Delivering Scotland’s Wild Salmon Strategy

Resourcing Local Management

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).

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Fish Health

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.

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Biosecurity and Battling Invasive 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.  

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. 

FMS are a member of the Non Native Species Action Group and a key member of the Pink Salmon Task Group. The task group coordinated Scotland-wide eDNA monitoring for invasive pink salmon in 2023 across 30 rivers. 

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Enforcement

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. Scotland has 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. 

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Predation

In 2023, Fisheries Management Scotland secured funding from 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.

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Fish Farming

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.

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Healthy Riparian Habitats

FMS worked closely with Scottish Forestry to develop riparian woodland target area maps. These resulted in grant uplifts for tree planting along rivers and streams through the Forestry Grants Scheme, supporting our members’ efforts to provide cool, clean water and restored habitat for wild Atlantic salmon.

Fisheries Management Scotland is a partner in the Riverwoods initiative and a delivery partner of the Riverwoods Blueprint Project, working with a wide range of organisations to restore and connect riparian woodlands across Scotland.

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Promoting Best Practice Catch and Release

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 our wild salmon have the best possible chance of completing their incredible life cycle.

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Beaver Management

The reintroduction of beavers to Scotland presents both opportunities and challenges for river ecosystems. As a member of the Scottish Beaver Advisory Group, FMS is working to ensure that salmon conservation remains a key consideration in beaver translocation strategies, particularly in relation to fish passage. 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.

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