The River Carron Conservation Association (RCCA), and partners have collaborated to re-establish a viable Atlantic salmon population in the River Carron. Results showed that a monitored programme of releasing captive-bred river broodstock, together with catchment habitat management, dramatically increases the number of returning adults. From 2004/5 University of the Highlands & Islands' worked in partnership with RCCA to develop a programme of research to inform the conservation of Atlantic Salmon in the river. The most recent results demonstrate that stocking can positively contribute to the river’s population yet remain sympathetic to the natural ecosystem without risking the genetic integrity of the wild salmon population.
By the mid-1990s, the number of salmon caught on the River Carron was at the point of collapse and the owners at that time, in particular Shaun MacDonald of New Kelso and Ewen Macpherson of Attadale decided drastic action was required in an attempt to reverse that decline.
The intention was to restore a viable population of wild salmon to the River Carron and understand and monitor the effects of this restoration, thus improving the chance of wild salmon survival. Tanks were provided at Attadale for the rearing of young fish, eggs from up to 7 wild hens were combined before being fertilised by milt from a single wild cock to avoid the risk of crossing siblings.
The commitment of the scientist Bob Kindness with support over time from researchers and students at the UHI (University of the Highlands & Islands) meant that this work continued with funding added year after year. Meticulous records were kept to ensure progress could be tracked and studied. Despite criticism and negative feedback, this has been maintained for nearly 30 years. With the research ongoing, care was taken carefully to monitor and research progress with tagging carried out initially and more recently DNA analysis being undertaken to understand better the way in which the restoration has worked towards achieving a viable wild salmon population.