Concern over ‘lowest ever’ wild salmon count

The annual count in Argyll’s largest and most closely monitored river has fallen to the lowest on record, sparking calls for a review of aquaculture policy. Figures show the count on the River Awe has been confirmed as 480. This compares to 807 in 2016 and a five-year average of 1400.

Roger Brook, chairman of the Argyll District Salmon Fishery Board, said: “Expansion of aquaculture without greater regulatory control is sounding the death knell for viable wild salmon populations in most of the West Highlands and Islands.”