Our advocacy work is aimed at ensuring all regulatory authorities urgently place a renewed emphasis on the crucial importance of salmon conservation. There are many examples where positive interventions have already helped, but more must be done. This will require Scottish Government and agencies to coordinate their efforts to protect salmon to a far greater degree than previously.

Fisheries Management Scotland works closely with the Scottish Government to make the case for the protection and enhancement of our native fish species and the habitats on which they depend. District Salmon Fishery Boards have powers and duties to protect and enhance Atlantic salmon and sea trout stocks. A large range of pressures which salmon face have been identified. Of these, only a very limited number are under the direct control of fisheries managers. It is therefore vital that we work with Government, Agencies and industry with a view to managing these impacts to ensure that the environment on which the fish depend is optimal.

Our advocacy work takes several forms, from participating in formal stakeholder groups to direct discussions with relevant Ministers and officials on specific issues. As the representative body for Scotland’s fisheries managers, we are often approached directly for advice and comment as policy is developed. To ensure that we represent our members’ views, we engage with our members to develop advocacy positions through specific [committees] within Fisheries Management Scotland.

Stakeholder Groups