Mixed feelings over salmon conservation scheme
Netsmen and anglers in Scotland both face new limits on retaining salmon, as of April 1st, when a number of contentious changes to regulate the killing of wild salmon will come into force - a move that some fear will have devastating impacts on rural businesses.
The new rules, which follow a period of extensive consultation, have been introduced by Environment Minister Aileen McLeod and include the following:
• Killing outwith estuary limits will be prohibited for three years due to the mixed stock nature of the fishery and limited data on the composition of the catch.
• The killing of Atlantic salmon in inland waters will be managed on an annual basis by categorising fishery districts by their conservation status.
• Requirement for a Conservation Plan irrespective of the conservation status.
The changes have not been greeted with universal enthusiasm, especially by coastal netsmen and by angling bodies on rivers that are classified as category 3, on which mandatory catch and release polices will be enforced – a move that many fear will harm the economy of these areas.
Indeed, as a member of the Cree District Salmon Fishery Board, reflected: “If the Cree is classified as a category 3 river, the imposition of compulsory catch and release will cause enormous economic damage to the district and inevitably depress rod catches further.”
However, this outlook was refuted by the Minister, who said: “It is absolutely right that we take action now to protect our salmon stocks for the future. The changes have been subject to extensive consultation and we have listened and made some changes to the district classifications as a result of all the feedback we have received.
“I am confident we now have the right package of measures, including prohibitions on killing out-with estuary limits, inland waters being managed by conservation status and mandatory conservation plans, to ensure wild salmon have a sustainable future in our waters."
Alister Jack, Chair of the River Annan Trust and District Salmon Fishery Board, agreed with the minister, saying: “I welcome today’s announcement from the Minister, which offers confidence that the Scottish Government is truly committed to preserving our wild salmon populations and are prepared to make what are necessary but difficult decisions. This is the right thing to do.
“What is now important is that we come together as a sector, both anglers and netsmen alike, to respond to the challenges that the new measures bring and use the opportunity afforded by the forthcoming consultation on a draft Wild Fisheries Bill, to ensure a prosperous and brighter future for our fisheries.”
A detailed technical paper explaining the application of conservation limits for Atlantic Salmon is available at http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Salmon-Trout-Coarse/fishreform/licence.
