Concerns have been raised about the wild Atlantic salmon population on a river in north-east Scotland, after changes in water extraction were approved during a period of “exceptionally low river levels”.
The Spey Fishery Board has expressed “profound disappointment” about the decision, saying additional measures are needed to reduce the impact on river levels.
Abstraction, the process of extracting water from the river, takes place at a number of sites along the Spey.
The fishery board says increased abstraction for the public water supply at Fochabers has environmental risks.
However Scottish Water says it has not requested permission from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to go beyond its existing permit to take water from the River Spey.
The River Spey is well known for its fishing and hosts a population of Atlantic salmon.
Spey Fishery Board operations manager Duncan Ferguson said the board has “profound disappointment” over the decision “at a time when river levels are low, water temperatures are high and wild Atlantic salmon populations are under significant pressure”.
He added: “We fully recognise the need to maintain public water supplies and keep taps flowing.
“However, any increase in abstraction during these conditions must be accompanied by measures that offset the additional volume being taken from the river.
READ: HERALD SCOTLAND
