The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Fish stocks cause anxiety
Salmon season: Experts express concern as River Tay welcomes anglers
Celebrations to mark the arrival of salmon season on one of the country’s most iconic rivers were tempered by concerns over a worrying decline in fish stocks.
“Tight line” toasts were held on a number of beats on the River Tay yesterday, with adventurer Polly Murray – the first woman to climb Everest – casting off at Meikleour, near Blairgowrie.
Traditional piper-led ceremonies were also held in Dunkeld and Kenmore.
But the festivities were dampened by figures suggesting 2018 was one of worst years for catches since records began.
According to the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, the total for the season was somewhere between 4,500 and 5,000 – some 500 or more down on the previous year.
The summer heatwave, which dried up large sections of the river, and others across the country has been blamed for dwindling numbers.
Experts have raised concerns that wider problems at sea could also be a factor.
Board chairman Iain McLaren said: “The start of the new salmon season is always a time for optimism. But this year that optimism is tempered with realism.
“The 2018 season was particularly challenging, with disappointing runs and – with the almost unbroken three-month summer heatwave – very difficult fishing conditions.
“It is little comfort, but most of Scotland’s rivers are experiencing similar downturns.”
The salmon season opens on the rivers Deveron and Dee in February. Caithness anglers, meanwhile, headed for the River Thurso last week – and anglers there believe all the signs point to a successful season.
However, Dr David Summers, board director of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, believes anyone angling should be looking for improvements at sea and more favourable weather in 2019.
He said: “There can be little doubt that problems at sea, during the long migrations that our salmon undertake, are the root cause of the declining runs and catches we are observing.
“The board and our anglers, who continue to be highly responsible in conservation matters, are doing all we can to maintain and enhance stocks in fresh water.”