SCOTTISH ANGLERS MAY KEEP MORE OF THEIR CATCH

Scottish anglers may keep more of their catch

Improvements to the way that salmon stocks assessments are carried out will mean that Scottish anglers will be able to keep the fish they catch on more rivers next year than in 2018.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham launched the annual consultation on conservation of salmon measures, inviting representations or objections to the proposed gradings for the 2019 angling season, affecting 173 salmon rivers across Scotland.

Speaking from the banks of the River Earn at Forteviot, Ms Cunningham said: “I know that today’s news will be warmly welcomed by anglers across the country, including on the River Earn behind me.

“It’s only possible thanks to the close working between the Scottish Government and partners like Fisheries Management Scotland, local fisheries trusts and other partners, which has allowed us to improve how we assess salmon stocks.

“Salmon numbers returning to Scottish rivers are still on a downward trend so there’s no room for complacency. Careful management, including voluntary catch and release, and close co-operation is needed to ensure we protect this iconic species for future generations.”

The Cabinet Secretary was also joined by the presidents of international organisations committed to conserving and managing salmon stocks around the world, as she launched the ‘International Year of the Salmon 2019’.

Mr Joannes Hansen of North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation and Prof Kim Suam of North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission are in Scotland to launch the year-long event which aims to raise awareness of the importance of salmon and the issues they face, and their impact on the communities that benefit from the resource.

Welcoming the Year of the Salmon launch, Ms Cunningham said: “I am delighted to welcome such distinguished visitors to this beautiful part of the country to discuss how important our Atlantic salmon are to Scotland, and to share thoughts on how to address the many challenges they are facing.  I am particularly interested to share ideas on how we can work more closely on research and projects to better protect salmon in the marine environment where international co-operation is needed.”