A salmon conservation group is calling for a total ban on the killing of wild salmon in Scotland before July 1 for the next five years.
The Salmon and Trout Association (Scotland) has teamed with leading angling guide and consultant Ian Gordon to launch an online petition in an attempt to protect salmon stocks following two years of poor salmon runs.
And their petition which was launched this morning on the Scottish Parliament website already has almost 1,000 signatures.
They point out that, in 2013, 6,563 salmon were killed before July 1 – two thirds of which were taken by nets – and they say decisive action is required to help stop the decline.
Until now, the season started in mid-February, but the Scottish Government has introduced a new conservation measure, banning any killing of salmon by nets or anglers before April 1 for five years starting next year.
However, the association and Mr Gordon want the ban extended to July 1, starting next year. And, if it is not possible within this timescale, they want it to start in 2016.
Their petition also calls for an end to all coastal salmon netting because they say it is totally indiscriminate and incapable of distinguishing between river stocks, which are healthy, and those that are severely depleted.
Association chairman Hughie Campbell Adamson said: “It is evident that the Scottish rod catch of salmon in 2014 was the lowest in over 60 years and just 50% of the 10 year average.
“Decisive action is now needed to reduce significantly the number killed, particularly the most vulnerable stocks – those that arrive back on our coasts between January and June.”
Last year, Mr Gordon launched an online petition calling for Scottish Ministers to stop the resumption of net fishing in the early spring after a 14-year voluntary cessation. This was signed by more than 20,000 people.
He said: I am pleased to note that the Scottish Government has now introduced a conservation measure from the 2015 season banning any killing of salmon before April 1.
“We now need to go much further and I hope our new petition can build on this momentum so that the Scottish Parliament gives due priority to greater protection to our wild salmon, until such time as stocks of one of Scotland’s most iconic species show a marked recovery.”
The petition closes on January 26.