What We Do
MaCCOLL focuses on conservation, research and education by leveraging local and national expertise. Our goal is to engage with stakeholders to promote the sustainable use of our coastal waters, ensuring a protected and healthy marine environment that supports socio-economic activities beneficial to local communities.
Through ongoing assessments, we aim to identify challenges and opportunities for enhancing our marine environment.
Our Geographical Reach
MaCCOLL aims to work across Loch Linnhe with a focus of activities around the communities of Duror and Kentallen. Geographically the heart of our project area is Cuil Bay and our interest stretches as far SW as Port Appin and NE to South Ballachulish and seaward to the approximate mid line of Loch Linnhe.
The salmon rivers which feed into Cuil Bay are also important to achieving our ambition and so the Salachan Glen, Glen Duror, Glen Stockdale and Ardsheal Hill are all part of the project area. Whilst MaCCOLL has no hard boundaries to our work, the approximate extent of the project area includes: Ardsheal Peninsula SSSI, Kentallen SSSI, Eileanan agus Sgeiran Lios mor SAC, Glen Etive and Glen Fyne SPA, Geological Conservation Review Site, Lynn of Lorn NSA, Ben Nevis and Glen Coe NSA.
Our Projects
Our steering group has been developing a vision statement and strategy document outlining MaCCOLL’s goals and upcoming projects. We’re excited to share these plans, which cover various initiatives (see below) and aim to encourage members to suggest additional projects in the future.
Flapper Skate
Introduction
The flapper skate, Dipturus Intermedia, is the world's largest skate reaching up to 3 metres in length. They were once common in the Eastern Atlantic coastal waters and the MaCCOLL conservation area has long been associated with Skate.
The area of the loch adjacent to Keil used to be known as Skate Bank due to the prominence of the species there. This area kept two fishermen fully employed for years fishing purely for Skate and local people remember seeing many skate egg cases and collecting from the shore in Cuil Bay.
However, their size means they can be easily caught in most fishing nets as by catch and their numbers have been drastically reduced. The IUCN has designated the Flapper Skate as a critically endangered species and it is also a Priority Marine Feature (PMF) in Scotland.
In 2023 a deceased mature female flapper skate was found on Cuil Bay. It appeared to be the victim of bycatch and had been killed and discarded.
- We want to find evidence of flapper skate in the MaCCOLL area and get some idea of numbers
- We want to understand the skate distribution in the bay and what further surveys and activities to pursue
- Identify and record other marine species and PMFs we find
- To take measures to protect and enhance any existing skate and any skate breeding areas
- Are there flapper skate in the MaCCOLL conservation area?
- If so, how many and how are they distributed?
In order to create an effective enhancement strategy MaCCOLL will undertake the following activities linked to our aims and questions:
- Survey the MaCCOLL area using a BRUV (baited remote underwater vehicle) and obtain video evidence of Skate
- Record, map and analyse the survey findings
- Work with Edinburgh Napier University to understand if any tagged skate from other areas are in the MaCCOLL area
- Engage with interested experts and organisations
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Otters
Introduction
The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a secretive and charismatic resident of the Loch Linnhe coastline, ever popular with visitors and locals alike. As well as providing golden photo opportunities for lucky observers, their habitat includes the loch, land, and freshwater, so their presence as a top carnivore in the food chain can be used as a useful indicator of health in all three environments.
Despite their drastic population decline in the 1950-70s (due to pesticide pollution, hunting, and habitat loss) the numbers on the west coast of Scotland appear to be relatively stable, but data is incomplete and challenging to verify. Information gathered in the MaCCOLL area would contribute to the national picture of this fully protected species, now considered to be Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List (last global assessment 31Jan2020).
- Investigate the presence of otters in the MaCCOLL designated area
- Assess available habitat and improve/conserve, as appropriate and in line with protection and licensing guidelines
- Assess the impact of road traffic on the population and introduce measures to reduce collisions
- Raise awareness and appreciation of otters with the community
- Is there otter activity in the MaCCOLL area?
- Can the MaCCOLL area introduce measures to enhance otter habitats and support their survival?
In order to create an effective enhancement strategy, MaCCOLL will undertake the following activities linked to the above aims and questions:
- Confirm presence of otters using an Otter Sighting Form and establish a process of sharing information/photos etc.
- Carry out ecological surveys in likely habitat areas, by walking and also kayaking along the coastline to minimise disturbance
- Record detailed evidence of holts, spraint, spraint sites, slides, and rest sites
- Assess spraint for diet (information with potential benefit for other MaCCOLL projects) and territory distribution
- Observe otter activity using trail cameras (may require licence from NatureScot)
- Clear vegetation to improve coastline suitability for otter habitat features (may require licence from NatureScot)
- Construct artificial holt(s) if considered appropriate and unobtrusive (may require licence from NatureScot)
- Establish means of reporting road accidents along A828
- Build up a map of activity and regular routes used by otters, highlighting hotspots for road collisions
- Raise awareness of road fatalities to public using leaflets, local press, and social media
- Work with Highland and Argyll & Bute councils to erect warning signage and wildlife warning reflectors on roadside
- Explore collaboration on roadkill assessment with The Road Lab UK, International Otter Survival Fund, Mull Otter Group, and Cardiff University Otter Project
- Establish and nurture connection with other interested groups, including Wildlife Trusts, Mammal Society, Hebridean Biological Recording Group
- Arrange expert talks and training in otter ecology and monitoring techniques
- Set up Otter Spotter group to encourage interest, fun engagement for all ages, and aid data collection
- Take part in World Otter Day on 29 May 2024 by arranging local event, hopefully involving local schools and communities, music and art projects
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Atlantic Salmon
Introduction
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are known for their incredible migrations and cultural importance and are a key part of Scotland's ecosystems. In Gaelic, they are called "bradan," which is linked to wisdom in Celtic stories. These amazing fish spend most of their lives in the sea but return to freshwater rivers like the Duror and Salachen Burns to spawn. These rivers give them the cold, oxygen-rich waters and gravel beds they need to survive.
Cuil Bay and Dalnatrat, on Loch Linnhe, have a long history with salmon, sitting right on their genetically anchored migration routes from the sea to local rivers. The area was once home to the last traditional netting stations, an important part of local fishing heritage.
Sadly, salmon numbers have dropped sharply in recent years, and they’re now endangered. Things like climate change, habitat loss, overfishing, migration dangers and barriers have made it harder for them to survive.
At MaCCOLL, we're researching current conditions and salmon numbers. We’re looking at habitat restoration and conservation, both in the rivers and on the loch. By improving habitats, removing obstacles to migration, and encouraging sustainable practices, we’re working hard to help bring back healthy salmon populations and secure their future in Scotland’s waters.
The Salmon project will also include surveying and researching sea and brown trout as other residents of the local waters.
To re-establish and ensure a good habitat for Atlantic Salmon and Trout and have an increase in salmon and trout populations to former levels, through:
- Establishing the current salmon habitat conditions on the local Rivers – Duror and Salachen Burn
- Establishing numbers of salmon (and trout) in these rivers
- Establishing numbers of salmon on the traditional migration routes around Dalnatrat and Cuil Bay
- Improving the river habitats to ensure good spawning ground
- Testing water quality and monitoring water temperature
- Log As Is Situation of rivers in MaCOLL catchment and subsequently determine possibilities to improve habitat for Atlantic Salmon and Brown trout in River Duror (later also River Salachen) leading to Cuil Bay (Dalnatrat).
- Establish status of rivers by walking and recording throughout the flow with experts re
- pollution,
- septic tanks outflow*
- spawning areas
- possible debris (removal necessity?)
- drying out?
- spawning habitat condition (reds)
- state of river woodland
- river wildlife including insects (food cycle relevance)
- Establish location and state of pools
- Nb need for fallen tree chopping?, sediment wash, =redd restocking
- Ie. Register wider Biology and state of health of both Duror and Salachen Rivers
- Establish status of rivers by walking and recording throughout the flow with experts re
- Survey rivers and migration routes in cooperation with Local Fisheries Trust
- To have key data and potential validated
- Water Quality Testing and Water Temperature Monitoring
- Establish suitable locations for testing and monitoring
- Organise testing kits
- Validate readings
- Possibility of community involvement – after initial survey
- Identify, contact and cooperate with key contacts within organisations such as Nature Scot, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust and local Fisheries Trust
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Be part of the MaCCOLL community
By becoming a member or donating to MaCCOLL, you’re not just joining a community - you're helping create lasting change. Your support drives our mission forward, allowing us to continue vital work in the area. Already a member? Invite other household members, family, and friends to join us!
