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The Trust

The Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust (OHFT) was formed as the Western Isles Fisheries Trust (WIFT) in 1996, changing in 2006. The Trust is a registered charity (number SC040530), regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland (number SC307684) dedicated to conducting scientific research into wild fish stocks and advising on freshwater fisheries management.

The Trust works very closely with Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS), Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government and the Western Isles District Salmon Fisheries Board (WIDSFB). 

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There are currently three members of staff employed by the Trust. Our Senior Biologist, our Angling Promotion Officer and our Administrative Officer.

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The Trust is comprised of up to twelve Trustees/Directors, four of whom are appointed from nominated bodies - Western Isles District Salmon Fisheries Board, Comhairle na Eilean Siar, Western Isles Aquaculture Association and Scottish Natural Heritage. Eight individual Trustees are appointed to represent a range of interests and ensure geographical representation of the Outer Hebrides. Trustees include fishery owners and managers, representatives of angling clubs & community groups and statutory bodies. 

The Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust is one of 26 Fisheries Trusts throughout Scotland, with the Western Isles District Salmon Fisheries Board being the statutory authority. There are 41 District Salmon Fisheries Boards across Scotland with each Trust carrying out work and research on behalf of their districts Board.

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We work in over 80 catchments with 30 fisheries throughout the Outer Hebrides - from the Butt to Barra.

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The Trust encompass a wide variety of projects including Fisheries Management, Angling Promotion, Tagging and Aquaculture. The end result of all of these is to educate on the importance of wild salmon stocks and help enhance their numbers, which in turn will help benefit and sustain the local eco-system.

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