This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Salmon catches in 2005
05/10/2006
Anglers enjoyed another excellent year's sport in 2005 with the number of rod catches of salmon reaching the fifth highest on record.
A total of 83,800 salmon and grilse were caught in the last year which builds on the five year average of 68,247 for 2000 to 2004.
Experts at the Fisheries Research Services found that anglers have again released more fish than they retained. 55 percent of the 2005 salmon and grilse catch was returned to the water to help maintain high stock levels.
Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Rhona Brankin said:
"Angling plays an important role in sustaining our rural economy and I am encouraged to see healthy catch levels for a second consecutive year.
"However, there is still cause for concern about the numbers of salmon dying before they return to our shores, and our scientists are working, both here and internationally, to try to understand why this is happening."