Conservation groups around Scotland have joined forces to call for urgent government action to save the country’s wild salmon stocks and stem rural job losses. Wednesday June 1 will see the release of the official Scottish Government catch statistics. Indications are that these will be the lowest since records began in 1952. They follow years of sustained declines in salmon numbers, affecting rivers across the country.
Everyone who values their local rivers and their iconic wild salmon are being urged to join a national Call to Action, to speed up the delivery of critically-important conservation measures.
Dr Alan Wells, Chief Executive of Fisheries Management Scotland said, “The Scottish Government recognise in the Wild Salmon Strategy that there is now unequivocal evidence that populations of Atlantic salmon are now at crisis point. The latest figures underline just how grave the situation has become. We are urging the Government to deliver its existing commitments without delay, and to go much further in all the areas where they have the power to make a difference. And we are asking all members of the public to join that call to action.
“An iconic national species is at stake, along with the ecosystems which rely on healthy runs of returning salmon. And fragile rural economies which are already struggling because of CV19 restrictions and the cost-of-living crisis are facing a further squeeze from a decline in angling income. Jobs have gone. More are now on the line.”
Dr Lorraine Hawkins, River Director for the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board said, “The national crisis is certainly reflected in the Dee. Two of our tributaries - the Girnock and Baddoch - which have been monitored longer than most in Scotland, have recorded especially low numbers of returning adult salmon. They underline a trend of worrying declines across the country and highlight the case for immediate action at all levels.
“We have started urgent discussions with the Scottish Government about the latest evidence, and continue to urge the wider public to press for action to safeguard our precious salmon."