Post by speyghillie on Jan 27, 2009 15:22:36 GMT
Having browsed through the 'letters to the editor' section of next months (Feb) issue of the Trout & Salmon this morning, I noticed with great interest 3 letters of appreciation directed toward Neon Reynolds for his article on Catch & Release (C&R) in the January issue.
I have to say that it's very disappointing that the many voluntary and mandatory regulations throughout the UK appear so ambiguous to so many anglers. It’s very clear to all that the main problem indeed lies with marine mortality but the fact is that as individual anglers there is little we can do about it. On the Spey our voluntary conservation policy is very clear. Until 30 June all odd numbers (1,3,5..etc) of Salmon caught are to be released as a minimum. After 30 June, all hens and coloured cock Salmon/grilse are to be released. The vast majority of Spey Ghillies are very proud of their individual beat release figures and as such, the rivers release percentage has increased annually to 77% of the Spring Fish in 2008.
Some may harp on about C&R as a means of simply ‘playing with the fish’ and ‘fuelling the antis with ammunition’ however we just need to look at the coarse anglers who have been fishing like this for years with very little external pressure.
I have to say that I was far more intrigued by reading Andrew Graham-Stewarts (AGS) article on ‘Springers by Numbers’ which affirmed my theory that we can at least stem the decline, albeit only marginally, by returning as many Spring Fish to our rivers as possible.
Although those with rose-tinted glasses argue that the rod catches remain similar, or even slightly higher than those of the late 70’s/early 80’s, they overlook the fact that the total number of wild salmon caught has dropped by roughly 75%.
I quote AGS 'As regards rod catches, the great reduction in netting effort and catches since the 1970's has compensated for the huge decline in marine survival'
Furthermore, to quote FRS Statistical Bulletin of Scottish Salmon and Sea-Trout Catches 2007: 'To date the decline in the netting industry has acted as a buffer for the rod fishery as marine survival has declined'
The figures, sourced from the Fisheries Research Services, are crystal clear for all to see
1970-79 Scotland's Total annual average catches 406,490
1980-89 Scotland's Total annual average catches 306,452
1990-99 Scotland's Total annual average catches 142,929
2000-07 Scotland's Total annual average catches 103,478
I don’t think we can rely upon the likes of the Scottish Government to assist in the plight of the Salmon at sea, especially considering their wholehearted support of the West Coast Salmon Aquaculture programme. No, as a totally dedicated Salmon Angler I will continue to, and in my opinion, feel that for now, we are morally obliged to release every Spring Salmon that we possibly can.
A quote that a few of my guests, not convinced that returned fish ever make the spawning beds hear in reponse to their doubts is - 'One thing is for certain, it will have a far better chance of reproducing once back in the river than it will have lying in the boot of your car!
I have to say that it's very disappointing that the many voluntary and mandatory regulations throughout the UK appear so ambiguous to so many anglers. It’s very clear to all that the main problem indeed lies with marine mortality but the fact is that as individual anglers there is little we can do about it. On the Spey our voluntary conservation policy is very clear. Until 30 June all odd numbers (1,3,5..etc) of Salmon caught are to be released as a minimum. After 30 June, all hens and coloured cock Salmon/grilse are to be released. The vast majority of Spey Ghillies are very proud of their individual beat release figures and as such, the rivers release percentage has increased annually to 77% of the Spring Fish in 2008.
Some may harp on about C&R as a means of simply ‘playing with the fish’ and ‘fuelling the antis with ammunition’ however we just need to look at the coarse anglers who have been fishing like this for years with very little external pressure.
I have to say that I was far more intrigued by reading Andrew Graham-Stewarts (AGS) article on ‘Springers by Numbers’ which affirmed my theory that we can at least stem the decline, albeit only marginally, by returning as many Spring Fish to our rivers as possible.
Although those with rose-tinted glasses argue that the rod catches remain similar, or even slightly higher than those of the late 70’s/early 80’s, they overlook the fact that the total number of wild salmon caught has dropped by roughly 75%.
I quote AGS 'As regards rod catches, the great reduction in netting effort and catches since the 1970's has compensated for the huge decline in marine survival'
Furthermore, to quote FRS Statistical Bulletin of Scottish Salmon and Sea-Trout Catches 2007: 'To date the decline in the netting industry has acted as a buffer for the rod fishery as marine survival has declined'
The figures, sourced from the Fisheries Research Services, are crystal clear for all to see
1970-79 Scotland's Total annual average catches 406,490
1980-89 Scotland's Total annual average catches 306,452
1990-99 Scotland's Total annual average catches 142,929
2000-07 Scotland's Total annual average catches 103,478
I don’t think we can rely upon the likes of the Scottish Government to assist in the plight of the Salmon at sea, especially considering their wholehearted support of the West Coast Salmon Aquaculture programme. No, as a totally dedicated Salmon Angler I will continue to, and in my opinion, feel that for now, we are morally obliged to release every Spring Salmon that we possibly can.
A quote that a few of my guests, not convinced that returned fish ever make the spawning beds hear in reponse to their doubts is - 'One thing is for certain, it will have a far better chance of reproducing once back in the river than it will have lying in the boot of your car!