“Small Changes, Big Impact” shows how making the right decision on the water can help Scotland’s wild salmon survive.

Fisheries Management Scotland has today launched a compelling new short film, Small Changes, Big Impact, urging Scotland’s angling community to take simple steps that can make the difference between life and death for wild Atlantic salmon.

With wild salmon numbers in dramatic decline, down 40% across Great Britain in the last 20 years, the film showcases practical catch and release techniques every angler can adopt to help safeguard one of Scotland’s most iconic and endangered species. Appearing in the film is renowned angler and television actor and presenter Paul Young, who delivers a heartfelt call to action:

“Anglers have long led the way in protecting one of nature’s greatest treasures, the wild Atlantic salmon. Scotland has become a global leader in sustainable angling, with catch and release rates exceeding 95% […] But despite these efforts, wild Atlantic salmon face a growing number of pressures. […] Our role in their life cycle is now more important than ever.”

Dr Alan Wells, Chief Executive of Fisheries Management Scotland, said:
“Fisheries Management Scotland is working hard to address the wide range of pressures that our wild salmon and sea trout face. Anglers have already made a huge contribution to these efforts, but wild salmon now face unprecedented threats. By making small changes to angling practices, we can give released fish the best possible chance of surviving and completing their life cycle.”

The guidance boils down to four simple principles:

• Keep It Cool – fish on cooler days or early mornings and avoid fishing if water temperatures exceed 18°C, reducing stress on salmon.
• Keep Hands Off – avoid handling fish whenever possible to prevent infection and injury.
• Keep It Under – keep fish submerged throughout the release for the best chance of recovery.
• Keep It Clean – always check, clean, and dry equipment to stop the spread of diseases, parasites, and invasive species.

The new film brings these principles to life, demonstrating everything from selecting the right tackle, like barbless hooks and soft nets, to performing hands-off releases and capturing photographs while fish remain submerged.

Produced by the Castabroad Collective, Small Changes, Big Impact was created in collaboration with the support and collaboration of a wide range of partners from across Scotland’s fisheries and angling community. The film is accompanied by newly published best practice Catch and Release Guidance, developed to support delivery of Scotland’s Wild Salmon Strategy.