Victoria Quay, Amendments To Salmon Conservation Regulations

Scottish Government

Riaghaltas na h-Alba

gov.scot

CONSERVATION OF SALMON REGULATIONS

In terms of paragraph 11 of Schedule 1 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 (“the Act”) notice is hereby given that the Scottish Ministers propose to make amendments to the conservation of salmon regulations, made under section 38 of the Act, which will continue to regulate the killing of salmon in Scotland.

The general effect of this proposal will be:

a) To continue to prohibit the retention of salmon caught in coastal waters;

b) To permit the killing of salmon in inland waters where stocks are above a defined conservation limit following the annual assessment of salmon stocks and;

c) To introduce or continue mandatory catch and release in areas which fall below their defined conservation limit.

Under section 38(7) of the Act it is an offence to act in contravention of the regulations or to fail to take any action required to comply with a requirement of the regulations. If a person is found guilty of such an offence, they will be liable to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale. The carcass tagging scheme will continue for commercially caught fish within inland waters categorised as being in good or moderate conservation status.

Further information on the assessment process and the proposed gradings for assessment groups for 2026 is now available on the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/salmon-fishing-proposed-river-gradings-for-2026-season/overview

Representations or objections in respect of these conservation proposals are invited by Sunday 7 September 2025. Representations should include, where relevant, details of any financial implications arising as a result of the proposals, or proposals for alternative measures or potential impacts on people or groups fishing for salmon.

To take part in the consultation please visit: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/salmon-fishing-proposed-river-gradings-2026-season/

For more information, you can contact us by email: salmonandrecreationalfisheries@gov.scot or in writing to:

Wild Salmon and Recreational Fisheries, Marine Directorate, Area 1B North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.