Amendment to Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, Scotland

SALMON AND RECREATIONAL FISHERIES
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;
c. To introduce or continue mandatory catch and release in areas which fall below their defined conservation limit; and
d. To seek views on additional proposals with the aim of achieving higher catch and release and associated post-catch survival rates

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 regime will continue for commercially caught fish within inland waters in category 1 and 2 areas. Further information on the assessment process and the proposed gradings for assessment groups for 2023 is now available on the Marine Scotland website:

. scot/publications/salmon-fishing-proposed-river-gradings/ pages/overview-and-gradings/
Representations or objections in respect of these conservation proposals are invited by Friday 9th September 2022. 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 this consultation please visit our website page at

salmon-proposed-river-gradings-2023/for more information on how to respond, or send us your views by email to

or in writing to:-Salmon and Recreational Fisheries, Marine Scotland, Area 1B North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ