The Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust is pioneering an education project in two local schools. In spring 2009 children in Buchanan Primary and Drymen Primary raised a locally unique fish species, powan (Coregonous lavaretus), from eggs in a classroom hatchery, in what we believe to be a world first.

Powan is one of the rarest lake dwelling fish in Scotland and is native to only two lochs, Loch Lomond and Lock Eck. There is emerging evidence that the Loch Lomond population is under increasing pressure from introductions of non-native fish species.

Pupils of Buchannan and Drymen Primaries were given a classroom hatchery in which to care for their fish over approximately an eight week period. The hatchery is a simple design and the children will keep the water cool using recycled drinks bottles filled with water and frozen as ice packs. During the project the schools will be visited weekly by Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust staff who will teach the children about the ecology of the fish they are raising and about the aquatic ecology of the loch. The conclusion of the project will be when the eggs hatch and it is time to release the fish back into Loch Lomond.

Many people are unaware of this elusive fish so it is hoped that this project will raise the profile of this locally important species.

The children will also be looking after some locally sourced sea trout (Salmo trutta) eggs alongside their powan eggs. These sea trout eggs have been kindly donated by the Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association.