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Protecting salmon from deadly parasite
30/04/2009
Scotland's freshwater fisheries and salmon sector was today praised for its role in supporting the rural economy, as a new awareness campaign was launched to help safeguard its future.
Addressing the Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Forum at Ingliston's Royal Highland Centre today, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead paid tribute to the industry.
Mr Lochhead also highlighted the importance of keeping Scotland free of the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) to protect Scotland's rivers and jobs, and launched a new awareness film.
Mr Lochhead said:
"Salmon and freshwater fisheries are an integral part of Scotland's heritage. They play a vital role in supporting the Scottish economy and we should do our best to protect them.
"The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards estimates the total capital value of salmon fisheries in Scotland to be worth £425 million. Game and coarse angling alone is worth over £100 million a year to our economy and supports around 2800 jobs. It is undoubtedly one of our main success stories in recent years.
"We are also looking forward to hosting the World Fly Fishing Championships this summer. In the year of Homecoming this is another opportunity to showcase to the world what Scotland has to offer and enhance its reputation as a premier location for fly fishing.
"While all this paints a picture of a robust industry, diseases such as Gyrodactylus salaris can have devastating effects. Barely visable to the naked eye, this parasite poses no threat to humans, but if it were introduced into our waters, entire river systems could quickly become infected. Scottish salmon have been tested in Norway and have been found to be susceptible to the parasite that has all but wiped out salmon stocks in about 40 of their rivers.
"For this reason, it is fundamental for recreational water users to be educated on these dangers. There is a need to make information readily available on how to easily prevent the spread of Gs. Therefore, I am pleased to announce the launch of a public awareness DVD. It's designed to bring home to people the importance of avoiding introducing Gs into Scotland and the measures that can be taken to prevent its introduction."
A longer instructional video for fisheries interests, based on the Norwegian experience, will shortly be issued to associated businesses.
The Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Forum (SFFF) was set up jointly by the Scottish Government and key stakeholders from the freshwater fisheries sector in 2004 with a Steering Group comprising of government officials and key stakeholders from the freshwater fisheries sector. The SFFF provides a public arena in which attendees can be kept up to date with developments and express their own views.