Wild Atlantic Salmon are in Crisis
Wild Atlantic salmon are an iconic species in Scotland, but numbers have been declining in recent years across their North Atlantic range. The Scottish Government 2023 catch statistics reported the lowest rod catch for wild Atlantic salmon since records began in 1952, and signal that Scotland’s salmon and sea trout populations remain in a critical state. In the latest species reassessment by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, released in December 2023, Atlantic Salmon have been reclassified from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Endangered’ in Great Britain (as a result of a 30-50% decline in British populations since 2006 and 50-80% projected between 2010-2025.)
Wild Salmon Strategy
In response to this crisis, the Scottish Government launched the Wild Salmon Strategy in 2022 which sets out a framework to tackle the wide range of pressures acting on wild salmon. The accompanying Implementation Plan published in February 2023, identifies over sixty actions to be taken over a five-year period to achieve a vision of flourishing wild salmon populations.
Scottish Government are leading on the overall delivery of the actions within the Implementation Plan with support from a network of delivery partners including Fisheries Management Scotland:
- Marine Directorate
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- NatureScot
- Crown Estate Scotland
- Scottish Forestry
- Scottish Environment LINK
- Angling Scotland
- Fisheries Management Scotland
- District Salmon Fishery Boards and Trusts
- Atlantic Salmon Trust
A Delivery Group has been established with representatives of all delivery partners to oversee and direct delivery, reporting and ongoing review of the actions to protect and conserve wild salmon.
Fisheries Management Scotland and Scotland's Wild Salmon Strategy
At Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS), we're committing to putting wild salmon first. Our role in delivering the Wild Salmon Strategy is multifaceted, combining on-the-ground action with policy development and collaborative partnerships. Explore how we're supporting delivery of the strategy.
FMS has established a Policy Framework and Financial Review group to provide recommendations to Scottish Government on how the policy framework governing freshwater fisheries management can be modernised to be fit for purpose. A critical aspect of this work is to consider mechanisms for sustainable funding for the fisheries management sector. As one element of this workstream, and our wider work to support our members, FMS has secured Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) funding to develop a Scottish River Catchment Restoration fund, building on the model developed by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF).
Members of FMS are supporting a PhD at the University of Aberdeen to investigate Saprolegnia with a view to providing clear guidance on managing spread. We've also implemented an efficient reporting system: all reports of Saprolegnia, and other diseases, received by FMS are promptly shared with the Fish Health Inspectorate, enabling timely investigations when needed.
FMS sits on a working group to develop a Scottish-specific Angling Pathway Action Plan. The plan will address pathways of introduction and the spread of non-native species.
A recent focus has been on the emerging threat of pink salmon invasions, where we're helping to develop robust monitoring and mitigation strategies. FMS developed a reporting tool in 2019 which allows sightings of pink salmon to be recorded so we can get a better picture of the emerging threat Scotland-wide.
FMS are a key member of the Pink Salmon Task Group, alongside, Scottish Government, SEPA, NatureScot, Dee DSFB and Ness DSFB. The task group coordinated Scotland-wide eDNA monitoring for invasive pink salmon in 2023 across 30 rivers. Pink salmon eDNA was consistently detected in 10 out of 32 rivers demonstrating presence of fish in these rivers, including some where no pink salmon had been reported. But our efforts don't stop there. We recognise that public awareness is key to preventing the spread of invasive species. That's why we're actively promoting campaigns like 'Check, Clean, Dry', empowering every water user to play a vital part in maintaining sound biosecurity.
Water bailiffs are the first line of defence in protecting Scotland's wild salmon from illegal fishing activity. Fisheries Management Scotland collaborates with the Institute of Fisheries Management and District Salmon Fishery Boards to provide ongoing training, equipping these river guardians with the latest knowledge and skills. This initiative has created a network of highly competent bailiffs, actively protecting our wild salmon from illegal activities and promoting responsible angling practices. We also deliver training to the Police and Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service to help improve the understanding of fish crime and ensure that when cases go to court they reach a positive outcome for fish.
Fisheries Management Scotland are also leading work to review the existing enforcement powers, offences and penalty regime for salmon poaching (a wildlife crime) to ensure they are up-to-date and commensurate with other wildlife crime across Scotland through the FMS Enforcement Committee.
In 2023, Fisheries Management Scotland secured funding from the Marine Fund Scotland to utilise Acoustic Deterrent Devices in key locations, as a non-lethal method to protect salmon from seal predation. We are pressing Scottish Government to accelerate the review on fish eating bird licensing policy to ensure balanced consideration of the conservation status of predator and prey species.
Fisheries Management Scotland are working hard to ensure that the recommendations of the Salmon Interactions Working Group are delivered in full. We are currently engaged in workstreams to inform the implementation of SEPA’s sea lice regulatory framework. Our approach is to work with the fish farming sector and regulators to deliver solutions that effectively manage impacts and we want that to be done within a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework.
FMS worked closely with Scottish Forestry to develop riparian woodland target area maps which resulted in grant uplifts for tree planting along rivers and streams through the Forestry Grants Scheme providing cool, clean water and restored habitat for wild Atlantic salmon.
We believe that responsible angling is crucial for the future of wild salmon. Scotland already has the highest levels of catch and release of any signatory to the North Atlantic Conservation Organisation, largely due to the voluntary conservation efforts of anglers and managers. FMS is leading collaborative efforts to update and promote best practice for catch and release. By engaging with anglers and providing clear, evidence-based guidance, we're helping to ensure that salmon have the best possible chance of completing their incredible life cycle.
The reintroduction of beavers to Scotland presents both opportunities and challenges for river ecosystems. As a member of the Scottish Beaver Advisory Group, FMS ensures that salmon conservation remains a key consideration in beaver translocation strategies. FMS chairs a specific sub-group on Fish and Fisheries and is a member of the Mitigation sub-group. Our input helps shape a balanced approach that recognises the positive impacts of beavers such as flood mitigation while mitigating and addressing potential conflicts with salmon populations.
Staying Informed
We're dedicated to keeping you updated on our wild salmon conservation efforts. Our Annual Progress Reports offers a comprehensive overview of the Delivery Group’s progress. For more frequent updates, follow us on social media where we share regular insights into our ongoing work and latest discoveries.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in delivering Scotland’s Wild Salmon Strategy. Whether you're an angler, a conservationist, or simply someone who cares about Scotland's natural heritage, there's a role for you in protecting our wild fish populations.