The SGA Fishing Group tabled an amendment designed to add greater urgency to the Wild Salmon Strategy and to ensure the correct priorities were being pursued in real-time, see: https://www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk/latest-news/2024/2026-01-21-sga-fishing-group-moves-to-help-salmon.php
While this amendment, tabled by Edward Mountain MSP and assisted by Emma Roddick MSP, was not taken forward, Marine officials have stated that they will seek the views of river ghillies and workers when it comes to Implementing the Strategy. The SGA will now ensure a regular forum will be established to feed in.
Minister Mairi Gougeon praised the intention behind the amendment but felt it ran the risk of potentially duplicating the annual reporting work Scottish Government must undertake for NASCO. She also said the group tasked to deliver the Strategy’s Implementation Plan already had the ability to adjust course, if necessary.
There will also be increased penalties for salmon poaching.
