Aquarium to focus on the King of Fish
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Macduff Marine Aquarium is set to hold two events celebrating the King of Fish this summer.
The visitor attraction has teamed up with the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Trust to mark the International Year of Salmon
The journey the Atlantic salmon takes from its native rivers to the ocean and back again is one of nature’s greatest stories. But the fish faces an uncertain future.
Over their lifetime, salmon migrate thousands of kilometres from upland Scottish streams to the seas off Greenland and back to the same river they started from.
For thousands of years, these fish have shaped the lives of people as they journeyed to and from their breeding grounds.
Over the millennia, salmon have been an important food source from the rivers and sea and have influenced history and culture.
For decades debates have been raging around salmon fishing and farming in any country with a salmon fishery.
Various factors have affected the wild salmon stocks over the years and it is clear that wild Atlantic salmon now need to be considered within a conservation context as the stock levels decline.
Last year saw the lowest levels of catches ever reported in Scotland.
As wild salmon stocks levels continue to fall there is growing concern that the world is approaching the point of no return for the species.
2019 is the International Year of the Salmon (IYS), an initiative to inform and stimulate awareness and research to ensure the resilience of salmon and their habitats.
To celebrate the IYS, the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Trust is teaming up with Macduff Marine Aquarium to deliver two exciting events.
An aquarium spokeswoman said: "Kicking off the summer holidays, the Super Salmon fun day takes place at the aquarium tomorrow.
"There will be expert talks on salmon biology, the opportunity to chat to fish scientists and discover what lives in the River Deveron, as well as a look inside a salmon with a dissection demonstration. Enjoy fishy crafts and much more all day.
"There will also be a special evening event Swimming Upstream at the aquarium on Thursday, September 26 from 6.30-9.30pm.
"This evening with local salmon experts will feature talks about the past, present and future of salmon fishing in Scotland and exciting footage of rarely seen salmon behaviours – plus the chance to explore the aquarium after hours and chat with salmon scientists.
"Numbers are limited for this event and booking is recommended. Normal aquarium entry prices apply to both events.
To book for the Swimming Upstream event contact the aquarium on 01261 833369 or email macduff.aquarium@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
