Official Statistics
The salmon and sea trout fishery statistics are published by Scottish Government in accordance with the code of practice for official statistics. Please visit About Statistics in Scotland for more information, and to download the code of practice for publishing official statistics.
Future publication dates for salmon and sea trout fishery statistics may be found by checking for updates on the Forthcoming Publications page.
Collecting Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Data
The fishery data held by Marine Scotland Science (MSS) are obtained from returns made annually by the proprietors, occupiers or agents of salmon and sea trout fisheries throughout Scotland. Around 2,000 forms are issued annually of which over 90% are returned.
The MSS Topic Sheet no. 67, Collecting the Marine Scotland Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Statistics describes how the annual survey of salmon and sea trout fisheries is carried out and summarises the available data.
A copy of the blank catch form is available to download.
Publication Scheme
Topic sheets provide summaries of the fishery statistics for both salmon and sea trout for the most recent fishing season. These data are presented together with a commentary which places the reports in the context of a time series of information which has been collected since 1952. An assessment of the status of stocks as inferred from these data is also provided. A further topic sheet describes how the annual survey of salmon and sea trout fisheries is carried out and summarises the available data. In addition, reported fishery statistics for the most recent fishing season may be downloaded for all 109 Scottish fishery districts. Marine Scotland Science (MSS) will continue to respond to direct requests for Scottish salmon and sea trout fishery information if the data provided within the publication scheme does not meet specific needs. We will do our best to supply the information required consistent with our obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998.
If you have a specific request for Scottish salmon and sea trout information please contact Marine Scotland Science (address and telephone number below).
Recent Scottish Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Statistics
Topic sheets and data downloads are available for:
Historic Data
Until the 2009 fishing season, salmon and sea trout statistics were summarised annually in the form of Statistical Bulletins. Fishery statistics from the 2009 season onwards have been summarised as topic sheets. Copies of these reports for the seasons 2001 onwards are available on the Marine Scotland web pages. These publications provided an accurate summary of salmon and sea trout fishery data at the time of issue. Our records are amended when further information is provided, however, and the most accurate historical data may be obtained directly from Marine Scotland Science.
In addition, for most years between 2002 and 2008 MSS produced leaflets to accompany the annual survey of salmon and sea trout fisheries - Salmon and sea trout catch statistics, 2002-2008.
Feedback
Following the introduction of the current publication scheme in 2010 MSS conducted a feedback exercise, and the report is now available. You can still let us know what you think by getting in touch using the contact details below.
If you would like to receive information on Scottish salmon and sea trout fisheries in the future, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Contact Details:
MSS Salmon Assessment Group
Freshwater Laboratory Field Station
Inchbraoch House, South Quay
Ferryden, Montrose
DD10 9SL
Phone: 01674 677070
Fax: 01674 672604
E-mail: ms.catchform@scotland.gsi.gov.uk