Fisheries ready for salmon parasite

Published on Monday 12 January 2009 21:14

STOCKPILES of disinfectant and hundreds of warning signs have been sent to Scottish salmon fishery boards to keep a deadly parasite away from native fish.

The measures are aimed at protecting rivers from Gyrodactylus salaris (GS), that has had a devastating impact in Norway.

The move comes as anglers gear up for the start of the salmon season on the River Tay tomorrow.

Brian Davidson, director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, said: "The consequences of GS entering a river system are extremely grave, the parasite is very destructive and is probably the single greatest threat to Scotland's salmon stocks.

"It's a hot topic at the moment, but we're confident enough has been done to keep it out Scottish rivers."

The association warns that the bug, which can be found in Scandinavia, France, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Spain, has the ability to wipe out wild salmon fish stocks.

The disinfectant would be used to treat fishermen's tackle and on canoe equipment that may have been taken to infected areas.

Mr Davidson said the association worked with the Scottish Government on the scheme. Signs are already in place at the major salmon rivers, such as the Tay, Spey and Dee, he said. But some smaller rivers such as those in Argyll, the Western Isles and the south-west had none.