This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Future for freshwater fisheries
23/06/2004
A study has been commissioned to assess what the salmon
and freshwater sectors in Scotland will look like in eight
to ten years.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Scottish Freshwater
Fisheries Forum, Deputy Environment and Rural Development
Minister Allan Wilson made clear his determination to see
Scotland's world-renowned salmon and freshwater fisheries
sustained for the benefit of future generations.
The Forum's Steering Group, which includes
representatives of game and coarse anglers, salmon fishery
boards, fisheries scientists, and environmental
organisations will see the public and private sectors
working together to deliver positive change to Scotland's
freshwater fisheries.
Allan Wilson said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to improving our
salmon and freshwater fisheries. The Economic Impact on
game and coarse angling report which we recently published
highlighted that angling contributes around 113 million
pounds a year to the Scottish economy.
"There are two very significant issues to consider - the
economic significance of our salmon and freshwater
fisheries, and the future regulatory framework required to
ensure that they are managed sustainably, and are
accessible to as many people as possible.
"The study will help us gauge the future economic
importance of these fisheries. The Forum's Steering Group
involves all parties with an interest in fishing matters.
Its work will lead to the introduction of a management
system which addresses not only the requirements of anglers
and those who own the fishing rights, but of the fish as
well.
"This is a great opportunity to shape the future of
freshwater fisheries in Scotland, and the Forum has a vital
role to play."
Some of the issues under consideration at today's Forum
included: the management of fisheries resources;
Scotland-wide access to freshwater fisheries; control of
transfers of fish between catchments; use of fish as live
bait; and angling methods.
All the major freshwater fisheries groups were invited
to participate in the Forum, with more than 150
individuals/organisations attending the conference.
The following organisations are represented on the
Forum's Steering Group: Association of West Coast Fisheries
Trusts; Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling; Association
of Salmon Fishery Boards; Institute of Fisheries
Management; Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Salmon
Net Fishing Association of Scottish; Scottish Anglers
National Association; Atlantic Salmon Trust; Consultative
Committee on Protection Orders; Fish Conservation Centre;
Scottish Campaign for Public Angling; Salmon and Trout
Association (Scotland); Scottish Natural Heritage;
Association of Scottish Stillwater Fisheries; Fisheries
Research Services; and a representative of the east coast
fisheries trusts.
The general purpose of the Forum is to allow for an
exchange of
information and discussion on topical issues. The
Scottish Executive is keen to use the Forum to aid our
consultation process and decision making for any new
legislation.
The News Release announcing the publication of the
Report on the Economic Impact of Game and Coarse Angling in
Scotland can be accessed at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2004/03/SEEN823.aspx