An important aspect of the work of GRT is the provision of expertise and advice on a wide variety of fishery related topics. This includes planning applications, forestry design plans and Environmental Statements and Impact Assessments. GRT may charge for providing these services.
GRT also provides focused fishery advice. GRT aims to encourage the sustainable development of freshwater fishing (stillwater and running) across the region.
The creation of new fisheries through either constructing new ponds or opening up inaccessible areas has taken place at a number of locations. GRT is able to assist in the design of new ponds, suitable fish species for introduction and help with the necessary licence applications.
Addressing problems on established fisheries is also undertaken. Key problems where best practice guidance is provided includes control of problem aquatic plants, reducing predation problems and management of bank sides to allow fishing whilst protecting their biodiversity value.
Advice is also provided to ensure fisheries are run in a sustainable manner for the long term. This may include limiting angling pressure / fishing methods or promoting catch and release. GRT plays an important role providing expert advice to companies when planning and completing construction works in or close to water courses.
A paid internship is available from October 2025 for 6 months to work with Galloway Fisheries Trust on our River Annan Restoration Project.
Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund managed by NatureScot, GFT has been working over the past year to design four exciting new restoration sites across the South West of Scotland.
Freshwater invertebrates are relatively common within rivers and burns. They include groups such as insects, molluscs (snails), crustaceans (shrimps) and annelids (worms), amongst others.
