Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Riverbank walkers told ‘don’t be alarmed’ by dead or dying salmon
ANGUS experts say people shouldn’t be alarmed by the sight of dead or dying salmon on some of the area’s most popular river walks.
Esk District Salmon Fishery Board fear hundreds of adult fish will die around Edzell in the coming weeks.
They are expected to fall victim to a naturallyoccurring infection called Saprolegnia.
And the issue will affect other parts of the North and South Esks.
It’s also a killer in other Scottish rivers.
Every year the local situation prompts worried calls to the board, Angus Council and Sepa.
But while research into the problem continues, people have been assured there isn’t a risk to human or pet health.
Saprolegnia is a fungallike organism which appears as white, grey or brown fur-like mould on salmon.
It has been detected in both Angus Esks.
But it is more prevalent in the North Esk, which has its source in the Angus glens and a river mouth just north of Montrose.
There is no treatment for the condition and affected fish rarely recover.
Esk District Fishery Board director Craig MacIntyre says it’s upsetting for walkers to see large fish dead at the riverbank.
And the board receives many reports from worried visitors.
“This sight can be very distressing for those that love the river and these magnificent fish, especially anglers,” said Mr MacIntyre.
“Saprolegnia normally manifests around the end of April. But it should clear up by the beginning of July, as the water warms up.
“Unfortunately, there are no cures or practical treatments for the disease on wild salmon.
“The disease is exacerbated by the low water we are currently experiencing. While many dead or dying fish may be visible, typically there are over 2,000 adult salmon in the river at this time, and maybe 200-300 fish are badly infected with the fungus.
“Anglers can really help by landing hooked salmon quickly, minimising handling, using knotless nets, and keeping the fish wet at all times before release.
“And we would encourage them to avoid dragging the fish on to the bank or gripping them too tightly or roughly.
“This can remove the important protective mucous from the fish and allow the fungus to take hold.”
The Scottish Government’s rural affairs department said people should still be cautious if they come across dead salmon. “The public are advised not to touch or try to rescue those fish,” said a spokesperson.
Infected salmon in river.