”.
In 2023 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £27,898 to support this work using resources from donations made by businesses to SMEEF.