Why council should splash out and re-stock park loch

May 21 2008

I am writing as a keen angler with a season ticket for Strathclyde Loch.

The loch has provided sport for hundreds of anglers over the years, each paying either a daily or yearly permit. This permit allows the angler to fish and all fish are returned to the water as is the norm in coarse fishing.

The fish in Strathclyde Loch were introduced not long after the loch was built and when the water was able to support them (pollution from the Calder being an early problem).

Over the years the fish population has naturally grown, but has had to endure occasional periods when the loch level has been dropped (to allow maintenance or indeed construction of timing towers), with fish finding themselves pushed in to the Clyde and also an increasing threat from cormorant predation which has resulted in a dramatic drop in their numbers.

Anglers over the years have requested that the council address this problem of dwindling fish numbers by stocking to boost the population and increase the chance of better sport.

Unfortunately angling has never been one of their priorities and nothing has been done.

In the last few weeks a naturally-occurring algae bloom has affected the fish population and thousands of fish have been killed.

This loss of fish on top of the other problems will leave the angler wondering what they are paying a permit for.

Where does their permit money go?

Hopefully into re-stocking.

I and many hundreds of keen coarse anglers wait with baited breath.

Fraser T. Simpson, letter sent by e-mail.