P6&7 pupils from Luss Primary gave a presentation to the National Conference of the Rotary Club in Crieff Hydro Hotel on Saturday. The children were invited to speak to the Rotarians about their environmental work, saving the powan fish in Loch Lomond.
Powan are found only in Loch Lomond and Loch Eck.While their numbers are fine in Loch Eck, they have become almost extinct in Loch Lomond. This is because of a small fish,the Ruff, which was accidentally introduced into Loch Lomond in the 1980s and eats Powan eggs. This has caused the powan population to drop to almost extinction.

Luss pupils have been helping the powan to survive in Loch Lomond by keeping their eggs in the classroom from the time they are laid in January until they hatch. Powan hatch after 350-400 degrees days. Pupils must keep the temperature in the tank below 4C to keep the powan from hatching until there is enough food for them available in the loch. Most insects lay larvae in March but this depends on the cleanliness of the water, the number of sunny days and the outside air and water temperatures. Pupils work with the National Park Rangers in March and test the water and check the insects larvae available before releasing the little fish that then have a normal chance of survival.

Luss pupils have received several awards for their Eco work including five green flags from Eco-schools Scotland, two Scottish Totally Clued Up, Total Green Awards and Luss is the only school in the United Kingdom to have been awarded a British Animal Honour.