Nation is stronghold for Atlantic salmon, conference told

The two-day examined the outcome of the Conservation of Atlantic Salmon in Scotland project.The scheme, partly funded by the European Union, was established in 2004 to restore habitats and tackle specific threats in eight of the 17 key salmon conservation areas in Scotland, including the River Tay and the River South Esk in Angus.The project was carried out in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage. Its policy and advice director, Colin Galbraith, said the condition of the country's rivers was a key influence on the future prospects of native salmon. Project steering group chairman Andrew Wallace said he was encouraged by the collaboration between the public and private sector: “We have been particularly encouraged to see how well the public and private sectors have worked together. It is now beholden on all of us to build on what we have learnt and to develop those partnerships to help protect and manage all of Scotland's salmon populations.”