70 years of caring for Fair Isle

Fair Isle Research Officer Katie Cubbon, who co-ordinates the research projects for the Trust and FIMRO, hosted by NatureScot, said: ‘This is the third consecutive inshore fish survey to take place around Fair Isle. The team were able to repeat and expand on previous years’ trawl survey coverage, largely thanks to the new survey trawl net equipment and good weather. The benthic (seabed) habitat and species distribution modelling project survey is due to take place later this month.

‘Initial observations of the catch highlighted a large abundance of adult haddock in combination with various other fish species. The researchers also successfully deployed several baited camera landers that allowed them to monitor species through video footage recorded from the seabed. A new approach adopted this year saw the use of drifting pelagic camera landers thanks to the ingenuity of our research partners at UHI Shetland. Similar to previous years’ survey findings, the footage was dominated by flapper skate, suggesting that Fair Isle may be an area of importance for this species.

‘Following further analysis of the data recorded across the different habitats, we will bring together findings from the shag, inshore fish and benthic surveys to help develop the next steps in the project. UHI Shetland aims to trial the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in benthic modelling, and this, combined with the other findings, will certainly benefit the wider study of seabirds by providing information on important habitats and prey species. In the long term, we hope to continue to build on this baseline data that will help us establish more definite conclusions when considering any potential marine management measures in the future.’

Dr Shaun Fraser, Senior Fisheries Scientist from UHI Shetland, who led the team conducting the Fair Isle Inshore Fish Survey, said: ‘It was a pleasure to work in Fair Isle and undertake another successful survey of the fish species around the isle this summer. By repeating the survey each year, we can increasingly analyse the data for important patterns and trends. Although this year’s data analysis is ongoing, we have already seen evidence, including some spectacular underwater video footage, that Fair Isle may be an important habitat for some elasmobranch species (sharks, skates and rays). We are continuing to address key knowledge gaps relating to the Fair Isle ecosystem by expanding our survey methods and coverage, and we hope that there will be further support in the future so that we can build on the success so far.’

Fiona Mitchell, FIMRO Trustee, said: ‘FIMRO are delighted to see the People’s Postcode Lottery players supporting the National Trust for Scotland to facilitate existing and exciting new Fair Isle DR MPA research. In developing new research, FIMRO is focused on how the Fair Isle community, through citizen science, can contribute to the DR MPA.’

Katie Cubbon continued: ‘The valuable contribution by players of People’s Postcode Lottery to support these research projects will help us to understand these marine environments better and help to ensure their longevity and sustainability for the future. This research contributes to the wider conservation work the National Trust for Scotland carries out to care for, protect and share Scotland’s rich natural heritage for everyone.’

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have supported the Trust’s Love Our Nature project since 2022, which benefited from £900k last year. Further funding awarded through the Postcode Earth Trust this year has supported the conservation research at Fair Isle and across various habitats, including coastal and marine areas, peatlands, wetlands, woodland, and the eight National Nature Reserves cared for by the Trust.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: ‘It’s great that our players are supporting the Trust’s vital nature conservation work at Fair Isle in this way. It’s exciting to see new technology being used to help protect Fair Isle’s marine environment and the island communities that rely on it.’

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised over £3.4m since 2014 to support the National Trust for Scotland.

The Love Our Nature project supports the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.