Call for action as salmon catches plummet
Government backed over plans to introduce ‘kill licences’ for anglers
ANGLERS have called for action to preserve the salmon fishing industry after new figures revealed that the number of fish being caught is at its lowest level on record.
Government statistics show that last year 45,175 salmon were hooked from Scottish rivers and coastal waters, compared to 67,500 the year before and the five-year average of 85,000.
The number brought ashore last year was at its lowest since 1952, and marine conservation groups say that measures must now be put in place to ensure that stocks survive at a viable level.
Marine Scotland Science’s commentary, issued in conjunction with the Scottish Government catch statistics, states that salmon runs at at risk of being depopulated unless moves are made to keep help fish populations thrive.
It states: “Overall catch of salmon and grilse in later months showed a general increase up to 2010, after which it has fallen sharply”.
The Salmon and Trout Association Scotland (S&TAS) is backing moves by the Scottish Government to introduce a ‘kill licence’, which would mean anglers having to release catch back into the wild.
Of the fish caught using rods, 37,139 (or 82 per cent) were released back into the water by anglers. 8,036 (18 per cent) were killed.
However, this figure is dwarfed by the 17,778 salmon killed by nets in Scotland.
Hughie Campbell Adamson, chairman of the S&TAS, said: “Salmon runs are fickle and clearly conditions can impact on rod catches but it would be irresponsible not to take heed of the significant downturn in the last two years that is mirrored across the North Atlantic.
“The figures underline why Scotland needs a robust system in place to ensure any exploitation is limited to those stocks that have a discernible surplus.
“In this context S&TAS) supports the principle of a ‘kill licence’ system, as is currently being consulted on by Scottish Government”.
The Marine Conservation Socie- ty’s latest advice is that wild salmon taken in Scotland’s coastal nets are among the “least sustainable fish to eat and should be avoided”.
The Government launched its consultation on kill licences in February, and it is expected to conclude next month.
The kill licence would apply to anglers and netters and it is hoped the new system would be in place for 2016.
Environment minister Dr Aileen McLeod said: “Publication of the 2014 salmon and sea trout fishery statistics, together with the accompanying stock status report, shows a decline in stocks in the last few years. We are conscious of the concerns around the long-term health of fish stocks which is why we have brought forward statutory conservation measures over the last year and we are currently consulting on a proposed ban on the killing of wild salmon except under licence.
“I would encourage all those interested in the future of our salmon stocks to share their views on how we might manage and conserve Scotland’s salmon stocks by responding to our consultation by April 30.”
‘‘ It would be irresponsible not to take heed of the significant downturn in the last two years that is mirrored across the North Atlantic