Loch Creran Story

To See the Creran Serpulid Reef for yourself,
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Carved from the rock by glaciers during the last Ice Age, Loch Creran lies sheltered amongst the mountains of Argyll and the islands of the Lynn of Lorn.  The waters in the deep, still basins and the shallow, tide-swept channels of the sea loch harbour a diverse range of marine habitats and species.  Outstanding amongst these are the biogenic reefs - living structures on the seabed constructed by tube-building worms and mussels.

 

Loch Creran is of international importance and a designated 'Special Area of Conservation' as it is the only place in Europe where remarkable living reefs of serpulid worms occur in abundance.  To ensure their protection, and with the guidance of Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Sea Farms' South Shian operation underwent impact assessment, which resulted in extensive modifications and the use of expert contractors.  Scottish Sea Farms' Loch Creran marine farm recently won the Crown Estate 'Farm of the Year' award in June.

 

Loch inhabitants

Marine wildlife thrives in Loch Creran's varied habitats - otters can often be seen searching for their next meal.  Beneath the surface, shallow rocky reefs support forests of kelp and cord weed.  From the shallows around the edges of the loch to depths of about 13m grow the serpulid reefs that make Loch Creran such a remarkable place.  They form islands in the mud, each comprising a mass of intertwined white calcareous tubes growing upwards into the warm water column.

 

The serpulid reefs themselves are heaving with life.  Over 2,500 animals have been counted on a single reef, comprising over 70 different species.  They harbour colourful sea squirts, sponges and clams whilst the horse mussel reefs are clothed with delicate sea firs.  Green sea urchins, tolerant of reduced salinity, graze the mussel shells, sticklebacks and gobies patrol eel grass beds on shallow sand around the edge of the loch while white sea slugs and elegant sea anemones provide a splash of colour on the surface grey mud.

 

Reefs built by living creatures are known as biogenic reefs.  In the cold waters of Loch Creran an unusual form of biogenic reef can be found, built by the worm Serpula Vermicularis.  Each worm lives inside a calcareous tube that intertwines forming aggregations that grow to almost 1m high and 3m wide.  These intricate structures create underwater islands that provide shelter for many species of animals and plants on otherwise featureless seabed.

 

Management for sustainability

The rich waters of the loch have long provided a sheltered location for salmon, mussel and oyster farms whilst the spectacular scenery, its proximity to Oban and the varied wildlife attract increasing numbers of visitors.  A delicate balance exists between man's usage of the loch and the unique wildlife that it contains; both rely on the quality and diversity of the loch's habitats being maintained.

 

The designation of Loch Creran as a European marine site acknowledges its international importance and will facilitate its long term sustainable management.  Management of the loch's wildlife and environment, according to the Loch Creran SAC Management Plan, will take into account the needs of the loch's many different users.

 

Scottish Sea Farms South Shian operation

In 2001, a floating pontoon with direct connection to our processing plant was installed to allow well boat berthing.  This maximises fish quality and freshness for our customers, whilst greatly improving our Health and Safety.

 

Extensive environmental considerations were taken into account before completion of the Pontoon and Swim Ashore.

 

The installation of the pontoon and swim ashore at the packing station has been designed with assistance from St Andrews University, taking into consideration the special area of conservation that we operate in (Serpulid Reef).  Our well boat technology gives us total confidence in managing any risk of disease transfer by utilising best practice with closed value technology.  The activity of the Serpulid Reef is monitored regularly and is flourishing.

 

Monitoring of the reef development has been captured by divers recording on video the vigorous colonisation of mooring blocks and chain by the serpulid worm as well as the continuing healthy state of the established reef populations.

 

The Loch Creran story demonstrates aquaculture and the environment working in harmony.