25
April
Hard going!
As I write, unless Saturday provides anything special there have only been 4 fish reported caught on the river this week. The April downward trend is very similar to last year but the good news is that next week usually picks up, recent years have seen upwards of 30 fish off for the last week in April. Stats like this are far from great when you compare with the good old days but in a sea now dominated by an out of control seal population, devastating pelagic smolt (by catch), lethal costal mixed stock netting and sea-lice infestation, are we surprised wild salmon stocks are in decline? The latest Scot Gov figures reported today 45,174 salmon were caught in Scotland which is the second lowest on record and possibly "inflated" by C & R. 8,036 were killed by rod and 17,778 killed bt net http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/04/8717
In steps Rob Gibson MSP with a very timely call for Smolt ranching backed by the Government. In a press release this week he states the following - Salmon smolt release benefits angling...
Caithness Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP Rob Gibson has asked the Scottish Government to consider smolt release on a wider scale as a means to improve salmon numbers in Scottish rivers which has had apparent success in Iceland and in several Scottish rivers.
Mr Gibson says that the Government should consider carefully the idea of allowing smolts from hatcheries to be released into some rivers to help increase numbers. He said that in light of the wild fishing review recommendations that the idea merited consideration especially given the apparent success in Iceland.
Mr Gibson said:
“As climate change takes effect there are fewer salmon in Scotland’s rivers and a new approach has to be looked at. It is incumbent on the Scottish Government to assess the viability of smolt release potential. Although it would have to be done rigorously nonetheless if this is a way to increase the number of salmon and sustainability of salmon in rivers then it should be considered. .
“The Iceland experience on the river Ranga is interesting. From no salmon it is now the country’s best salmon rivers after the release of smolts. It it can work there I see no reason why it could not here as introductions on the River Lochy in Lochaber and River Carron in SW Ross already show.
“The Government has draft recommendations from the wild fish review under consideration. I think that the majority anglers would like to see this approach more widely applied.”
He will ask the following questions in parliament.
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the draft recommendations in the wild fishing review, what research it is conducting on the potential benefits of releasing salmon smolt from hatcheries into salmon fishing rivers.
To ask the Scottish Government which rivers have smolt release programmes for the boosting of salmon stocks.
To ask the Scottish Government what evidence is there regarding whether smolt release programmes sustain salmon stocks for angling.
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on supporting smolt release programmes on a greater range of (a) east and (b) west coast rivers.
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You may ask, well why cant we just control seals etc?, (incredibly controversal topic) only a handfull can be shot annually under license which is hopeless. Why can't we stop costal netting? Netsmen have heritable rights same as proprietors so nothing can be done there unless bought out. Salmon Farming is here to stay as the product generates huge income in the food sector. High Sea-lice numbers need to be controlled around salmon farms, almost impossible but its tightening up. The deep blue sea is the main problem by all accounts, an enigma, but the Atlantic Salmon Trust and various other bodies are on the case it would seem - watch this space I guess...
It is good news from Rob Gibson "every little helps". I am far from convinced by some prominent scientists who state that any ranching or rearing of hatchery salmon is totally degrading to the gene pool and i'll tell you why! Historical records show that since the early 1900s the Helmsdale river has been introducing up to 1 million fry to the catchement via 2 hatcheries, (not so now and from one hatchery) if it is indeed the case that this is damaging to our local gene pool and subsequent stocks then the river would be on its last legs and almost certainly finished by now after over 100 years of messing right?! I think one could argue with confidence that this is NOT the case! so I believe smolt ranching may have mileage...with a little luck, Scot Gov may fund some major projects in the future? Rob Gibson suggests that this may well happen after consultation...I view this as a progressive move in general as I see all sorts of possibilities for more employment and research etc in a new Fisheries Management framework proposed as part of the recent Wild Fisheries Review.
Now some pics from the past week and don't forget we are still on "Buy 3 get 1 free" mode on all flies but not for much longer so get some orders in if you have not taken advantage yet! we have some great new flies in stock.
A fish I had on the Brora Monday morning from Madman pool ( very aptly named for 6am! ) It was caught on a new fly I am testing - it works!!
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Sun not long up on the Ford pool, top half of lower river Brora 6.30am Loop Cross S1 13ft in operation.
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Not on topic but important news all the same for the village. The Helmsdale & District Development Trust opened the first local social housing this week with the Scottish Government Housing Minister Margaret Burgess and local school children and dignitaries on hand to assist. A historical £600.000 project completed on time and within budget. The Trust have many projects in hand within the Local Development Plan prioritised by the village and it is great to see ideas come to fruition. The local Filling station project is at a very advanced stage and hopefully next on the list to get back up and running. The Trust sports a group of active local Directors from various occupations (including myself) offering strategic skill sets which support a full time Development Officer. When the Trust get on a job its gets done! there are exciting times ahead for development in the area.
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Aaron Grant presents flowers to Minister Margaret Burgess with Development officer Paul Harrington and Chairman Ruth Whittaker looking on.
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The weather has taken a real change for the worst over the weekend - check out the Strath Sunday!!
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