Ness anglers have forced the Scottish Government to amend planned changes to the conservation status of the River Ness system.
It was announced in September that, for the second year in a row, the entire Ness district would be categorised as Grade 3, meaning every salmon caught had to be released.
But the Scottish Government listened to an objection from the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board which highlighted the impact on rod and net fishing in the area.
The government has now agreed to raise the majority of Ness waters from July 2017 to grade 2, which allows limited exploitation of the salmon stock.
Chris Conroy, director of the Ness Board, said: “The exception is the River Moriston, a special area of conservation, which will remain Grade 3 throughout 2017.
“This is excellent news for so many anglers, locals and visitors alike, and businesses dependent on the sport. The amendment comes after extremely constructive dialogue with the Scottish Government.
“It is highly encouraging that our representations have met with an open minded approach. Angling sustains or contributes to hundreds of jobs in our area and this amendment will be very warmly received.”
The Scottish Government had ruled that, because fish destined for the Moriston pass through, and risk capture and killing in the wider waters of the Ness district, no fish caught could be retained anywhere in the district to protect the Moriston’s fragile stock.
But the fishery board lodged a formal objection. They flagged up the potential damage to rod and net fishing in their area – and they had concerns over the approach used to assess the Moriston’s special conservation status.
The Scottish Government have now agreed that Grade 3 will remain until June 30 to protect “spring” salmon and early running grilse destined for the Moriston.
From July 1, it will remain mandatory that all fish caught in the Moriston conservation area must be released – but the River Ness, Loch Ness and the rest of the district will be changed to Grade 2, allowing some fish caught to be retained.
A new conservation policy will be put in place by the Ness Board to meet the requirement for reduced exploitation in Grade 2 waters.
Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “After listening carefully to the views of the sector, we have made changes to the conservation status of rivers for 2017. This will iron out inconsistencies in river gradings and help ensure wild salmon have a sustainable future in our waters.”