An Evaluation of Proposed Cage Fish Culture on Loch Lomond, an Important Reservoir in Central Scotland

Proposals to farm rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in Loch Lomond the largest and one of the most important reservoirs in the U.K. are evaluated. The suitability of the loch is assessed in terms of existing water quality, and optimum sites are chosen on the basis of depth of water, exposure, access, risk from pollution, security and planning regulations. The environmental impact of different size production units is calculated on the basis of phosphorus and nitrogen loadings, and permissible production figures suggested in the light of current constraints on Loch Lomond as a supply of drinking water, and as a recreational facility. A study of the environmental impact of wastes for a large cage fish farm is briefly described.