Salmon and Trout Association: Mixed Net Fisheries

The S&TA campaign to facilitate the buy-out of remaining Scottish coastal mixed stock fisheries has been suspended for the time being. The Chief Executive now sits on the Scottish Government’s Mixed Stock Fisheries Working Group, which, along with representatives of the netsmen, is looking at ways in which the coastal netting stations can have less impact on salmon stocks.

The working group will have completed five meetings by May 2009, and a final report will then be submitted to the Scottish Government. Regular updates will be posted on this site, together with the decision on S&TA’s future policy in light of the report.

History:

Mixed Stock and recreational salmon netting Update 2006

For salmon, the best news from 2006 was the announcement by the Irish Government that the Irish drift net fishery is to close. Good news indeed but, for UK Governments, it will have the effect of raising the pressure for the removal of their remaining mixed stock net fisheries.

In England, the 16 North East Drift nets had a declared catch in 2005 of 5,600 fish, and on the west coast, the Solway haaf nets declared 2005 catch was 2752. This compares with the 2004 declared catch of 1,469 which, as a result of Environment Agency surveillance and court action, was considered to be an under declaration of between 50% and 74%. The Solway NLO ends in 2007, and the advertisement for the Agency proposals is eagerly awaited. Although these nets catch predominantly fish destined for the Eden (an SAC) and the Border Esk, there is likely to be a component heading for the Annan, and even the Derwent and Nith.

Another issue with the Solway is that, for generations now, the haaf netters have claimed to be recreational and a heritage fishery that should be preserved. Whilst not everyone would enjoy holding a heavy haaf net in the tide at the dead of night, a mile or more from dry land in the company only of nature and other netsmen in the line, one can understand the camaraderie and jealously guarded way of life that this fishery engenders.

But what should constitute a recreational fishery and what controls are appropriate?

If a fishery is recreational, then it is not being run as a business – no tax returns are necessary! But should a netsmen catching salmon as a hobby be allowed to sell such fish. Unfortunately, on the Solway, fish were being sold through a local smokery and ended up as a premium and very expensive product on the fish counter of Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly. All perfectly legal, but hardly in keeping with the term ‘recreational’.

The NLO is up for review and, as the EA have concerns as to whether the Eden is meeting its spawning escapement targets, it has been suggested that the recreational rods should have a two fish per day limit. It is not yet known what the proposals should be for the nets, but if both anglers and netsmen are both considered recreational, would it not be appropriate that the nets should also have a daily two fish limit imposed?