For a week starting on 5^th April I assisted in SAMARCH’s annual Smolt run. On my shifts I took part in gathering important data of both Salmon and Trout as they moved downstream. This included catching the fish, recording their size and weight, and then releasing them once they had recovered from the anaesthetic.

Over a very cold week the numbers of salmonids were on average low but it was good to get well over 100 Salmon on the final night as the fish started to move. Overall I really enjoyed my placement opportunity as it allowed me to work in a field I had no previous experience of while also allowing me to test myself working night shifts and to see whether this is a potential area I could have a career in the future.