Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021
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Annual Review
2021
Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 1
Reflecting on a difficult year
Fisheries Management Scotland’s core costs are funded by our members. We are
extremely grateful for additional financial support received from Marine Scotland
and Crown Estate Scotland which has supported our work in managing interactions
with aquaculture, in addition to supporting work undertaken by our members.
Like so many others around and wild salmonid fish. We are
the world, the past year for very grateful to Marine Scotland
the fisheries management and Crown Estate Scotland, who
community has been defined have jointly funded this post.
by Covid-19. The pandemic Polly has provided an update
has created much uncertainty on our work on aquaculture on
for the future and has brought pages 6-7 of this review.
Richard Sankey unprecedented challenges
Chairman In another positive
for both individuals and development, Fisheries
Fisheries Management Scotland organisations. Management Scotland has
Against this difficult now joined the Missing
background, we have made Salmon Alliance, and we are
a concerted effort to raise delighted to be contributing to
awareness of the critical this important initiative. Our
situation that salmon face members are already delivering
and have pressed the case essential work to protect and
for focused action to save enhance salmon in Scotland,
our wild salmon and make but through the alliance our
their conservation a national collective capacity to address
priority. the pressures which wild
Image - Sean Dugan The threats to our iconic salmon face will be significantly
fish species are complex enhanced.
Working to conserve Scotland’s wild salmon and native and multifactorial and there I would like to thank our board
is no single reason for the members and staff, who do a
freshwater fish declines. We recognise fantastic job on behalf of our
Fisheries Management Scotland is the representative body for Scotland’s District the crucial importance of members to highlight and help
Salmon Fishery Boards, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts and the River Tweed Commission working collaboratively with to address the issues faced
government, agencies and by our fish and their aquatic
industry to address these habitat.
pressures. Such engagement Finally, I hope that 2021 is much
Fisheries Management Scotland is a limited company registered in Scotland under is crucial to delivering the more positive than 2020 and
no. 587127. Registered office: 11 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2AS changes required to protect that our members, supporters
and enhance the environments and colleagues stay safe and
on which our fish depend. well.
On a positive note, Polly Burns
joined Fisheries Management
Scotland in July, to co-
Cover Image © Richard Davies, Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust
ordinate the management of
Editor: Rob Fletcher interactions between farmed
2 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 1
Staff update: advocating
for change
It seems like a very long time The global pandemic has the regulatory system for the MSP. Peatland restoration is of by Fisheries Management
ago now, but 2020 started in a defined everything that we protection of wild fish. Whilst great interest to many of our Scotland members in early 2020
very positive way for Fisheries have tried to do in 2020. As the this was a long and challenging members to improve water and more detail is provided on
Management Scotland. We lockdowns were introduced, process we are firmly of the quality and habitats for fish, in pages 8-9.
hosted, in partnership with we worked with the Scottish view that the recommendations addition to wider biodiversity
Scottish Land and Estates, a Government to agree guidance, will lead to a much better and climate change benefits. There are many lessons that
very productive roundtable and ensure that angling was situation for wild salmonids, we can take from 2020. It
Dr Alan Wells
discussion and evening among the first activities to be This is considered in more 2020 saw the start of a highlighted the extreme
Chief Executive Officer
Fisheries Management Scotland reception in the Scottish expressly permitted once the detail on pages 6-7. workstream to develop a Wild fragility of the current funding
Parliament, sponsored lockdown eased. As you will see Salmon Strategy for Scotland. mechanisms for fisheries
by Michelle Ballantyne later in our review, our highly We continue to engage with This is a process that we management in Scotland
MSP, species champion for professional enforcement SEPA with a view to improving strongly support, and we hope and underlined the need for
Atlantic salmon. Roseanna teams worked closely with the water environment. it will develop a roadmap to greater support to deliver the
Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Police Scotland during the Progress in 2020 has been address the range of pressures crucial interventions that are
Secretary for Environment, lockdown to ensure that our frustratingly slow, but we have that our salmon face. Fisheries required to allow our native fish
Climate Change and Land salmon were protected from worked with SEPA to address Management Scotland, and to thrive. On a more positive
Reform, gave the keynote opportunist poachers. issues relating to downstream our members, have a key role note, it also bred creativity in
address and announced a passage of smolts, point- to play in this process and it is finding new ways to engage
Scottish Government funding Many projects, including the source and diffuse pollution, gratifying that the pressures with people using virtual
contribution of £750,000 West Coast Tracking Project engineering within rivers and tool, developed by Marine communications. Whilst these
for the west coast tracking and the National Electrofishing concerns around water scarcity. Scotland Science, Fisheries will never completely replace
project - an innovative Program for Scotland could Management Scotland and the face-to-face meetings, greater
not proceed safely in 2020. We are working with our Scottish Fisheries Coordination use of these technologies will
project between the Scottish
However, a range of important members to improve our Centre, will form an important allow us to operate in a more
Government, Atlantic
fisheries management understanding of potential part of the outputs. The inclusive manner and help us to
Salmon Trust and Fisheries
activities were progressed, impacts arising from marine pressures tool was populated reduce our carbon footprint.
Management Scotland. The
and we worked to support renewables and address current
event was attended by MSPs
our members in undertaking evidence gaps. We have also
from all parties and allowed
this vital work safely. We have worked through the Scottish
us to highlight the wild salmon
also continued to advocate Beaver Forum to ensure that
crisis and the urgent need for
for change across a range of the beaver management
Scotland’s Government and
pressures affecting our native plan for Scotland includes
regulatory authorities to do
Our members everything in their power to fish and their environment. appropriate mechanisms for
the removal of dams, where
worked to remove safeguard the species in those
In May, the Salmon Interactions necessary, to allow free passage
areas where they can make a
26 barriers to fish difference. Little did we know
Working Group completed of salmon and sea trout. Finally,
its work and delivered a we were pleased to be invited
migration in 2020 what was to follow.
final report which made 42 to participate in a Peatland
recommendations to Scottish Summit in December, chaired
Ministers for improvements to by Roseanna Cunningham
Scottish Parliament - Making Salmon Conservation a National Priority. ©Sean Dugan
2 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 3
Staff update - a year of
challenges and opportunities
Like everyone else, the for everyone. to provide more appropriate will also be exploring other help improve the quality and
pandemic has significantly penalties for offenders. This formal and informal training flow of information on this
altered the way we work over The constantly evolving will be a joint process between areas for online application. topic, we collaborated with FHI
the past year and adapting nature of the pandemic and Marine Scotland and Fisheries to produce a ‘Frequently Asked
to a rapidly changing set of associated restrictions on Management Scotland. Each year seems to bring Questions’ sheet on red skin
circumstances certainly makes peoples’ movements and specific challenges for Atlantic disease.
for an interesting learning activities meant that guidance Work began to review the salmon and in 2020 we saw the
Brian Davidson
curve. Fortunately, all of the on a range of operational enforcement training materials continued manifestation of red Whilst a causative factor has
Director of Communications &
Administration Fisheries Management Scotland matters relevant to our sector in conjunction with the Institute skin disease in some wild fish yet to be identified, a case
Fisheries Management Scotland information and technology was important. Fisheries of Fisheries Management. The stocks. Fisheries Management review has allowed FHI to draw
systems are cloud-based, and Management Scotland was objective of this work is to Scotland remained in close clear distinctions between what
consequently the transition well placed to facilitate advice bring the learning materials contact with the Scottish is confirmed as red skin disease
from office-based to home from Scottish Government, and course online. Two online Government Fish Health and what might previously have
working was seamless and and crucially to secure more exams – held in December Inspectorate (FHI) and co- been reported as this condition.
caused minimal disruption. detailed interpretation of 2020 and February 2021 – have ordinated the collection of data Close collaboration with the
published Government been very successful in making from affected rivers. Sampling National Veterinary Institute
Whilst our annual advice. Fisheries Management the training and assessment of fish was challenging due (NVI) in Norway continues
conference scheduled for Scotland, in conjunction with process more accessible. It is to Covid restrictions, but and it is hoped that through
March 2020 fell victim to FishLegal where appropriate, expected that the full bailiff nevertheless some samples information sharing and access
the pandemic, in terms of published nine formal training course review will were secured. Updated advice to the NVI pathology database
overall communications, our guidance documents covering be complete and the course was produced by Fisheries that this issue will be better
engagement with members a wide range of matters, hosted online during 2021. We Management Scotland, and to understood.
was not compromised. We including employment advice,
adapted well to the use of enforcement and fieldwork
Microsoft Teams technology activity, DSFB meetings and
and hosted a range of virtual angling.
meetings throughout the
year, including five regional Fisheries Management
members meetings, Board Scotland remain concerned
and management meetings about the level of penalties
and our AGM in November. contained within the salmon
All were well attended and and freshwater fisheries
Our members provided useful lessons for legislation. In 2020 the
the post-pandemic future Minister for Rural Affairs and
reported 163 – using a blend of virtual the Natural Environment
pollution meeting technology and made a commitment to take
physical meetings in the future forward a separate review of
incidents to SEPA will mean a reduced carbon criminal activity on our rivers
footprint, travel time and costs and lochs, and to examine
carefully what we might do
The River Tweed at Cardrona ©Brian Davidson
4 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 5
Staff update - managing
interactions with aquaculture
Despite the pandemic, there standards are not met. At the Disappointingly, there were regulatory system. This the delays in delivering the
has been a lot going on within time of writing the Scottish other significant escapes in provides a process through recommendations of the
salmon farming and wild Government has yet to publish 2020, and we are engaging with which a farm’s activities will Salmon Interactions Working
salmon interactions. I joined its response, so we continue the Scottish Salmon Producers be monitored and incorporate Group. Part of my role is to
Fisheries Management Scotland our push for meaningful action Organisation to ensure that adaptive management where improve the pre-application
Polly Burns in July 2020 as the Aquaculture on regulatory reform. all companies take their changes are required to protect discussions with the industry in
Aquaculture Interactions Manager Interactions Manager, a responsibilities seriously and wild salmonids. Working with order that concerns relating to
Fisheries Management Scotland role joint-funded by Marine In August, a large escape of to develop a consistent escape members and the industry, wild-farmed interactions can be
Scotland and Crown Estate farmed fish occurred in the management strategy. Fisheries Management Scotland raised and discussed at an early
Scotland. I have hit the ground Kilbrannan Sound. Following has supported several of these stage in the process.
running to advocate for the early reports of farmed salmon A major area of work in 2020 processes, and these will
protection of wild salmonids. in the River Leven, a study was the development of continue to play a strong role in In a very interesting
was initiated to understand high-quality Environmental interactions management. development, 2020 saw the
In May, the report from the the distribution of escaped Management Plans for several first application related to a
Salmon Interactions Working farmed salmon entering salmon farms. Environmental There were several planning semi-closed containment site
Group was published. This was fresh water. 466 reports of Management Plans are a proposals for new or expanded in Scotland. While we must
the culmination of 18 months’ farmed salmon entering 16 condition of planning designed farm sites in 2020. Fisheries ensure that due diligence is
work, between October 2018 rivers were received, with to support the monitoring and Management Scotland has done, we see this as a positive
and April 2020. Members of the 310 scale samples provided. mitigation of salmon farms been supporting members to step.
group included representatives Scale reading confirmed that for wild salmonid populations respond to these proposals,
from Fisheries Management at least 95 percent of these in the absence of a suitable which is challenging due to
Scotland, the aquaculture fish were of farmed origin.
industry, environmental NGOs We now need to understand
and regulators. whether these farmed fish can
Our members survive to spawn with native
responded to Agreement on the 42 populations, and if so, what
recommendations was the genetic impact is. With
343 proposed unanimous and, when funding from Mowi Scotland,
developments, implemented, will create a Fisheries Management Scotland
regulatory framework that will and Marine Scotland Science
including 53 protect wild salmonids and designed a genetic monitoring
responses to fish proactively seek to address study, which will identify
negative interactions. This levels of genetic changes, if
farms, with a view would include a lead body any, across relevant rivers.
to protecting wild responsible for regulating wild This will be reported in 2022.
and farmed interactions, licence We welcome the proactive
fish conditions to safeguard wild engagement from Mowi during
salmonids, and appropriate the management of this escape.
sanctions where regulatory
Fish farm in Loch Roag. ©Richard Davies
6 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 7
Staff update - Pressures on
Wild Atlantic Salmon
The Scottish Fisheries delivered by Ronald Campbell action. All information has been
Coordination Centre (SFCC) (Tweed Foundation). We have collated within an interactive
was established in 1997 as also started working with our map and our intention is to
an association of Fisheries members to develop mobile make this information available
Trusts, District Salmon Fishery field data collection tools, for the public to explore later in
Boards, Scottish Government, to assist rapid collection of the year.
Sean Dugan SEPA, SNH (now NatureScot) information on topics such as
and others interested in the wild fish health, the presence The pressures mapping process
Manager
Scottish Fisheries Coordination evidence-based management of pink salmon, predation, is similar to work undertaken
Centre of freshwater fish and fisheries pollution, fisheries enforcement in Norway in recent years. We
in Scotland. In 2017 SFCC and the assessment of habitat were delighted to welcome
became an integral part quality. Torbjørn Forseth, chair of the
of Fisheries Management Norwegian Scientific Advisory
Scotland, while maintaining A major workstream in 2020 Committee for Atlantic Salmon
a distinct membership and was the development, in Management, to our annual
funding stream. partnership with Marine biologists’ meeting in February.
Scotland, of a map-based This was an important
Our key roles are to help approach to aid the opportunity to discuss the
our members collect and identification and quantification similarities and differences in Diffuse pollution photographed by drone, Ayrshire Rivers Trust
store important fisheries of pressures on wild Atlantic the two approaches, and it was
management data in a salmon across Scotland. The heartening to receive positive
consistent manner, provide a outputs from this important feedback from Norway.
forum for discussion of fisheries piece of work will feed into
science and management, and Scotland’s Wild Salmon Strategy We hope that the outputs
provide a suite of training in and will, for the first time, of the mapping pressures
methods of data collection, provide a consistent, shared tools will play a central role
management and analysis. view of the severity and spatial in helping our members and
We are also now working with extent of these pressures on decision makers address the
Buglife to develop training our wild Atlantic salmon. wild salmon crisis through
in invertebrate sampling and evidence-based action.
Our members identification. Fisheries biologists and river
managers across Scotland have
worked with 53 During 2020, in the light contributed extensively to this
schools & engaged of Covid-19, we moved to process and the outputs will
online delivery of training be available for use in local
4,088 pupils – including electrofishing fisheries management plans.
refresher courses, delivered They will also allow pressures
by Bob Laughton (Findhorn, to be prioritised at local,
Nairn & Lossie Fisheries Trust) regional and national scales Diffuse pollution records provided as part of the mapping salmon pressures project with orange
and scale reading training, to help target management and red colours showing the most severely impacted reaches. Ayrshire Rivers Trust.
8 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 9
Member focus Member focus
Volunteers – the backbone The River Calder: a
of the Trust restoration project
Shona Marshall Roger Knight
Fisheries Biologist, West Sutherland Fisheries Trust River Director, Spey Fishery Board
Volunteers are the backbone of others, and I would be as bold and without them the coverage The River Calder is a major flood risk by slowing the flow on both banks of the Calder,
the West Sutherland Fisheries as to say that we punch above and the projects would be tributary of the upper Spey, and raising the riverbed due together with deer fencing,
Trust. With only 1.5 employees our weight throughout the significantly fewer, and the draining Glen Banchor, to gravel deposition around which is due for completion this
covering 1,800 km2 of mainly area. experience a lot less fun. above Newtonmore, and is the large wood structures. spring.
river, loch and bog, you could surrounded by a mountain This, in turn, will encourage
be forgiven for thinking that we So, can we bow and say how If you would like to help, and moorland landscape. Spey the river to spread out at Overall, this project has the
must either achieve very little wonderful we are? In truth, not then please get in touch with Fishery Board data indicated higher flows and reduce flood potential for landscape-scale
or need to concentrate on a fully. Behind the scenes there is your local Fisheries Trust. that – compared to other, risk in Newtonmore below. improvements and real climate
very small area. an army of over 50 volunteers, Volunteering provides a great similar tributaries – the Calder Sustainability of the project change adaptation in this
not to mention the numerous opportunity to learn new skills, has been under-performing is ensured through delivery relatively unwooded upland
However, our “routine” eyes reporting sightings. This meet new people and have a in terms of its productivity of a complementary initiative glen. Full details of the project
work – from monitoring mink army has helped us to eliminate bit of fun, while helping the for salmon and trout, with to create over 22 hectares of are available in the Spey Fishery
rafts, through invasive plant four populations of invasive rivers and lochs, and their many numbers of fry and parr new riparian native woodland Board’s 2020 annual report.
treatment, to electrofishing, species and severely restrict inhabitants. consistently low since the
operating smolt traps and many more. The traps and early 1990s. It was believed
sweep netting, and developing netting could not be operated that this is partially due to the
extensive datasets – is spread without them (yes, I’m a relative uniformity of channel
across an area covering over weakling!), and their expertise geomorphology, linked to the
50 catchments. Add to that in a range of other matters – Our members sparsity of riparian woodland
catchment surveys, monitoring not to mention their humour
of aquaculture activities, - have helped with the smooth
engaged 245 and, consequently, lack of
woody material in the channel.
education and general running of all our work. This volunteers
administration duties among army is, indeed, our backbone During 2020, the Spey
Catchment Initiative hired
local contractors to harvest
whole trees, with root plates
attached, from a nearby
windblown plantation and
install 29 of these as medial
and lateral structures in the Installing large woody structures on the River Calder. ©Spey Fishery Board
river channel, under the
guidance of consultants Cbec
Eco-engineering. This will help
restore and enhance habitats Our members
to bolster salmonid breeding improved 2,264km of
success, with 12 new salmon
redds observed there later in river habitat
the year. It will also mitigate
Invasive plant control. ©West Sutherland Fisheries Trust
10 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 11
Member focus Member focus
Invisible enemies: chemical Land Management in Glen
concerns Clova
Richie Miller Dr Craig MacIntyre
Director, The Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Charitable Trust & River Director, Esks Rivers & Fisheries Trust & Esk District Salmon Fishery Board
Deveron District Salmon Fishery Board
Following concerns raised river during high rainfall events. has routinely shown up in Located in the upper catchment aimed to retain more water ERFT has also started installing
about water quality, the River These chemicals include samples at medium risk levels, of the River South Esk, Angus, on hillsides and slow the rate woody debris to the banks
Deveron District Salmon Fishery Clorpyrifos, Epoxicnazole, Epoxicnazole at low levels, Glen Clova is an important area of flow entering the river by of the South Esk in the glen,
Board (RDevDSFB) and the Permethrin and Cypermethrin. Permethrin at low-to-medium for spawning Atlantic salmon. planting a corridor of trees on to create cover and shade
Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers While the data are from a levels and, of most concern, Much of the floor of Glen Clova the hillsides. The first phase for the river. To date, six sites
Charitable Trust (DBIRCT) have limited number of samples, it Cypermethrin (toxic to aquatic is an old post-Ice Age lakebed, of planting was completed on have been completed in the
developed a routine water is extremely concerning that invertebrates and fish) found at with a very low gradient and Rottal Estate in 2019, and plans glen, and this is the start of a
monitoring strategy for the these chemicals are being low-to-high levels. loose, sandy soils. Land use for have been submitted for a rolling programme for more
Deveron catchment, working routinely detected, even if in on the glen floor is primarily further 945 hectares of planting sites. Plans are also in place for
with the James Hutton Institute very low concentrations. As a result, the Scottish agriculture, with steep-sided on the neighbouring Clova riparian tree planting and more
(JHI) in Aberdeen. Environmental Protection river banks and little bankside Estate. instream work.
A longer-term study is required Agency (SEPA) has begun its vegetation. As a result, river
Initial samples were collected in to fully understand seasonal own investigations and the habitat for salmonid fish is
June 2017 from three sites on fluctuations and potential RDevDSFB and DBIRCT will poor, with little shade and
the Deveron mainstem (upper, sources. Using methods continue their own monitoring, virtually no instream cover.
middle and lower) but the developed from a longer-term working with the JHI. We have
sampling programme has now study on the River Ugie, the JHI initiated a campaign to raise Since 2010, the Esks Rivers &
been expanded to nine sites has compared the Deveron data awareness of the presence Fisheries Trust have engaged
on the five major tributaries to a system of ecotoxicological of these chemicals and the with local landowners,
(Bogie, Isla, Forgue, Turriff and thresholds and applied damage they can cause to the and other stakeholders,
King Edward) and an upper categories of risk (low, medium freshwater environment and to undertake projects that
mainstem site. and high). Despite being the fishery. will lead to improved land
banned since 2016, Clorpyrifos management and, ultimately,
The samples are collected when better conditions for the
run-off is high (after heavy rain) ecology of the river.
and the risk of contaminants Top - Habitat work in Glen Clova; Bottom - Tree planting on the Rottal Burn ©Craig MacIntyre
entering the river is at its In 2012, the Rottal Burn was
highest. The samples are re-meandered to provide,
analysed by the JHI for a range among other benefits, more
of water quality measures. In stable habitat for spawning
most cases these analyses were salmon and sea trout. Stream
not of significant concern. length increased from 800m to
1200m, and this has created
However, a range of pesticides, more diverse habitat.
fungicides and insecticides
have been detected in many In 2015, ERFT and Tilhill
of the samples over four brought landowners together
consecutive years and appear for the Glen Clova Contour
to be routinely entering the River Deveron. ©Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Charitable Trust Planting Project. This project
12 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 13
Member focus Member focus
Fisheries protection: how Gaining experience with
the pandemic led to an Galloway Fisheries Trust
upsurge in poaching
Dr Keith Williams Abbie Nye
Director, Kyle Fisheries Fisheries Intern, Galloway Fisheries Trust
Across Scotland 2020 will be during and after the initial with local police. Illegal netting I am an MSc graduate in aquatic evaluate changes in the health at Work qualification as well
remembered for an upsurge in lockdown period. A number of activity during the night also ecology with a great interest in of the brown trout population. as my drone operator licence.
illegal fisheries activities and individuals saw fit to travel long increased compared to levels fisheries. Prior to making my In addition, I have developed I have no doubt that these
associated increased workloads distances within Scotland to fish seen locally in recent years. way to Scotland I had a number a learning resource on the experiences and qualifications
for enforcement staff. Despite within this district, presumably A net was retrieved with two of opportunities to develop lifecycle and conservation of will enhance my employability
Covid-related lockdown on the assumption that bailiffs dead salmon enmeshed from skills and knowledge of the the European eel, a species of greatly and support my future
regulations proscribing angling would not be operating and one river, and instruments aquatic world. These included particular interest to me. This career in fisheries management
activities for several months, furloughed ghillies would not associated with netting the opportunity to work with has given me the opportunity and conservation.
some individuals continued be present on the riverbanks. seized on another occasion. members of the Wild Trout to further my experience
to fish with rod and line. The vigilance of bailiffs and Trust during my MSc, where I in scientific communication
This placed a premium on In cases where breaches of increased use of thermal began to develop my interest and also get creative when
communications between fishery law were evident, imaging equipment certainly in fisheries management and producing a stop motion
fishery enforcement teams individuals were dealt with by prevented more illegal activity conservation. animation video to make the
and local police officers. Some bailiffs, often in conjunction taking place. story of the eel exciting and
issues could be dealt with I then became an intern at the accessible for children.
under fisheries law, whereas Zoological Society of London,
in other cases police input was working within the estuaries My time at GFT has been
required to effectively manage and wetlands team in a role a fantastic opportunity for
matters outwith the ordinary with a particular focus on me to expand my skill set
powers of a water bailiff. European eel monitoring. and jump into the world of
When I discovered there was fisheries biology. As part of
For many Fishery Boards and an opportunity to work with my internship I also had the
angling clubs, ensuring the Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) opportunity to attend training
health and safety of individuals it looked like the perfect next courses and gained my First Aid
engaged in enforcement step for me. And it was, over
was a key consideration, the last six months I have had
given the risks associated Top - launching a marine patrol; Bottom - Illegal gill net ©Kyle of Sutherland DSFB the amazing opportunity to
with dealing with the public work as part of the team at GFT
during a pandemic. Operating on an internship supported by
procedures required constant the Galloway Glens Landscape
review and adaptation in order Partnership and the Holywood
to ensure that enforcement was Trust.
conducted in accordance with
evolving guidance from the When not out in the field I
Scottish Government. have been delivering some of
my own projects, including
In the Kyle of Sutherland an assessment of GFT’s
catchment there were a electrofishing and water quality
number of incidents, both data on the High Cree to
Left - Targetted salmon stocking; Right - Fish surveys. ©GFT
14 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 15
The Missing Salmon Alliance
The Missing Salmon Alliance we work collaboratively across our salmon utilise the marine ambitious proposal to raise we can help provide a range of
is a group of conservation- the UK to help wild salmon environment, work to address awareness of the wild salmon measures that will reduce or
focused organisations which survive and thrive in our rivers the impacts of aquaculture and crisis at COP26 in Glasgow in eliminate the impact climate
have come together to drive and seas. As the representative develop a regulatory system November 2021. Our intention change is having.
action by combining expertise, body for Scotland’s District that is fit-for-purpose, and is to bring ‘Salmon School’
coordinating activities Salmon Fishery Boards and projects to restore habitat and to Glasgow – more than 500 More information can be found
and advocating effective Fisheries Trusts we look increase resilience in the face of salmon-like forms, sculpted at www.missingsalmonalliance.
Dr Alan Wells
management solutions. forward to playing a key role, in climate change. You can learn from mirrored molten glass, org.
Chief Executive Officer
Fisheries Management Scotland partnership with the members more about these projects in a suspended in awe-inspiring
In January 2021, Fisheries of the alliance. Our members, brochure entitled ‘Wild salmon formation. This giant salmon
Management Scotland and the working with a range of key in hot water’ available on the shoal will coalesce at COP26
Rivers Trust joined the Atlantic stakeholders, have a long track website. One priority is to after collecting individual
Salmon Trust, the Game and record of delivering essential facilitate delivery of targeted stories from a wide range of
Wildlife Conservation Trust, work to protect and enhance riparian woodland creation communities on how climate
and the Angling Trust as full salmon in Scotland, but through across Scotland. change has devastated this
members of the alliance. the Missing Salmon Alliance our once prolific species. By placing
collective capacity to address The Missing Salmon Alliance wild salmon at the forefront
The Missing Salmon Alliance is the lead partner in an
the pressures which wild of the climate change debate
will build on the work already
salmon face will be significantly
started and increase its impact
enhanced.
through sharing information,
agreeing priorities, avoiding Projects currently underway
duplication of effort, presenting include the likely suspects
coordinated arguments and framework and parallel
coordinating action to halt intiatives to identify and
and reverse the decline of wild prioritise pressures facing
Atlantic salmon. The aim is to Atlantic salmon, tracking
increase the scale of funding initiatives to understand how
available and make efficient
use of resources by being more
focused and more accountable,
with the goal of building an Our members
evidence-base to influence
national and international planted
decision-makers to regulate 108,385 native
activities that adversely impact
wild salmon. trees beside
rivers
Our wild salmon are reaching
crisis point, and it is vital that
Rotary screw trap. ©Atlantic Salmon Trust
16 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 17Operation Wingspan
Police Scotland is running a associated with poaching. Poaching is hugely damaging to Working with Police Scotland
year-long awareness raising Tackling poaching is high on both the natural environment
campaign to tackle wildlife Police Scotland, its partners and local economies Brian Davidson
crime across the country. and the public agenda. throughout Scotland. As Director of Communications &
such, during Operation Administration
Operation Wingspan, which Operation Wingspan has Wingspan Police Scotland will Fisheries Management Scotland
started in October last year, run a series of social media be implementing proactive
focuses on each of the National campaigns focusing on each of interventions to reduce these Fisheries Management Rural Crime (SPARC). In light of
Police Chief Council (NPCC) the phases, to encourage the crimes and will conduct Scotland is engaging closely the experience of Covid-19 and
wildlife crime priorities in turn. public to report crimes and enforcement activity where with Police Scotland and other changes to public behaviour,
to highlight the commitment possible. enforcement partners through there will be a strong focus on
Phase four, in April and and work of Police Scotland the Partnership Against Wildlife ‘visitor management’ issues
May, will highlight raptor and partners in tackling these Police Scotland look forward Crime (PAW). Operation through SPARC in 2021. Many
persecution, while phase five crimes. As well as the social to working with Fisheries Wingspan is an important of these issues impact on
tackles poaching. Previous media campaign, preventative Management Scotland and initiative for 2021 which will fishing and involve poaching.
phases have covered CITES, activities will be carried out members in addressing fish help us tackle fish poaching We are conscious that there
badger persecution and bat and all opportunities to take crime both at national level and through focused engagement are already some positive
crime. enforcement action will be fully through local joint working. with Police Scotland at national local initiatives between our
explored. and local level. During 2020, we members through SPARC and
Reports of wildlife crime are on
the increase. During lockdown saw an alarming 282% increase we will be working with the
Police Scotland is committed
most of this increase has been in fish poaching incidents, partnership to promote further
to tackling Wildlife Crime.
with the pandemic being a local collaboration where there
significant contributory factor are gaps and potential to do so.
Our members in this statistic. We applaud the
seized 93 illegal joint efforts of our members’
bailiff teams working effectively Sea trout caught in an illegal gill net.
instruments, with Police Scotland to detect
©Forth DSFB
issued 244 and prevent illegal activity
against a difficult operational
cautions and background caused by Covid-19.
reported 154 Fish poaching as a wildlife crime
offences to can also be tackled through
other national initiatives.
Police Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland
resulting in have been exploring with
Police Scotland potential for
14 successful partnership working through
convictions the Scottish Partnership against
©Police Scotland
18 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 19Working together to restore
our freshwater environment
The freshwater environment The last few years have impacts of rising temperatures Action and Forest Carbon the Rottal Burn to its original
delivers a range of social, seen some exciting progress on the freshwater environment. supported the reprofiling and meandering channels and, in
economic and environmental in the development and As the trees establish, they SRDP funding allowed for so doing, increasing its length
benefits and it is essential implementation of integrated will help to reduce water the blocking of a network of to over 1200m, and slowing
that careful management is catchment management temperatures during the drainage ditches. the flow of water. The Fishery
undertaken to protect, enhance approaches – with land summer months in these Board has since recorded five
and restore it. managers, Fishery Boards important salmon spawning The work will not only improve times the number of juvenile
Karen Ramoo
and Trusts and other key and nursery areas, stabilise water flow regulation in the fish in the river. The addition
Policy Adviser
Scottish Land & Estates Against the backdrop of rapidly stakeholders coming together banks and reduce sediments Tweed catchment but will of large woody debris – in the
declining fish numbers, the to create unique partnerships entering the river, as well as also increase carbon storage, form of windblown Scots pines,
twin crises of climate change that deliver multiple benefits. enrich biodiversity. improve water quality, and along with new tree planting
and biodiversity loss make create better habitats for – has provided benefits for
this work more important Below are some examples Peatland restoration upland wildlife. The work biodiversity, carbon storage and
than ever and many Scottish highlighting the joint efforts Dryhope Farm on the builds on other complementary flood resilience. Funding for
Land & Estates members being undertaken to restore Philiphaugh Estate in the habitat restoration carried out this work came from the SEPA
are seizing the opportunity and enhance our freshwater Scottish Borders restored 77 by the estate over the last 20 Water Environment Fund.
to protect and restore the environment – providing hectares of peatland. The years, including 70 hectares of
natural river environment. benefits to biodiversity, blanket bog retains, releases native riparian tree planting. For more information on the
Restoration activities have improving resilience to climate and filters water that flows great work being done by
been widespread, with change and supporting broader down the Kirkstead Burn (one Re-meandering land managers, visit www.
catchment projects taking the social and economic objectives. of many vital spawning burns Rottal estate in the Angus scottishlandandestates.co.uk/
lead – including ambitious tree for trout and salmon in the Glens worked with the Esk helping-it-happen
planting schemes and large- Riparian woodland schemes upper Tweed) into St Mary’s Fishery Board and the Esk
scale restoration initiatives. The Dee District Salmon Fishery Loch and from there into the Fishery Trust to return 800m of
Board and River Dee Trust Yarrow Water.
have been working directly
with land managers along the Damaged, bare peat and
riverbanks of the upper Dee drainage channels were
and its tributaries to develop reducing the capacity of the
an extensive riparian tree peatland to stay wet and
planting scheme, with 250,000 regulate the water flow.
native trees now planted. The The estate recognised the
project has worked closely with wider benefits of restoration
several estates (Mar Lodge, within the Tweed catchment.
Mar, Invercauld, Glenmuick and Working with Tweed Forum
Balmoral) to ensure integration a programme of restoration
of riparian woodland with other works was developed, which
land management activities. included reprofiling of bare
peat areas and blocking
The planting aims to reduce the drainage ditches. Peatland
Upper Dee Riparian Woodland Scheme. ©River Dee Trust Glenmuik ©River Dee Trust
20 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 21Our funding 2020 catches*
Catches in 2020 will inevitably come with an asterisk due to the spring lockdown and subsequent
travel restrictions impacting on angling effort. However, as you will see below, many rivers recorded
excellent catches in the circumstances, particularly those rivers in which angling effort could be
Crown Estate maintained. 2021 catch statistics will be keenly anticipated to see if the positive signs in 2020 are
Scotland maintained.
15%
26% Member
60%
Scottish subscriptions
Government
As a representative body, the majority of funding for our core
activities comes from our members - Scotland’s District Salmon
Fishery Boards and Rivers and Fisheries Trusts. Grant funding for
specific projects is received from Marine Scotland and Crown
Estate Scotland.
The strength of Fisheries Management Scotland is thanks to
our members, who work collectively to conserve Scotland’s
wild salmon and native freshwater fish and the environment on
which they depend. In addition to the income highlighted above,
approximately £80k was distributed directly to our members - this ©Reuben Sweeting
arises from Scottish Government and Crown Estate Scotland grant
funding (see below). TWEED
Jamie Stewart
The majority of our expenditure relates to our staff, who are Director, The Tweed Foundation 25000 PRE 1 JULY POST 1 JULY
dedicated to advocating for our iconic migratory and freshwater
Without Covid-related restrictions, the salmon rod catch would
fish and the freshwater environment. probably have exceeded 10,000. Salmon catches in June and July
20000
provide the strongest indication yet that Tweed run timing has
switched from the autumn to late spring/summer. 15000
Funding received in 2020 10000
• Aquaculture and wild fish interaction (Marine Scotland)
• Developing agreed techniques to monitor lice burdens on wild salmonids in the light of the 5000
coronavirus pandemic (Marine Scotland - distributed to members)
0
• Wild fish sea lice monitoring protocol project (Crown Estate Scotland - distributed to members)
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• Scottish Angling National Development Structure (Marine Scotland - delivered by Countryside
Learning Scotland) Salmon rod catch - 9,640; 10 yr average - 9,625 Tweed rod catch statistics 1952-2020
• Scottish Fisheries Coordination Centre (Marine Scotland) Sea trout rod catch - 1,884; 10 yr average - 1,849 Source: River Tweed Commission
Largest salmon: 35lb; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 1 Feb – 30 Nov
22 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 23TAY DEE
David Summers Lorraine Hawkins
Director, Tay DSFB and Tay Rivers Trust River Dee Director
18000 PRE 1 JUNE POST 1 JUNE 16000 PRE 1 JUNE POST 1 JUNE
The season started poorly, due to very high water, which was 16000 Spring fishing was closed for 10 weeks, and our annual salmon
14000
then compounded by the lockdown. Not all beats resumed 14000 catch would likely have been at least as good as 2019 had the full
fishing in June, but a number fished well beyond expectations. season been fished, but the bigger picture is a 40-year decline in 12000
12000
A better than expected run of fresh MSW salmon continued into spring catches. Our management focus remains environmental 10000
July and was overlapped by grilse. Catches of fresh fish continued 10000 restoration and last year we planted 60,000 riverbank trees,
8000
into August in the lower river, but thereafter colouring fish 8000 towards our one million tree target, installed 40 large woody
dominated everywhere. The July catch was double the previous 6000 structures into streams, made two tributary-floodplain reconnec- 6000
5-year average and August was 50 percent up. Some lower beats 4000
tions and monitored nutrient addition trials. The river has been 4000
had their best summer in many years, but once again there were fully catch-and-release for 20 years, but despite such voluntary
2000 2000
very few fresh autumn fish. Data from SSE’s Pitlochry fish counter measures, there are still concerns that smolt output is low and
are not displayed because SSE have confirmed there is now a 0 reduced further by predation. 0
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significant issue with the counter’s accuracy which seems to
stem from a counter upgrade in 2018.
Salmon rod catch - 5,594; 10 yr average - 7,628 Tay rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Salmon rod catch - 2,553; 10 yr average - 5,180 Dee rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 1,255; 10 yr average - 1,022 Source: Tay DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 510; 10 yr average - 1,393 Source: Dee DSFB
Largest salmon: 35lb; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 15 Jan – 15 Oct Largest salmon: 30lb; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 1 Feb – 15 Oct
SOUTH ESK* GIRNOCK & BADDOCH FISH TRAPS (RIVER DEE)
Craig Macintyre Faye Jackson
Esks Rivers Director Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory – Marine Scotland Science
SALMON/GRILSE SEA TROUT 180
MSS operate two traps on upper tributaries of the Aberdeenshire GIRNOCK
It’s difficult to assess the 2020 season fully, as less than half 4000
River Dee that are dominated by early-running multi-sea-win- 160 BADDOCH
the catch returns have been provided at this stage. However, 3500 ter spring salmon, the stock component that has been of most 140
the feeling on the river was that there were more fish than in 3000 concern in recent decades. Although numbers of male and 120
recent years, helped by good water levels in late June, which 2500 female salmon caught at the traps show similar temporal trends, 100
encouraged a decent run of fish. As part of a programme of female numbers are plotted here as they are considered the
2000
environmental improvements, six locations in Glen Clova had fundamental spawning component. In 2020 there were eight
80
large woody structures installed, with the aim of providing shade 1500
females caught in the Baddoch trap and six females caught in the 60
and cover for adult fish, as well as protecting riverbanks from 1000 Girnock trap. These were the second lowest and lowest returns 40
increased erosion. 500 on record, representing 29% and 12% of the time-series means 20
0 respectively. However, it should be noted that the Baddoch mean 0
*Provisional figures was calculated over a shorter time period characterised by lower
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1981
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1987
1990
1993
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2011
2014
2017
2020
adult returns. The extremely low numbers of returning adult
females is consistent with the combined effects of poor marine
Salmon rod catch - 277; 10 yr average - 723 South Esk rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Girnock & Baddoch female upstream burn trap counts 1966-2020
survival and low smolt production. This was especially true
Sea trout rod catch - 198; 10 yr average - 538 Source: Esk DSFB Source – Marine Scotland Science © Crown copyright.
for the Girnock, where emigrant production (autumn parr and
Largest salmon: n/a; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 16 Feb – 31 Oct Number of adult females returning to the Girnock and Baddoch
smolts) for the relevant years (2018 and 2019) was the lowest
traps on Deeside. Long-term mean values are shown for each site.
and second lowest on record.
NORTH ESK*
Craig Macintyre
Esks Rivers Director
3500 SALMON/GRILSE SEA TROUT
It is difficult to assess the 2020 catch in relation to previous 3000
years, due to a lack of catch data (only about 50 percent of beats
have reported their final catches to date) and the absence of a 2500
figure from the North Esk fish counter, which has not yet been
2000
provided by Marine Scotland Science. However, what we did
see mirrored previous years, with the bulk of the run occurring 1500
during summer months, and few fresh fish appearing during the
1000
spring and autumn. There were no improvements made to the
North Esk in 2020, however the river remains in a very healthy 500
state. Although the counter at Logie is damaged, MSS - through
the use of a model - estimates that over 12,500 salmon ascended 0
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2020
the North Esk, the highest number since 2010.
*Provisional figures North Esk rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Salmon rod catch - 938; 10 yr average - 1,941 Source: Esk DSFB
Sea trout rod catch - 262; 10 yr average - 453 Season: 16 Feb – 31 Oct
Largest salmon: 25lb; Largest sea trout: 8lb
©Reuben Sweeting
24 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 25DON* DEVERON
Lorraine Hawkins Richard Miller
River Don Director Director, Deveron DSFB & Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers
5000 SALMON/GRILSE SEA TROUT
4000 PRE JUNE 1 POST JUNE 1 Charitable Trust
4500
Although the final 2020 figures are not yet available, the estimat- 3500 The 2020 season proved to be encouraging, despite the 4000
ed catch is around 300 salmon – due to Covid-19 restrictions and 3000 pandemic-related restrictions, which resulted in an estimated
3500
a general lack of fish – and the redd counts were substantially 40% less rod effort on the river. Angling effort between February
2500 3000
lower than in 2019. A poor spring and summer – not helped and end of May was insignificant and the season only really
by low summer flows – were only turned around in October. A 2000 commenced from June. June, July, and October were the most 2500
tracking programme found that only 8 percent of Don smolts 1500 productive months, with catches in August and September 2000
reached the sea, causing concern over the impact of several old being curtailed due to prolonged low water. There was a notable 1500
1000
weirs in the lower river. The board is progressing the easement increase in large salmon reported, with several fish over 20lb 1000
of key obstructions, but not of the substantial structures on the 500 being landed, especially in October following a significant rise 500
lower main stem. 0 of water. Michael MacDonald became the 10th winner of the 0
Morison Trophy, landing a 35lb salmon from Forglen.
1952
1958
1964
1970
1976
1982
1988
1994
2000
2006
2012
2018
1952
1956
1960
1964
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1972
1976
1980
1984
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1992
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2000
2004
2008
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2016
2020
*Provisional figures
Salmon rod catch - 802; 10 yr average - 1,054 Don rod catch statistics 1952-2019 Salmon rod catch - 1,483; 10 yr average - 1,598 Deveron rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 108; 10 yr average - 208 Source: Don DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 260; 10 yr average - 396 Source: Deveron DSFB
Largest salmon: 25lb; Largest sea trout: 8lb Season: 11 Feb – 31 Oct Largest salmon: 35lb; Largest sea trout: 8lb Season: 11 Feb-31 Oct
YTHAN SPEY
Mark Andrew Roger Knight
Ythan DSFB Director, Spey Fishery Board
1200 18000 PRE-1 JUNE POST 1 JUNE
SALMON/GRILSE
It was a much better season, well above the five-year average 2020 proved to be a good year for anglers – despite Covid 16000
1000
for both salmon and sea trout, with sea trout fishing particu- restrictions reducing the season by almost three months, 10 14000
larly good in the estuary. Diffuse pollution remains our largest 800 percent more salmon and grilse were caught than in 2019. The 12000
concern. We have sprayed off all invasive plants in the catchment board remains concerned by the significant water abstraction in 10000
for the seventh year, but there’s still some giant hogweed along 600 the upper catchment at Spey Dam, where substantial volumes
8000
the main stem of the River Ythan and Tarty Burn. Bailiffs cleared are diverted to Fort William, severely impacting the upper Spey’s
ranunculus from sections of the Ebrie Burn for sea trout and 400 salmon population. The board will continue to work closely with 6000
salmon spawning. The areas cleared are all within the 1 km sec- GFG Alliance and SEPA and looks forward to improvements to 4000
200
tion that is surveyed for redds. Four redds had been established the dam’s fish pass being implemented during 2021. 2000
by the end of November. 0 0
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Salmon rod catch - 160; 10 yr average - 216 Ythan rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Salmon rod catch - 5,622; 10 yr average - 6,098 Spey rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 1,670; 10 yr average - 1,567 Source: Ythan DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 987; 10 yr average - 1,758 Source: Spey DSFB
Largest salmon: n/a; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 11 Feb – 31 Oct Largest salmon: 30lb; Largest sea trout: 11lb Season: 11 Feb-30 Sept
LOSSIE
Valerie Wardlaw
Administrator, Lossie DSFB
500
450
Salmon and sea trout catches were at the ten-year average,
400
which is good considering the curtailed season. Water levels
were low through to late summer, reducing opportunities for 350
angling. From late September levels rose, with numerous spates 300
allowing fish to migrate upstream. The Cloddach bridge apron 250
is being eroded and could be causing a potential barrier to fish 200
migration in low flows. INNS plant treatment continued, and 150
treatment progressed downstream to new areas, nearing the 100
outskirts of Elgin. Three mink were caught. We aim to increase 50
the release rate of sea trout to 75 percent. 0
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Salmon rod catch - 61; 10 yr average - 63 Lossie rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 87; 10 yr average - 81 Source: Lossie DSFB
Largest salmon: 10lb; Largest sea trout: 3lb Season: 1 Apr – 31 Oct
©Staurt Brabbs
26 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 27FINDHORN BEAULY*
Valerie Wardlaw Ruth Watts
Administrator, Findhorn DSFB Senior Biologist, Beauly DSFB
4000 PRE 1 JUNE POST 1 JUNE 2500 SALMON/GRILSE
A 24lb salmon was caught on the opening day, with good catches 3500 Despite Covid, the total number of salmon caught exceeded
continuing until the cessation of angling on 24 March. The mid- the 10-year average and was the best since 2012. July and the 2000
3000
dle beats saw good numbers of salmon and grilse during August, last week of the season saw peak catches on the Lower Beauly.
2500
but summer angling was poor on the lower beats, due to low Unvalidated count data suggest a minimum of 3,374 fish ascend- 1500
water levels. The total catch was down by only 25 percent on 2000 ed the fish pass at Kilmorack between April-November, this is
the previous year, which was surprising considering the season 1500 slightly below the 10-year average, but is higher than equivalent 1000
was curtailed by ten weeks and angling on many stretches was figures from 2017-2019. Peak migration was 14 August, later
1000
cancelled for the season. INNS plant control continued, ten mink than 2019, where the peak was 1 July. Smolt monitoring to help 500
were captured along the Moray Coast and major bridge repairs 500 inform improved flow management and smolt output in the
at Tomatin were completed with little disturbance to the river 0 catchment is due to start in March 2021, in partnership with SSE. 0
habitat.
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1952
1956
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*Provisional figures
Salmon rod catch - 1,010; 10 yr average - 2,000 Findhorn rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Salmon rod catch - 939; 10 yr average - 895 Beauly rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 66; 10 yr average - 116 Source: Findhorn DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 571; 10 yr average - 548 Source: Beauly DSFB
Largest salmon: n/a; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 11 Feb – 30 Sep Largest salmon: n/a; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 11 Feb – 15 Oct
NAIRN* CONON
John Prince Ross Glover
Nairn DSFB Fisheries Manager, Cromarty Firth Fishery Board
1600 SALMON/GRILSE 3500 SALMON/GRILSE
Despite the disruptions caused by Covid-related restrictions 1400 Good numbers of fish were caught on in May and June when 3000
– first on angling, then on travel – the catch statistics are very 1200 angling resumed and the travel restrictions provided an oppor-
2500
encouraging. While the full statistics are not yet available, those tunity for local anglers to fish many of the mainstem beats. The
1000
provided by the Nairn Angling Association tend to account for summer grilse run started strong, before gradually slowing into 2000
about 85 percent of the river’s catches. Despite the loss of the 800 September. An adult fish trap on the River Blackwater supports a
peak spring fishing, they suggest a decent, if dislocated, season. long-term stocking programme to mitigate the effects of hydro- 1500
600
power development. The upturn in the rod catch was mirrored in 1000
400
*Provisional figures the trap catch, with 1,210 adults captured in 2020 – the highest
200 count since 2012. A strong smolt run in 2020 hopefully bodes 500
0
well for grilse catches in 2021. 0
1952
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1984
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2004
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Salmon rod catch - 352; 10 yr average - n/a Nairn rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Salmon rod catch - 1,171; 10 yr average - n/a Conon rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 20; 10 yr average - n/a Source: Nairn DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 162; 10 yr average - n/a Source: Cromarty Firth Fishery Board
Largest salmon: n/a ; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 11 Feb - 7 Oct Largest salmon: 20lb; Largest sea trout: 6lb Season: 11 Feb – 30 Sep
NESS ALNESS
Chris Conroy Ross Glover
Director, Ness DSFB Fisheries Manager, Cromarty Firth Fishery Board
3500 1000
POST 1 JUNE PRE 1 JUNE SALMON/GRILSE
With salmon numbers in decline across the North Atlantic, the 3000 Several large fish were caught following the easing of lockdown 900
additional impacts of Covid-19 made this a challenging season. restrictions, including a 19lb salmon. The first spate in August 800
2500
The national lockdown closed the river for two full months saw between 200 and 300 grilse ascend the Dalmore weir in a 700
during the peak spring period. Fishing effort was much reduced 2000 single day. Catches remained strong into October. Extensive work 600
when partial lifting of the lockdown came into effect. Despite was carried out to the Dalmore weir to extend the fish pass and 500
this, the total catch exceeded that of the previous year. Grilse 1500
in-fill a step on the face of the weir. This will greatly improve 400
catches were the third highest for 10 years, with an encouraging 1000 passage for migratory salmonids over a range of flows. During 300
increase in summer and autumn MSW salmon for the first time the summer, reports of fish suffering from red skin disease were 200
in five years. If Covid hadn’t struck, this would likely have been a 500 received. Despite extensive testing, the cause of the infection 100
relatively good year for the Ness system. 0
remains unknown. 0
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Salmon rod catch - 770; 10 yr average - 906 Ness rod catch statistics 1952-2020 Salmon rod catch - 246; 10 yr average - n/a Alness rod catch statistics 1952-2020
Sea trout rod catch - 55; 10 yr average - 71 Source: Ness DSFB Sea trout rod catch - 41; 10 yr average - n/a Source: Cromarty Firth Fishery Board
Largest salmon: n/a; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 1 Feb-30 Sept Largest salmon: 18lb; Largest sea trout: n/a Season: 11 Feb – 30 Sep
28 | Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2021 | 29You can also read
