Ian Evans received a visit on 4th April 2012 from members of a local family who had discovered several live oysters in Loch Nedd. There are very few records of Native Oysters, Ostrea edulis, in Assynt so Ian persuaded the visitors to put the oysters back where they found them.
Oyster from Loch Nedd
Oysters were once a readily available, cheap food source but due to overfishing and pollution they have become the expensive dish we know today. They can live up to 15 years but usually survive for about 6 years and can achieve a shell diameter of 11 centimetres.
Oysters from Loch Nedd
The native oyster is listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as it meets criterion 4 of the Species Action Framework as a threatened species of socio-economic value requiring action to ensure sustainable use.
So let’s hope these oysters continue to grow and, given the right conditions, produce many offspring for several years to come.
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Recent Sightings
Shelduck
Two adult birds and nine juveniles off Culkein Drumbeg (DAH). Sadly a very rare record now for Assynt, but great to know we had at least one breeding pair this year. (25/07)
House Martin
15+ birds around Culkein Drumbeg jetty (DAH) and large number also around Culag Hotel, Lochinver. (Andrew Mackenzie) Both records late evening. (25/07)
Common Lizard
Single animal, Clashmore (Andrew Mackenzie) (25/07)
Red-throated Diver
Two birds, Bay of Stoer (DAH) (24/07)
Common Dolphin
15+ very active animals just off Sgeir Mhòr, Loch Kirkaig (DAH) (24/07)
Black-throated Diver
Six birds in a group, Loch Kirkaig (DAH) (24/07)
Antler moth (Cerapteryx graminis)
Single moth in Strathan garden (Jean Macleod) (24/07)
