ASFB and RAFTS welcome the publication of the final report and recommendations of the independent Wild Fisheries Review panel

The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards (ASFB) and Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS) have welcomed the publication of an independent review of wild fisheries management in Scotland. The review was conducted by a panel consisting of Andrew Thin (Chair), Jane Hope and Michelle Francis.

Alasdair Laing, Chairman of ASFB and Andrew Wallace, Chairman of RAFTS, said in a joint statement: “We welcome the publication of the report and in particular the clear recognition that fisheries management should continue to be delivered on a local basis, rather than through a centralised system. Andrew Thin has conducted an open and participatory process and we have particularly appreciated the regular opportunities that all interested stakeholders have been afforded to engage with the process.”

Dr Alan Wells, ASFB Policy and Planning Director, added: “ASFB are particularly encouraged by the measures designed to ensure that any exploitation of Atlantic salmon is sustainable. We understand that it may be possible to deliver these measures under existing legislation and therefore we would urge the Scottish Government to progress these recommendations as soon as possible. We will consider the report in detail going forward, and we look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government in the coming months to help address the recommendations arising from the report.”

Dr Chris Horrill, Director of RAFTS, commented: “RAFTS welcomes the recognition of the work of the current network of Trusts and Boards and that locally based management has been recommended in the proposed future system of all species freshwater fisheries management. RAFTS believes that the link between fisheries management and wider scale catchment management is crucial and looks forward to working with its members, ASFB and Scottish Government to help shape the process going forward.”