Citizen Science Surveying: Torgoch spawning

Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), known locally as "Torgoch" due to the vibrant red-orange hues of their spawning males, are one of North Wales’ most iconic yet elusive freshwater fish. Found in only a handful of deep, cold lakes across the UK, these remarkable fish have become a symbol of conservation efforts in our region.

Torgoch Spawning

Each year, between October and December, Torgoch gather in lakes and rivers to spawn. In Llyn Padarn, these areas are typically gravel beds with good water flow or shallow, stony shores. These habitats ensure their eggs are surrounded by oxygen-rich water, which is vital for successful development over the winter months.

During the spawning season, males develop their striking orange-red bellies to attract females. After a courtship display, the female lays her eggs in a nest, or "redd," which the male then fertilises. These eggs will incubate throughout the cold months, hatching into fry as the water begins to warm in early spring.

Threats to Arctic Charr

Despite their resilience to cold, Arctic charr face a variety of challenges in today’s changing world. Habitat degradation, pollution, invasive species, and rising water temperatures due to climate change all threaten their survival. In lakes like Llyn Padarn, these pressures are compounded by human activities and changes to water quality.

Citizen Science at Llyn Padarn

This year, we launched a citizen science initiative to survey historical spawning grounds of Torgoch in Llyn Padarn. Volunteers from the local community joined us to monitor key spawning sites, collect data, and help us better understand the conditions needed for successful charr reproduction. In addition to organised group surveys volunteers were provided with a Survey 123 form to complete additional surveys in their own time.

Why Citizen Science Matters

Citizen science empowers communities to connect with nature while contributing to vital research. By involving local people in monitoring projects like this, we raise awareness of the challenges facing Torgoch and foster a collective sense of responsibility for their protection.

Looking Ahead

If you’d like to get involved in future surveys or learn more about Torgoch, please reach out to our team or follow our updates.