Salmon catch figures show increase

LAST year’s salmon catch on Scotland’s rivers was the sixth highest rod catch on record, it was revealed yesterday.

New statistics also disclosed that 91 per cent of rod-caught spring salmon were released, as were 73 per cent of the overall annual rod catch.

The total reported catch of salmon, both retained and released, in 2011 was 86,655.

The number of sea trout caught was 24,049 – an increase of 8 per cent compared to the previous five-year average.

Environment minister Stewart Stevenson welcomed the figures. He said: “As the film Salmon Fishing in the Yemen open in cinemas today, a rare spotlight is cast on the role of Scottish fisheries scientists and their work to preserve and protect our iconic wild salmon.

“In collaboration with anglers, our network of scientists and biologists are having success in combating declines in salmon numbers returning to Scotland’s coasts, as demonstrated by the continued high rod catches during the 2011 season.

“Salmon and trout fishing in the Highlands and throughout Scotland is part of our heritage and provides a real draw for tourism and a boost for rural economies. I’m determined to ensure it will remain so for many generations to come.”