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Proposal for Conservation of Salmon Regulations in Coastal Waters
What is happening?
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
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 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 catching and killing of salmon in Scotland. The general effect of this proposal will be to:
a) continue to prohibit the retention of any salmon caught in coastal waters;
b) permit the killing of salmon in inland waters where stocks are above a defined conservation limit (the minimum safe stock level); and
c) 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 good or moderate conservation status. Further information is available on https://www.gov.scot/publications/salmon-fishingproposed-conservation-status-for-2027season/
Representations or objections in respect of these conservation proposals are invited by Friday 4 September 2026. Representations should include, where relevant, details of any financial implications arising as a result of the proposals, or potential impacts on people or groups fishing for salmon. Should you wish to participate in the consultation please visit https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/salmon-fishingproposed-status-2027-season/. You can also contact us at salmonandrecreationalfisheries@gov.scot or by writing to Wild Salmon and Recreational Fisheries, Marine Directorate, Area 1B North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.
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