Managing freshwater

Scotland has generally high quality rivers and lochs. The condition of the water in our rivers and lochs has major implications for our biodiversity, health, enjoyment of our countryside and our economy.

Good management of the activities on our fresh waters, or that affect their nature and landscapes is crucial. This will maintain their high quality or help restore them to a good status. 

Flooding

Natural habitats can be used to help us manage flood risk. This brings benefits for biodiversity as well as for communities.

Freshwater fisheries

Scotland's fisheries are world renowned and make a substantial contribution to local economies. We support sustainable fisheries.

Freshwater aquaculture

Fish farming is a vital industry in rural Scotland.

River engineering

Legislation is now a significant driver of the restoration of engineered river systems to their previously natural state.

Water pollution

Meet the two different types of pollution that affect our fresh water - point source pollution and diffuse source pollution.

Catchment management

The Water Framework Directive is an ambitious piece of European environmental legislation, which aims to manage the water environment at a catchment scale

Aquatic non-natives

Invasive species represent one of the greatest threats to freshwater biodiversity