What is Bio security?
Is it something you pass through at the airport?
Well not quite, but it is important and does aim to keep a check on which wildlife and plant life are being brought to or taken from the loch. There are a number of invasive species (non native and therefore largely unwanted) that we are trying to stem the spread and distribution of. The main culprits at Loch Ken are the North American Signal Crayfish and Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and American Skunk Cabbage.
Thanks to Galloway Fisheries Trust, biosecurity stations have been set up around Loch Ken to help control the spread of these plants, including at the Galloway Activity Centre, Crossmicheal Marina, Loch Ken Holiday Park, and Boat O’Rhone.
You may not have noticed them as they are dark green in colour and look similar to the grit bins seen on remote roads.
They are a simple concept, in each bin is a pump containing a biocide to wash your boat/ kayak/ fishing equipment along with details of the invasive species and guidance on how to use the equipment.
Here we have a short video of Local Loch users Doug Hall and Nicole Walters demonstrating how easy the system is to use. You can see the bio security station in the background. Please feel free to use them whenever you come to or leave the loch.
For more detailed information you can visit the Scottish invasive species initiative for full guidance on how to help manage bio security better.
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