A campaign is being launched to ensure that Highland anglers practice catch and release of salmon on waters where a new ban on taking fish is looming.
Donald McClachlan with a 17lb ‘spring’ salmon caught and released at Ness Castle Lodges in 2016.
Police officers and a network of local water bailiffs throughout the North will be on patrol to tackle those who fail to obey the new regulations, which come in to effect on April 1 – running directly on from existing spring conservation measures.
Chris Conroy, director of the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, revealed: “A major effort is going in ensure the new conservation regulations are effectively implemented in affected salmon districts, which includes the Ness system.
“A heavy fine and a criminal record could await those who attempt to keep any salmon they have caught.”
The new Highland Partnership against Wildlife Crime will be co-ordinating the campaign, as well as educating the public about the new conservation regulation introduced by the Scottish Government. The regulation requires mandatory catch and release of salmon, with the situation to be reviewed in 12 months’ time to assess if there has been a conservation improvement.
The Ness system — which includes Loch Ness and the Garry, Moriston and Ness rivers — is one of a number of Highland salmon districts which will be affected by the new ban. The waters of the neighbouring Beauly district are also among those affected.
Mr Conroy said: “We’ve had, like most other river systems in the area, our own existing voluntary catch and release policy and on the Ness, for instance, over 80 per cent of salmon were released last year.
Police Scotland and Ness DSFB water bailiffs working in partnership.
“But the Scottish Government have now opted for a mandatory 100 per cent restriction and it’s important that people are aware of this and don’t find themselves unwittingly committing a criminal offence. The Highland Partnership against Wildlife Crime has agreed that the monitoring and enforcement of this ban will be its first priority campaign since being set up.
“There will be those who fancy taking a risk and keeping ‘one for the pot’, or to sell to a local hotel or restaurant, which has been too prevalent a practice. Our warning to them is that the new Partnership, of which Police Scotland is a key part, aims to make that much more difficult.”
Map illustrating the conservation status of salmon districts across Scotland (Scottish Government). Mandatory catch and release applies in the yellow areas (Grade 3).
Three conservation grades have been introduced by the Scottish Government and the Ness system, along with much of the Highlands, has been allocated to Grade 3 where ‘exploitation is deemed unsustainable and mandatory catch and release will be required for one year’. The other two grades do not require this sanction.
Mr Conroy urges anglers to check with fishery proprietors, fishery trusts, or district salmon fishery boards if they are in any doubt about the new restriction applying to the waters they wish to fish.
The new Highland Partnership against Wildlife Crime includes, in addition to the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, Police Scotland, Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, RSPB, Scottish Land and Estates, National Farmers Union Scotland and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association.
Ian Wilson, NFU Scotland and chairman of HPAW said: “With changes to the law surrounding salmon fishing on many of our rivers, the highland PAW group will work with its partners to ensure all are fully aware of legislation changes so that not only do fishermen stay within the law, but most importantly salmon stocks are allowed the chance to recover in the under threat rivers.”
Inspector Mike Middlehurst of Police Scotland North Division said: “As a partner in HPAW we will be working closely with local District Salmon Fishery Boards and will assist in delivering education about these regulations and perform joint patrols to encourage compliance.”
