Scotland’s Wild Fisheries Review, which aims to ensure that the management of Scotland’s wild fisheries is fit for purpose in the 21st century, has been published this week.
The independent report, chaired and written by Andrew Thin, along with his panel, contains 53 wide-ranging recommendations for change including:
- Creation of a multi-species fishery management system which is founded on evidence-based decision making and recognises the public value of Scotland’s wild fishery resources
- Locally empowered delivery through a network of Fishery Management Organisations in line with agreed local plans
- Creation of a National Wild Fisheries Unit within Scottish Government with a responsibility to provide strategic leadership and co-ordination through development of a national wild fisheries strategy and a research and data strategy
- A ban on the killing of wild salmon except under licence
- A review of the salmon levy to widen it in line with all-species management and introduce greater flexibility in deployment
- Enhancing and further professionalising the skills and experience of those currently working in the sector
- Better promotion of angling as a sport, tourism and social activity, with particular focus on access for young people
Mr Thin said, “The review’s recommendations have been made in response to the challenges and opportunities that our wild fisheries are likely to face over the coming decades. These recommendations signal significant change, but also describe an evolutionary process that will enable the sector to build on its inherent strengths, experience and skills of all those involved in it.”
Receiving the report Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said, “The report is thorough, wide-ranging and contains many recommendations. I will study it in depth and consult on proposals to implement a new management system.”
