The Maitland Files
A serialised interview with an international char expert.

Introduction

Dr. Peter Maitland, perhaps the most eminent fish conservationist in Britain, has a thing for char.

Addendum: The Irish connection

For most of my life I have had strong links with Ireland: my great grandmother was born there and as a student I ran in athletics meeting in both Belfast (against Queen's) and Dublin (against Trinity). John Bracken and I were students together at the FBA freshwater course at Windermere in 1958 and have maintained contact ever since. Subsequently, as a scientist, I have had several enjoyable visits, to examine PhD students at Coleraine and Cork and to visit Lough Leane to learn more about the Killarney Shad, another fascinating but threatened fish species for which Ireland has responsibility. I knew the late Tony Whilde well, both in Edinburgh when he was a student and latterly when he was based at Lough Corrib, and was pleased to advise him on some species when he was preparing the Irish Red Data Book on Vertebrates. The photograph of Arctic Charr in that book is one of mine. I hope that it may not be too long before I am able to visit Ireland again and perhaps (2002?) see something more of its Arctic Charr!