The Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Regulations 2016 outlined for the first time a system under which the killing of Atlantic salmon in inland waters is managed on an annual basis by categorising the conservation status of their stocks.
In general terms the Regulations:
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prohibit the retention of salmon caught in coastal waters
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permit the killing of salmon within inland waters where stocks are above a defined conservation limit
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require mandatory catch and release of salmon in areas which fall below their defined conservation limit following the assessment of salmon stocks
Conservation Status Assessment for the 2019 Season
Following public consultation in the autumn of 2018 and scrutiny by the Scottish Parliament in March 2019, Scottish Ministers made new regulations setting out the salmon conservation measures for the 2019 fishing season. These came into effect on 1 April 2019.
The Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 are available on the legislation website.
Consultation on proposed river gradings for the 2020 salmon fishing season
The Scottish Government has now undertaken an assessment of the conservation status of salmon in inland waters in Scotland for the 2020 fishing season. We have prepared a short video explaining the annual assessment.
As a result of the latest assessment, it is proposed that the grading of a number of rivers or groups of rivers will change for the coming year. Details of the assessment and of the proposed river gradings, can be found at the following link: Consultation and Application of Conservation Limits
As required under the terms of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, Ministers are required to publish notice of the proposals and to invite representations or objections on them.
This consultation period begins on 20 August 2019 and representations or objections in respect of them should be submitted by no later than 19 September 2019 using the contact details below.
Email: salmonandrecreationalfisheries@gov.scot
Or by post to: Marine Scotland, Salmon and Recreational Fisheries Team, Area 1B North Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ
You may also check the proposed 2020 grading for individual rivers at the following link: Scotland - Proposed river gradings 2020