Salmon river's angling is worth £11m

ANGLING on the River Spey alone generates £11.8 million per year and supports 367 jobs - and a further £1.7 million and 42 jobs in water-sport recreation are also dependent on the river, a new report reveals.

The results of the research into how one of Scotland’s most prized salmon rivers underpins the local economy were released on the same day as Scottish ministers announced a new study into the likely future state of Scotland’s salmon and freshwater fishing industries.

The move was revealed by the deputy environment minister, Allan Wilson, speaking at the first meeting of the Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Forum, which brings together a range of fishing interests.

Presented as "the most complete study of its kind ever to have been undertaken", the Spey survey was carried out between April and October 2003 by contractors from Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Edinburgh. It covered the full range of water related activities, and involved interviews with anglers and canoeists, mail-drop responses and detailed questionnaires.

Yesterday those who rely on the river for their income said it underlined the need for the Spey catchment to be managed in an integrated and sustainable way in order to balance the increasing demands being made on the area’s water resource.

Dr Geoff Riddington from Glasgow Caledonian University, the senior author of the report, said: "As well as quantifying economic impacts, we examined the environmental consequences of water-based recreation and assessed the extent of conflict between competing users such as anglers and paddlers.

"We evaluated the economic impact of all types of angling [salmon and sea trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and coarse angling] and all sailing and paddle sports in the Spey catchment. The use of a common framework means that we can now directly compare the impact on local income and employment of different types of water-based recreation."

Tim Walker, the centre principal at SportScotland’s Glenmore Lodge and a member of the project steering group, drew attention to the contribution that smaller-scale sports such as canoeing can make to local economies.

But Dr James Butler, the director of the Spey Fishery Board, said: "The survey has demonstrated that tourism based on salmon and sea trout fishing is a vital part of the local economy, with each rod-caught fish bringing 1,700 into Strathspey. It is imperative the catchment management plan succeeds in conserving and enhancing salmon stocks and the rod fishery, for the benefit of the area for future generations."

After announcing the new study into freshwater fishing sectors yesterday, Mr Wilson said he was determined to see Scotland’s salmon and freshwater fisheries sustained for the benefit of future generations.

The study commissioned by Mr Wilson will assess what the sector will look like in eight to ten years’ time.

A recent report on the economic impact of game and coarse angling showed that angling contributed 113 million a year to the Scottish economy.

Mr Wilson said: "There are two very significant issues to consider: the economic significance of our salmon and freshwater fisheries, and the future regulatory framework required to ensure that they are managed sustainably and are accessible to as many people as possible.

"The study will help us gauge the future economic importance of these fisheries."

Mr Wilson said a steering group of the forum would pave the way for the introduction of a management system which addressed not only the needs of anglers and those who own the fishing rights, but of the fish as well. "This is a great opportunity to shape the future of freshwater fisheries in Scotland, and the forum has a vital role to play," he said.