Environment

LTA have taken the progressive step to taking action and study how the healthy the loch actually is. Public information is available from SEPA however the monitoring of the loch and discharges into it is limited and enforcement action can be considered as inadequate.

Our aim is to be a representative body that has first hand knowledge of the loch and data to ensure our representation is acknowledged and acted upon.

We welcome any members to join us help protect Loch Tay and call to any interested parties to share their knowledge and observations of the health of the loch.

LTA Objection Based on our phosphorus citizens testing results - click here

LTA Objection General - click here

University off Stirling Modelling Report - click here

The fish farm on Loch Tay is planning to almost double its capacity. The LTA feel this is not good for Loch Tay and its users and strongly objects. Please make your own comments where asked in the link below.

https://consultation.sepa.org.uk/permits/app2026-00001781-kames-fish-farming-limited-loc/

Kames Fish Farming has applied to more than double the permitted phosphorus discharge from its rainbow trout farm at Loch Tay as it seeks to expand production at the site.

The company has asked the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to increase its annual discharge limit from 2,730.7kg to 5,783.7kg—an increase of 112%.

Kames said the additional production could be accommodated using the farm’s existing infrastructure, without installing new cages. The site currently has five 70-metre-circumference cages, three 40-metre cages and six smaller square cages.

Production forecasts submitted with the application envisage maximum biomass reaching 484 tonnes in 2028. Annual production growth is forecast at 448 tonnes that year, rising to 486 tonnes in 2029.

The application acknowledges that phosphorus released through uneaten feed, fish faeces and other waste can increase algal productivity and potentially affect a water body’s ecological classification.

Loch Tay had an overall water-quality classification of “moderate” in 2024, while its total phosphorus status was classified as “good”.

Kames commissioned researchers at the University of Stirling to model the effect of the proposed increase. The company said the assessment found that an additional annual phosphorus loading of 3,053kg would allow Loch Tay to maintain the ecological and water-quality status required under the Water Framework Directive.

SEPA will examine the modelling and potential effects on the water environment before deciding whether to vary the permit.

Kames has also requested permission to add Hypofoam detergent and Divosan disinfectant to the substances permitted at the farm.

SEPA’s public consultation opened on July 16 and will close on August 13.

Loch Tay Environmental Issues/Impacts and Projects to tackle them.

Background: 2026 This report covers many aspects of Loch Tay and is by no means exhausted.

Loch Tay has several designated sites:

1. Special Area for Conservation (SAC) – covering the whole Tay catchment, designated for: clear water loch (low nutrient status), and lamprey, salmon, otter, freshwater pearl mussel,
   1. Clear-water lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels. Both oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) and mesotrophic (moderate nutrient levels) waters, and more rarely may include intergrading types. The dominant substrates of both oligotrophic and mesotrophic waters are silt, sand, gravel, stones and boulders. The clear soft water, which characterizes this habitat type, contains low to moderate levels of plant nutrients and supports characteristic assemblages of plant species. The vegetation community is characterized by amphibious short perennial vegetation the marginal components of which can be exposed on the lake shores during summer.
2. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs):
   1. Loch Tay marshes (large open water transition fen – currently suffering from being under grazed leading to encroachment and species loss),
   2. Morenish meadows (species rich lowland neutral grassland – also under grazed leading to encroachment),
   3. Carie and Cragganester woods (one of the largest areas of ancient, semi-natural woodland in Perth and Kinross – in poor condition due to bracken dominance),
   4. Cambusurich Wood (the largest remaining stand of natural, undisturbed woodland along the southern shores of Loch Tay – there is a lack of regeneration of the woodland due to overgrazing by deer and sheep – also some Japanese knotweed on roadside).
3. Largest Loch in Pertshire-Depth about 520’ with a fault line running through it from Helensburgh up to Stonehaven

Water: Issues

Water-Causes of these Issues.

Air: Issue

Air: Causes of these Issues

Soil: Issues

Soil: Causes of these Issues

Wildlife: Issues

Wildlife: Causes of these Issues

Habitat: Issues

Habitat-Causes of Issues

People: Issues

People-Causes of these Issues

Climate: Issues

Climate: causes of these Issues

People: issues

Projects that LTA are developing to tackle some of these impacts and their causes:

Test Results July 2026 - click here

LTA Results Interpretation July 2026

Pilot Water Quality testing

Action

It is not always possible to determine water quality at first glance.

We have set up a water quality testing group as a pilot scheme within the loch Tay Association. Our Volunteers ware trained how to test a freshwater samples for nitrates, phosphates and turbidity so becoming citizen Scientists.

We have joined freshwater watch an organisation which allows the public to monitor water quality themselves.

https://earthwatch.org.uk/program/freshwater-watch-in-the-uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21027913600&gbraid=0AAAAADPgRjEbRE50w_Yh-DgOnaO51ZGPJ

We will be able to see our data mapped in real-time, with automatically generated feedback explaining what the results show. We can then build a data map over several years which creates a legacy and is open access, meaning anyone can use it to track and mobilise change.

We have our own set of local environmental challenges on Loch Tay, such as agricultural land-use, Forestry harvesting, a nearby Fish farm and discharges from sewage treatment works from holiday resorts. By creating a monitoring schedule that suits our needs, volunteers can enable long-term data collection that documents exactly why pollution may be occurring, where and when, and then drive actions to mitigate these pollution events.

The Benefits

Better understanding of water quality in our local community

Measuring the effectiveness of restoration measures

Engaging and empowering local community members

Using a recognised methodology to influence change

Water quality research, community engagement, individual empowerment.

Funded by SSE Wind Farm Fund.

Survey design. When and where to sample: 

We have volunteers sampling in 12 locations around loch Tay on a monthly basis taking 2 samples from each location upstream and downstream.

Monitors are also asked to note:

Water levels- Presence of algal blooms- Presence of pollution- Weather- Vegetation

Community Engagement.

Members of LTA

Cold water swimming group.

Local Fearnan Volunteers

Acharn village volunteers.

Killin Volunteers

Kenmore Primary School

Beware do not bath in algae and keep dogs away from affected areas..Should you come across issues with blue-green algae. An app was created by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology which allows users to upload photographs and locations of algal blooms which can then be verified and added to their interactive mapping tool.

Details of this app can be found through the flowing link: Bloomin’ Algae | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae

Surfers Against Sewage 

Loch Tay is a popular open swimming destination and we are consulting with local swimmers to  help protect the loch. More information to follow.

The LRCA is a company, but not a charity. The Loch Tay Association is an informal Association. i.e. neither a company nor a charity.

1. b) The concerns for each Loch

Loch Tay - there are concerns over chemical pollution due to the fish farm and sewage outflows. There have been regular algal blooms. Anecdotal evidence point to a reduction in fish numbers and insect numbers. The Loch Tay study will create a baseline of phosphate and nitrate pollution for a long term study. (John Cassidy will be able to provide technological help with sensors). Loch Tay is not a Hydro Loch and so changes in loch level are natural and are not of a major concern. Samples of water will be taken from 12 sites around the loch and Citizen Scientists will be trained by ‘Freshwater Watch’  https://www.freshwaterwatch.org/pages/about-us

Loch Rannoch - there is concern about the rapid changes in loch level caused by electricity demand as it is a Hydro Loch. John Cassidy will be able to provide technology to track water levels. Citizen Scientists will assess insect larvae at sites (number to be decided) around the loch. They will be able to use a machine learning program, created by John Cassidy, to allow them to identify caddisflies from photographs taken on their phones.

The sites used will be, in part, determined by the vegetation on the shores. John Cassidy can use his drone to identify tree types.

The LRCA is also concerned with water quality but Loch Rannoch has not experienced the algal blooms that occur on Loch Tay.

1. c) Use of Technology to gather data concerning the health of each loch

Sensors - Nitrate, Phosphate, Water Level, LiDAR

1. d) The involvement of Citizen Scientists in each study

The Loch Tay project is going to use the ‘Freshwater Watch’ training and protocols.

The Loch Rannoch project is going to use the ‘’Riverfly’ training and protocols and is considering also using the ‘Freshwater Watch’ training and protocols.

Contact has been made with Kelly Dodds for the instigation of ‘Riverfly’ training.

The Riverfly Partnership - https://www.riverflies.org/

1. e) Public enagagement -

Local publications, word of mouth and social media will be used to recruit Citizen Scientists from the following demographics -

Riparian Owners, Visitors, Residents, Fishermen, Schools (both primary and secondary).

The intention is to engage people irrespective of whether or not they volunteer to be citizen scientists.

From the LRCA point of view this will begin with a campaign to recruit people to be ‘Friends of Rannoch’. Some of these supporters may then volunteer as Citizen Scientists for the project.

1. f) The possible expansion of the twoprojects to become three, with the inclusion of Loch Tummel.

It was felt that pressure to ensure water quality that came from those concerned about three different, but adjacent Lochs, would carry weight with, SSE, SEPA and the Government. Colin Stanfield will be contacted, as he is on the Killiecrankie, Fincastle and Tummel Community Council, to assess whether residents there would be in favour of joining in with the Loch Rannoch and Loch Tay associations in their projects.

Next Friday John Cassidy is meeting with John Swinney (First Minister) to discuss the factors governing water quality across the Highlands. He will mention the Projects.

Richard Paul will supply the Loch Tay Association with a list of potentially useful contacts.

The Loch Rannoch and Loch Tay Associations agreed that continued cooperation would be mutually beneficial as they share common aims of achieving unpolluted freshwater and high biodiversity. They also like a degree of cooperation with HPCLT where their aims were convergent as in water quality and maintaining biodiversity.

Below - a comparison of the Riverfly Partnership and the Freshwater Watch methods and protocols for citizen scientists.

A comparison of the methods used by Freshwater Watch (FWW) citizen scientists, how they are trained, and how this contrasts with the Riverfly citizen science methods and training used in the UK.

Freshwater Watch (FWW) — Methods & Training

Methods Used

Freshwater Watch is a global citizen science water quality monitoring programme run by Earthwatch Europe that focuses primarily on water chemistry and contextual observations. Citizen scientists use standardised protocols to collect data that supports scientific research and local decision-making.

Key components of FWW methods include:

• Water chemistry testing:
  • Nitrate and phosphate measurements using low-cost colourimetric kits (e.g., Griess reaction for nitrate; enzymatic phosphate tests). Volunteers compare colour changes to charts to estimate nutrient levels.
  • Turbidity measurement using a Secchi tube to estimate suspended matter.
• Ecological and contextual observations:
  • Bank vegetation, waterbody type, presence of wildlife, visible pollution evidence, recent rainfall, and land use within a set radius.
• Hydrological estimates:
  • Flow category (e.g. slow vs steady), water level classification and photographic records.
• Use of technology:
  • Data are often recorded via the FWW app, which geo-tags and timestamps samples, and uploads results to a global database with real-time feedback.

Purpose: FWW provides broad water quality indicators (nutrients, turbidity, and observational context) that can inform local environmental action and contribute to larger datasets for scientific and policy use.

Training for FWW Volunteers

• Train-the-Trainer Model:
  Project leaders (community group leaders) are trained by Earthwatch scientists. They, in turn, train local volunteers in person.
• Training Materials:
  Participants receive manuals, videos, quizzes, and printed instructions with their kit. Training covers sampling procedures, safe handling, how to use test kits, and how to enter data.
• Support & Quality Control:
  • Data submissions are automatically checked for internal consistency by the online system.
  • Participants get immediate feedback via the app after uploading.
  • Project leaders and Earthwatch staff review datasets and follow up on anomalies.
• Accessibility:
  FWW emphasises that no prior scientific experience is required and training is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly.

Riverfly Citizen Science — Methods & Training

Methods Used

The Riverfly Monitoring Initiative (RMI) is part of the Riverfly Partnership and centres on biological monitoring rather than direct chemical testing.

Core elements of Riverfly methods include:

• Macro-invertebrate monitoring:
  Volunteers sample riverbed invertebrates that are indicators of water quality (especially sensitive groups like mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies).
• Kick sampling:
  Volunteers use a standard net to disturb the riverbed for a timed period (typically 3 minutes) to collect invertebrates, followed by a 1-minute stone turnover to sample those clinging to substrates.
• Identification & scoring:
  Monitors identify and count eight key invertebrate groups and derive an RMI score. This score is compared to a “trigger level” set for each site to detect sudden declines potentially indicating pollution.
• Variants:
  There are Urban Riverfly and Extended Riverfly options which include additional taxa, with Extended giving a more detailed picture of river stressors.

Purpose: Riverfly methods provide an early warning biological indicator of water quality, often triggering official investigation if thresholds are breached.

Training for Riverfly Volunteers

• Our Contact is Kerry Dodd (Email Kerry.Dodd@buglife.org.uk )
• Accredited Training Courses:
  Volunteers receive formal, accredited training through Riverfly Partnership hubs coordinated locally.
• Training Format:
  A typical training session includes a theory component (usually morning) on invertebrate ecology and identification, followed by a practical session (afternoon) at the river where sampling and identification are practised.
• Certification:
  After completing the training, volunteers are considered certified Riverfly Monitors and can collect and submit data.
• Ongoing Support:
  Local coordinators and the Riverfly Partnership provide ongoing support, refresher training and advanced courses (e.g., Extended Riverfly) for more detailed work.
• Skill Requirement:
  Identifying invertebrates to the correct group requires careful observation and often some practice; training ensures volunteers are competent before they survey independently.

Comparative Summary

Key Differences in Approach

• Conceptual focus: FWW is chemistry and context heavy; Riverfly is biology and biodiversity oriented.
• Training depth: Riverfly training tends to be more formal and technical, focusing on species identification, whereas FWW training prioritises accessibility and standardised procedures for chemical monitoring.
• Data interpretation: FWW provides direct field results fed back to volunteers instantly; Riverfly outputs are biological scores requiring context (trigger levels) set by ecological contacts.

TDSFB is a statutory body representing the Tay catchment and responsible for the protection, enhancement and conservation of salmon. Loch Tay Association representatives met with their new catchment manager Mr David Bamford to introduce him to the LTA. TDSFB firmly support the actions of LTA and are keen to assist in the future monitoring of the loch and provide their expert knowledge. They have appointed graduate interns and have offered to lend their support to LTA. This was gladly accepted and we look forward to great relationship with TSDFB.