§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what plans he has to reduce angling in Scottish salmon rivers; and what estimates he has made of catch levels in Scottish rivers in each of the past five years; [59324]
(2) what representations he has received on proposals to reduce commercial salmon netting in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [59325]
§ Mr. MacdonaldReported catches of salmon during 1997 were the lowest on record. This situation was broadly reflected throughout the range of the species. This prompted the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea to advise the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation that extreme caution should be exercised in the exploitation of stocks, both by angling and nets, particularly early running fish.
On 9 October, my noble Friend the Minister with responsibility for fisheries at the Scottish Office, Lord Sewel, met representatives of District Salmon Fishery Boards, who are charged with statutory responsibility for managing wild stocks, and urged on them the need to take appropriate action in the light of the advice received. Information on catches in Scottish rivers has been collected since 1952 and published in the statistical bulletins, copies of which have been placed in the House Library.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has assessed of the effects of seal predation of Scottish salmon stocks; and what measures he proposes to take. [59326]
§ Mr. MacdonaldA recent study based on direct observation of seals and their impact on salmon in the rivers Dee and Don was conducted by Aberdeen University and the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen. A new project studying the interaction between the species is about to start on the River Conon. These studies, together with the 1998 report from the Special Committee on Seals of the Natural Environment Research Council, which is expected shortly, will inform future decisions about seal management.