Water levels in Loch Ness and the River Ness have sparked issues as they reached their lowest level in 32 years last month, according to knowledge from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa). The Ness fishery board has expressed alarm over the persistently low ranges, suggesting that water stored for hydro-power could be utilised to alleviate the state of affairs. SSE Renewables, the energy firm accountable, claims to be managing water use sensitively through the present difficult climate situations.
Loch Ness, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch by volume, and the River Ness form a half of the Ness system, which includes burns, rivers, and lochs extending south-west of Inverness. On May 24, Sepa recorded a water stage of just over 109cm (3.5ft) at Foyers, the site of a pumped storage hydro scheme that utilises water from Loch Ness. This is the lowest stage recorded since December 1, 1990. Though the level has risen slightly since then, it’s nonetheless categorised as “low.”
Shocking has attributed the low water levels to below-average rainfall in the area. In May, the Loch Ness area was one of many driest within the UK, with Inverness receiving solely a third of its traditional long-term average rainfall. Below-average rainfall has also been recorded in the Ness region throughout winter and spring. On Friday, Sepa elevated its water shortage warning for the world to “moderate” and upgraded the danger within the Loch Maree space within the Highlands to “significant.” Additionally, 37 areas throughout the Firth of Clyde have been positioned on “alert.”
The Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, liable for the protection and enhancement of salmon and sea trout fisheries in the Ness space, has raised severe considerations regarding the well being of the River Ness. The river is currently at levels usually seen on the end of July and August, with large areas drying out. Director Brian Shaw highlighted the consequences for wild salmon populations, the river’s conservation standing, and its angling categorisation. Issues include salmon being unable to easily travel upriver from the ocean and elevated water temperature.
Shaw acknowledged climate change as an element, noting a pattern for drier winters and comes. However, he additionally emphasised the significant impact of hydro-electric technology when ranges are low. He pointed out that water is drawn at Dochfour for the Caledonian Canal, which might otherwise move into the River Ness. Shaw suggested that releasing water saved additional up the system at SSE’s Loch Garry and Loch Loyne reservoirs may assist alleviate the state of affairs.
Adrian Shine, a naturalist who has studied Loch Ness for many years, mentioned the loch was at its lowest degree since 1989. Fiona Cairns, a local resident who runs Loch Ness Alpacas, additionally acknowledged that the loch was at its lowest stage in her reminiscence.
SSE Renewables mentioned the dry climate had affected rivers across the Highlands. A spokesperson stated that the company’s delicate management of water had helped maintain larger flows within the River Ness than would have been present without hydro-power, whereas additionally sustaining levels at lochs Loyne and Garry to protect designated nesting sites of protected birds..