7 January 2020

Making Salmon Conservation a National Priority
Salmon and sea trout catches in 2018 were the lowest since records began. Environmental change, and a range of human impacts across the Northern Hemisphere are placing salmon at risk across their natural range. Figures for 2018, taken together with those of recent years, confirm this iconic species is now approaching crisis point. Fisheries Management Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates hosted a multi-stakeholder event, sponsored by Michelle Ballantyne MSP, to discuss efforts to save our salmon, and to explore the collective efforts required to make a meaningful difference.

The event was attended by a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of the fisheries management sector, angling businesses, fishery owners, Scottish Government and agencies and a range of non-government organisations with an interest in land, water and environmental management. The presentations delivered can be viewed by clicking on the links below, and a summary of the proceedings has now been published.

 

Session One – The state of salmon

15:00:   Michelle Ballantyne MSP – Welcome
15:05:    Roseanna Cunningham MSP – Opening Address
15:15:   Alan Wells – Introduction and background
15:35:    Emma Hatfield (NASCO) – An International perspective on salmon
15:55:    Mark Bilsby (Atlantic Salmon Trust) – The likely suspects framework

Session Two – pressures facing salmon

16:30:   Alan Wells – Aquaculture Interactions
16:45:   Lorraine Hawkins (Dee) and David Summers (Tay DSFB) – Water quality, quantity and fish passage
17:10:   Roger Knight (Spey Fisheries Board) – Predation
17:25:   John Armstrong (Marine Scotland Science) – Summary of the issues and possible solutions
17:45:    Closing Remarks – Michelle Ballantyne MSP

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