Scottish salmon and sea trout catches 2008

1
// CONTENTS
1. Summary ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2
Salmon ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2
Current status of salmon stocks .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....2
Sea trout ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....3
Current status of sea trout stocks .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....3
2. Introduction ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....4
Data collection.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....4
Fishery districts and regions... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....4
The fisheries . .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....4
Catches ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....5
Fishing effort. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....5
Provision of data .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....5
3. Catch and effort reported by Scottish fisheries in 2008.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....6
3.1 Salmon and grilse... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....6
Annual catch & effort; all Scotland .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....6
Catches of spring salmon, summer salmon and grilse; all Scotland .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....7
Annual catch by region and fishing method. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....7
Comparison of east and west coast fisheries.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....8
Farmed salmon and grilse... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....8
3.2 Sea trout ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....9
Annual catch & effort; all Scotland .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ....9
Annual catch by region and fishing method. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .10
Comparison of east and west coast fisheries.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .10
4. Trends in Scottish salmon and sea trout fisheries .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .11
4.1. Salmon ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .11
Catches of spring salmon, summer salmon and grilse... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .13
Comparison of east and west coast fisheries.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .14
4.2. Sea trout ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .15
Catch and release ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .16
Comparison of east and west coast fisheries.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .17
5. Interpretation .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
5.1 Salmon ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
Recent events .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
The decline in net fisheries .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
Declines in the numbers of salmon returning to home waters .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
The numbers of salmon entering rivers appear stable for now. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .18
Trends in abundance vary among stock components.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .19
Current status of salmon stocks .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .19
5.2 Sea trout ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .19
Recent events .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .19
The decline in net fisheries .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .20
Trends in rod catch vary between geographic areas .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .20
Trends in rod catch may be taken to infer trends in spawning escapement ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .20
Current status of sea trout stocks .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .20
Table 1: Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught
and retained by salmon fishery region and by method during 2008. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .21
Table 2: Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught
and retained by salmon fishery region and district during 2008. .. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .22
Table 3: Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught
and released by salmon fishery region and district from rod and line fisheries during 2008. .... .... .... .... .... .... .23
Table 4: Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of farmed salmon and grilse caught by
salmon fishery region and by method during 2008 . .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .24
Table 5: Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of farmed salmon and grilse caught by
salmon fishery region and district during 2008 ... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .25
Table 6 :Number of questionnaires sent to proprietors and occupiers of salmon fisheries in 2008
and the number of returns received .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .26
Salmon Fisheries — Statistical Regions and Districts.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .27
Names of the Salmon Fishery Statistical Districts .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .28
Contact information .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .29

2
// 1. SUMMARY
Salmon
• 11,703, 3,957 and 32,821 wild salmon and grilse were reported caught
and retained in the fixed engine, net and coble and rod and line fisheries
respectively in 2008. A further 53,038 wild salmon and grilse were reported
caught and released by the rod fishery. The national index of fishing effort for
the fixed engine fishery was 181 trap months and for the net and coble fishery
was 62 crew months. We have no record of the fishing effort associated with
the rod and line fishery nationally.
• The reported number of spring salmon caught and retained by all methods in
2008 was 1,602, 95% of which were taken by rod and line.
• In 2008, catch and release accounted for 62% of the total rod catch and 78% of
the spring rod catch.
• Fishing effort in both net fisheries was lower than the previous 5-year average,
the fixed engine effort being at its lowest since records began in 1952. Catches
in both net fisheries also declined compared to the previous 5-year average.
•.
In the rod and line fishery, total catches (retained plus released) increased by
6% compared to the previous 5-year average. Both spring and summer salmon
catches increased slightly in 2008, while grilse catches showed a decline
compared to the previous 5-year average. In 2008, rod catches in both the
east and west coast regions increased when compared to the previous 5-year
average.
• Long term trends in rod catch also varied among individual stock components.
Reported catches of spring salmon show a general decline since records began
in 1952 while grilse have increased and the catches of summer salmon show
little trend over the same period.
CURRENT STATUS OF SALMON STOCKS
Taken over the time series as a whole, the total annual rod catch shows a slight
increase. Furthermore, total rod catches between 2004 and 2008 have been at the
high end of the observed range, which may be taken as evidence of a recent increase
in the numbers of fish entering fresh water and, given the record levels of catch and
release reported, escaping to spawn.

3
However, the status of stocks on smaller geographical scales (e.g. among or within
catchments) may differ both from each other and also from the overall assessments
presented above. The long term decline in the total rod catch of spring salmon suggests
that the populations associated with this stock component may be particularly weak.
Sea trout
• 2,810, 2,732 and 7,612 sea trout were reported caught and retained in the fixed
engine, net and coble and rod and line fisheries respectively in 2008. A further
9,631 sea trout were reported caught and released by the rod fishery.
• In 2008, catch and release accounted for 56% of the total rod catch.
• Over the time series as a whole, broad scale geographic differences are apparent
in the sea trout fisheries. Catches from west coast fisheries have declined
while those on the east, although exhibiting considerable short–term variation,
have shown no clear trend. In addition, catches from west coast fisheries are
currently at the lowest levels recorded in the time series.
• Rod catches in both east and west coast rod fisheries were at historically low
levels in 2008, maintaining the pattern of recent years. Catches in both east and
west coast fisheries were lower than the previous 5-year average.
CURRENT STATUS OF SEA TROUT STOCKS
Since 2003, rod catches of sea trout for Scotland as a whole have been among the
lowest in the time series and catches in both east and west coast rod fisheries are
currently at historically low levels. Taking the time series as a whole, however,
analysis of the catch data suggests contrasting trends on the east and west coasts. In
the absence of other evidence to the contrary, the lack of clear trend in the east coast
rod catches may be taken to indicate no clear long term trend in the numbers of fish
both entering fresh water and escaping to spawn. In contrast, sea trout catches in west
coast fisheries have declined markedly over the same period.
As with considerations of the status of salmon stocks, it should be borne in mind that
the status of stocks on smaller geographical scales (e.g. among or within catchments)
may differ both from each other and also from the overall assessments presented
above.

4
// 2. INTRODUCTION
Reported catch and effort from Scottish salmon and sea trout fisheries in 2008 are
summarised in Section 3 and Tables 1 to 5 (pages 21 to 25). Long term trends in the
fisheries are described in Section 4 and the interpretation of these trends in relation to
the status of Scottish salmon and sea trout stocks is considered in Section 5.
Data Collection
The statistics presented here are obtained from returns made in response to an
annual questionnaire sent to the proprietors and occupiers of salmon and sea trout
fisheries under the provisions of section 64 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries
(Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003. In 2008, 1977 forms were sent, of which
93% were returned in time to be included in this summary (Table 6, page 26). The
information presented in this bulletin is the summation of these reports; no attempt
has been made to correct the data for non-returns or incomplete information held in
the register of proprietors and occupiers.
Fishery Districts and Regions
For the purposes of this bulletin, data are combined geographically into 62 Districts
which are further aggregated into 11 Regions (pages 27 and 28). Districts correspond
either to a single river catchment together with adjacent coast or to groups of
neighbouring river catchments and associated coastline. Some parts of Scotland are
not considered to be fully covered by the survey at present. In this regard, Orkney and
Shetland have been omitted from the regional analyses reported here. The register of
owners and occupiers of Scottish salmon fisheries continues to be updated to improve
the accuracy of the survey.
The Fisheries
Data in this bulletin are also collated by fishing method. All Scottish salmon and sea
trout fisheries fall into one of three broad categories:
• Fixed Engine fisheries largely operate in coastal areas. Within this category, bagnets,
stake nets and jumper nets operate throughout Scotland, while poke nets
and haaf nets are restricted to the Solway Region.
• Net & Coble fisheries are beach seine operations which are generally restricted
to estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers.
• Rod & Line fisheries comprise recreational angling activities which generally
take place within rivers.

5
Catches
Each fishery is asked to provide the numbers and total weight of both wild and farmed
salmon and grilse as well as sea trout caught and retained in each month of the fishing
season. In addition, rod & line fisheries are asked to provide the monthly numbers and
total weights of those salmon, grilse and sea trout which were caught and may have
been retained but were released back into the river (catch & release). Data published
in this bulletin are as reported. No attempt has been made to correct for “grilse error”,
the mis-classification of fish between grilse and salmon categories.
Since 2004, information on “adult sea trout” and “finnock” (sea trout which have spent
only a few months at sea before making their first return to fresh water and also
known as whitling and herling) has been required to be recorded separately.
Fishing Effort
Net fisheries are asked to provide monthly indices of fishing effort. All fisheries
report the minimum and maximum number of individuals directly employed in fishing
operations. In addition, fixed engine fisheries report minimum and maximum numbers
of traps deployed while net & coble fisheries report the minimum and maximum
number of crews that operated. In both cases, this latter information is used to derive
the median monthly effort data reported in this bulletin. Effort returns from those
fixed engine fisheries unique to the Solway (poke and haaf nets) do not yield data that
can be easily combined with returns from the more common gear types. Data from this
region are currently omitted when calculating a national index for fixed engine fishing
effort (Figures 8 and 15).
Rod & line fisheries are not currently required to provide indices of fishing effort.
Provision of Data
The data summarised in Tables 1 to 5 are the best available information for the 2008
fishing season at the time of publication. Our records are amended when further
information becomes available and the most accurate historical data may be obtained
directly from Marine Scotland, Montrose. Contact information is provided on page 29.
The numbers and weight of wild salmon and sea trout caught and retained by both
net and rod fisheries have been collected since 1952 together with indices of netting
effort. In addition, net and rod catches of farmed salmon have been collected since
1994 together with information on salmon and sea trout caught and released by the
rod fishery.

6
// 3. CATCH AND EFFORT REPORTED BY SCOTTISH
FISHERIES IN 2008
The categories of fishing method referred to in this section are described in the
Introduction. Tables 1 and 2 (pages 21 and 22) summarise the numbers and total
weights of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught and retained in 2008. Table 3
(page 23) summarises the numbers and weights of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout
caught and released by rod and line in 2008.
3.1 Salmon and Grilse
ANNUAL CATCH & EFFORT; ALL SCOTLAND
11,703 wild salmon and grilse were reported caught and retained in the fixed engine
fishery in 2008. The national index of netting effort, excluding Solway, was 181 trap
months. 3,957 wild salmon and grilse were reported caught and retained in the net &
coble fishery. Reported effort was 62 crew months.
32,821 wild salmon and grilse were reported caught and retained in the rod & line
fishery. A further 53,038 wild salmon and grilse (62% of the total rod catch) were
reported caught and released. We have no time series of fishing effort information
associated with the rod & line fishery.
To assess the performance of the fisheries in 2008 compared to recent years, the
reported annual catch and effort for each was expressed as a proportion of the
previous 5-year average (Figure 1).
Proportion of previous 5-year average (%)
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
Fixed Engine Net & Coble Rod & Line
(Retained)
Rod & Line
(Released)
Rod & Line
(Total)
Catch
Netting Effort
Figure 1.
Reported salmon and grilse catch and netting effort for 2008 expressed as a proportion of
the previous 5-year averages (2003 to 2007).
Fixed engine and net & coble effort declined in 2008 compared to the previous 5-year
average, fixed engine effort being at its lowest since records began in 1952. Catches
in both net fisheries also declined compared to the previous 5-year average. In the
rod and line fishery the number of fish caught and retained declined by 10% while the
number caught and released increased by 18%, resulting in an overall increase of 6% in
total rod catch, compared to the previous 5-year average.

7
CATCHES OF SPRING SALMON, SUMMER SALMON AND GRILSE; ALL SCOTLAND
The reported number of spring salmon (multi sea-winter fish taken before 1 May)
which were caught and retained in 2008 was 1,602, 95% of which were taken by rod
and line, 5% by fixed engine and none by net & coble. A further 5,286 spring salmon
(78% of the total rod catch) were caught by rod & line and released.
The reported number of summer salmon (multi sea-winter fish taken after 30 April)
which were caught and retained in 2008 was 23,927. The rod & line fishery took
76% of the catch with the fixed engine and net & coble fisheries taking 17% and 7%
respectively. A further 30,197 summer salmon (62% of the total rod catch) were caught
by rod & line and released.
The reported number of grilse caught and retained in 2008 was 22,952. The rod &
line fishery caught 57% of the total and the fixed engine and net & coble fisheries
accounted for 33% and 10% respectively. A further 17,555 grilse (57% of the total rod
catch) were caught by rod & line and released.
Proportion of previous 5-year average (%)
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
Spring Salmon Summer Salmon Grilse
Figure 2.
Reported catch of spring salmon, summer salmon and grilse by total rod catch, retained plus
released, for 2008 expressed as a proportion of the previous 5-year averages (2003 to 2007).
Restricting the analysis to the rod fisheries, total catches (retained plus released) of
both spring and summer salmon increased slightly in 2008 compared to recent years,
while grilse catches declined compared to the previous 5-year average (Figure 2).
ANNUAL CATCH BY REGION AND FISHING METHOD
The distribution of catch among regions is shown in Figure 3 by method. The catches
in both net fisheries in 2008 were dominated by relatively few regions. 81% of fixed
engine catches were taken in the North and North East , while in the net & coble
fishery, the East and North East accounted for 92% of the total catch. Rod & line
catches (retained plus released) were more evenly spread although the East and Moray
Firth regions accounted for 57% of the total catch. Orkney and Shetland have been
omitted from the analysis.

8
Fixed Engine
Net & Coble
Rod & Line
East
North East
North
North West
Clyde
Solway
Moray Firth
West
Outer Hebrides
Figure 3.
Distribution of the annual reported catch of salmon and grilse among regions. Data for each
fishing method are shown separately. Rod & line catch includes both retained and released
fish.
COMPARISON OF EAST AND WEST COAST FISHERIES
To assess the regional performance of the fisheries in 2008 compared to recent years,
total annual rod catch (retained plus released) of east coast (East, North East, Moray
Firth and North regions; page 27) and west coast (North West, West, Clyde Coast,
Solway and Outer Hebrides; page 27) fisheries were summed separately and expressed
as a proportion of the previous 5-year average (Figure 4). The analysis was restricted
to rod fisheries as these catches were more evenly spread among regions compared
to the net fisheries. As in the previous four years, catches in 2008 increased in both
geographical areas compared to the previous 5-year average.
.
Proportion of previous 5-year average (%)
120
115
110
105
100
East Coast
West Coast
Figure 4.
Total reported rod catch (retained + released) of salmon and grilse in 2008 expressed as a
proportion of the previous 5-year averages (2003 to 2007). Data for east and west coast
fisheries are shown separately.
FARMED SALMON AND GRILSE
Tables 4 and 5 (pages 24 and 25) summarise the reported numbers and total weights
of salmon and grilse of farmed origin caught in 2008. A total of 251 fish of farmed
origin were reported in 2008, a decline of 22% compared to the previous 5-year

9
average. Salmon and grilse of farmed origin represented 0.3% of the total number of
salmon and grilse caught in 2008.
The distribution of farmed origin fish was highly uneven, the North, North West, West
and Outer Hebrides regions (page 27) accounting for 88% of reports.
3.2 SEA TROUT
ANNUAL CATCH & EFFORT; ALL SCOTLAND
2,810 sea trout were reported caught and retained in the fixed engine fishery in 2008.
The national index of fishing effort, excluding Solway, was 181 trap months. 2,732
sea trout were reported caught and retained in the net & coble fishery in 2008. The
reported effort was 62 crew months.
7,612 sea trout were reported caught and retained in the rod & line fishery in 2008. A
further 9,631 sea trout (56% of the total rod catch) were reported caught and released.
We have no time series of fishing effort information associated with the rod & line
fishery.
To assess the performance of the fisheries in 2008 compared to recent years, the
reported annual catch and effort for each in 2008 was expressed as a proportion of
the previous 5-year average (Figure 5).
Proportion of previous 5-year average (%)
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
Fixed Engine Net & Coble Rod & Line
(Retained)
Rod & Line
(Released)
Rod & Line
(Total)
Catch
Netting Effort
Figure 5.
Reported sea trout catch and netting effort for 2008 expressed as a proportion of the
previous 5-year averages (2003 to 2007).
Fishing effort in both net fisheries in 2008 declined compared to the previous 5-year
average, the fixed engine effort being the lowest since records began in 1952.
Reported catches were lower than the previous 5-year average for each category of
fishing method.

10
ANNUAL CATCH BY REGION AND FISHING METHOD
The distribution of the sea trout catch among regions is shown in Figure 6 by method.
As with salmon and grilse returns, the catches of sea trout in both net fisheries were
dominated by relatively few regions. Continuing the pattern of recent years, 99% of
fixed engine catches were taken in East, North East and Solway regions while 99% of
net & coble catches were taken in the East and North East regions. Rod & line catches
(which includes both retained and released fish), showed a more even geographical
spread with no region accounting for more than 21% of the catch. Orkney and Shetland
have been omitted from the analysis.
Fixed Engine
Net & Coble
Rod & Line
East
North East
Moray Firth
North
North West
West
Clyde
Solway
Outer Hebrides
Figure 6.
Distribution of the annual reported catch of sea trout among regions. Data for each fishing
method are shown separately. Rod & line catch includes both retained and released fish.
COMPARISON OF EAST AND WEST COAST FISHERIES
To assess the regional performance of the fisheries in 2008 compared to recent years,
total annual rod catch (retained plus released) of east coast (East, North East, Moray
Firth and North regions; page 27) and west coast (North West, West, Clyde Coast,
Solway and Outer Hebrides; page 27) fisheries were summed separately and expressed
as a proportion of the previous 5-year average (Figure 7). The analysis was restricted
to rod fisheries as these catches were more evenly spread among regions compared
to the net fisheries. Both geographical areas show declines in reported catch in 2008
compared to the previous 5-year average.
Proportion of previous 5-year average (%)
110
100
90
80
70
60
East Coast
West Coast
Figure 7.
Total reported rod catch (retained + released) of sea trout in 2008 expressed as a proportion
of the previous 5-year averages (2003 to 2007). Data for east and west coast fisheries are
shown separately.

11
// 4. TRENDS IN SCOTTISH SALMON AND SEA TROUT
FISHERIES
In this section catch and effort in 2008 will be examined in relation to the historical
records, collected since 1952.
4.1. Salmon
Reported catch and effort have declined in both net fisheries over much of the period
covered by our records (Figures 8 & 9). In 2008 the annual catch of the fixed engine
fishery was the second lowest recorded since 1952 and was 5% of the maximum
reported catch (in 1964). Reported effort was also the lowest on record at 3% of the
maximum reported (in 1952). The reported annual catch for the net & coble fishery in
2008 was the lowest on record, 1% of the maximum reported catch (in 1969). Reported
effort was the second lowest on record and 6% of the maximum reported (in 1959).
30
8000
Annual catch of salmon & grilse (x 10,000)
25
20
15
10
5
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Annual Fishing Effort (trap months)
0
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 8.
Annual reported catch of salmon and grilse (black line) and the national index of fishing
effort, excluding Solway, (blue line) by fixed engine fisheries.
30
1200
Annual catch of salmon & grilse (x 10,000)
25
20
15
10
5
1000
800
600
400
200
Annual Fishing Effort (crew months)
0
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 9.
Annual reported catch of salmon and grilse (black line) and reported fishing effort (blue line)
by net & coble fisheries.

12
Trends in rod and line catch since 1952 show a markedly different pattern from those
observed in the net fisheries (Figure 10). The major decline shown by the net fisheries
is not reflected in the rod fisheries. In 2008, total rod and line catch constituted 85% of
the total Scottish catch compared to 11% when records began in 1952.
12
Annual catch of salmon & grilse (x 10,000)
10
8
6
4
2
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 10.
Annual reported catch of salmon and grilse by rod & line fisheries. Total numbers of fish
caught (black line) and the numbers of fish caught and released (brown line) are shown
separately. Information on catch & release has been collected since 1994.
A growing number of local management interests such as District Salmon Fishery
Boards, Fisheries Trusts and proprietors encourage the practice of catch & release as a
means of protecting salmon stocks. Both the numbers of fish caught and released and
the proportion of the total rod catch accounted for by these numbers have shown a
general increase since 1994, when such information was first recorded. In 2008, catch
and release accounted for 62% of the total rod catch (Figure 11).
8
70
Annual numbers of salmon and
grilse caught & released (x10,000)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0
1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Figure 11.
Annual reported numbers of salmon and grilse caught and released from rod & line fisheries
(purple line) and the proportion of the total rod catch accounted for by catch & release (black
line). Information on catch & release has been collected since 1994.
60
50
40
30
20
10
Catch & release as a proportion of total rod catch (%)

13
CATCHES OF SPRING SALMON, SUMMER SALMON AND GRILSE
Although rod catches of salmon (Figure 10) have shown a slight increase since 1952,
trends have varied among individual stock components. Figure 12 shows the annual
rod catch (retained plus released) since 1952 of spring salmon, summer salmon and
grilse. Catches of spring salmon show a general decline over the period, while grilse
have increased and the catches of summer salmon show little overall trend.
7
6
Total rod catch (x10,000)
5
4
3
2
1
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 12.
The annual rod catch (retained + released) of spring salmon (black line), summer salmon
(orange line) and grilse (maroon line).
In order to conserve spawning stocks of spring salmon, voluntary measures have been
adopted by both net and rod fisheries. Most net fisheries no longer operate during
the months of February, March and April, and catch and release policies have been
adopted by many rod fisheries throughout the country. Further, specific conservation
orders have been made with respect to the districts covered by the Esk and Annan
District Salmon Fishery Boards. Data on catch and release have been collected since
1994 and illustrate the rapid expansion of this practice. Less than 1% of rod caught
spring salmon were released in 1994 whereas 78% were released in 2008 (Fig. 13).
Number of spring salmon
caught & released (x1,000)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0
1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Figure 13.
Annual reported numbers of spring salmon caught and released from rod & line fisheries (purple
line) together with the proportion of the total spring salmon rod catch accounted for by catch &
release (black line). Information on catch and release has been collected since 1994.
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Catch & release as a proportion of total rod catch (%)
.

14
COMPARISON OF EAST AND WEST COAST FISHERIES
Analysing the data at finer geographical scales also reveals differences in catch trends
between parts of the country. Figure 14 suggests that while total rod catches of
salmon and grilse in the east coast (East, North East, Moray Firth and North regions;
page 27) show a general upwards trend, no such trend is apparent in the west coast
(North West, West, Clyde coast, Solway and Outer Hebrides; page 27).
8
7
Total rod catch (x 10,000)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 14.
Total annual rod catch (retained + released) of salmon and grilse reported by east coast (blue
line) and west coast (orange line) fisheries.

15
4.2. Sea Trout
Reported catch and effort in both net fisheries have declined over much of the period
covered by our records (Figures 15 & 16). In 2008 the annual catch of the fixed engine
fishery was 5% of the maximum reported catch (in 1964). Reported effort was 3% of
the maximum reported (in 1952). The reported annual catch for the net & coble fishery
in 2008 was 1% of the maximum reported catch (in 1967), while reported effort was
6% of the maximum reported (in 1959).
7
8000
6
7000
Annual catch of sea trout (x10,000)
5
4
3
2
1
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
Annual fishing effort (trap months)
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 15.
Annual reported catch of sea trout (black line) and the national index of fishing effort,
excluding Solway, (green line) by fixed engine fisheries.
0
20
1200
Annual catch of sea trout (x10,000)
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
1000
800
600
400
200
Annual fishing effort (crew months)
0
0
1950 1960
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 16.
Annual reported catch of sea trout (black line) and reported fishing effort (green line) by net &
coble fisheries.
Rod catches of sea trout have also declined over the 57 year time series, although the
major decline shown by the net fisheries is not apparent in the rod fisheries
(Figure 17).

16
8
7
Annual catch of sea trout (x10,000)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 17.
Annual reported catch of sea trout by rod & line fisheries. Total numbers of fish caught
(black line) and the numbers of fish caught and released (brown line) are shown separately.
Information on catch & release has been collected since 1994.
CATCH AND RELEASE
A growing number of local management interests such as District Salmon Fishery
Boards, Fisheries Trusts and proprietors encourage the practice of catch & release as
a means of protecting stocks. The proportion of the total rod catch accounted for by
catch and release has tended to increase since 1994, when catch & release information
was first recorded (Figure 18) and accounted for 56% of the total rod catch in 2008.
3.0
60
Annual number of sea trout caught
and released (x10,000)
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
50
40
30
20
10
Catch and release as a proportion
of the total rod catch (%)
0
0
1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Figure 18.
Annual reported numbers of sea trout caught and released from rod & line fisheries (purple
line) together with the proportion of the total rod catch accounted for by catch & release
(black line). Information on catch & release has been collected since 1994.

17
COMPARISON OF EAST AND WEST COAST FISHERIES
Analysing the catch data at finer geographical scales reveals differences in trends
between parts of the country. Trends in total annual rod catch (retained plus released)
show clear differences between east coast (East, North East, Moray Firth and North
regions; page 27) and west coast (North West, West, Clyde Coast, Solway and Outer
Hebrides; page 27) fisheries (Figure 19). In recent years, catches in both east and west
coast rod fisheries have been at historically low levels. Taking the time series as a
whole, however, analysis of the catch data suggests contrasting trends on the east and
west coasts. Over the time series as a whole, sea trout catches in west coast fisheries
have declined while those in the east, although exhibiting considerable short–term
variation, have shown no clear trend.
5
4
Annual catch (x 10,000)
3
2
1
0
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Figure 19.
Total annual rod catch (retained + released) of sea trout reported by east coast (blue line) and
west coast (orange line) fisheries.

18
// 5. INTERPRETATION
The previous sections of the bulletin describe both the past year’s fishery data and
the trends evident in these data over time. This section explores what light these
fishery data may be able to shed on the status of salmon and sea trout populations in
Scotland.
5.1 Salmon
RECENT EVENTS
Total reported rod catch (retained plus released) remained at historically high levels
in 2008. These data may be taken as evidence of high numbers of fish entering fresh
water. Further, given the record levels of catch and release reported, it may be inferred
that high numbers of fish were also subsequently escaping to spawn. It should be
noted, however, that despite a slight rise compared to recent years, spring rod catches
remain at historically low levels.
Year on year changes in catch are not a simple reflection of changes in the underlying
numbers of fish returning to Scottish waters. Both catch size and the allocation of
catch among fishing methods may be influenced by many factors, most obvious of
which are fishing effort or environmental factors. Thus, when inferring the status
of stocks from catch data, it is important to consider trends over a number of years
rather than simply focussing on catch levels for the most recent year.
THE DECLINE IN NET FISHERIES
Considering trends in reported catch for the time series as a whole, it is clear that
catches in the two net fisheries exhibit markedly different trends from catches in the
rod and line fishery. Both the fixed engine and net and coble fisheries show substantial
decreases in catch over the period for which there are data (Figures 8 and 9). A
major factor in this decline has been the long-term decrease in the size of the netting
industry, indicated in these statistics by the decline in reported effort.
DECLINES IN THE NUMBERS OF SALMON RETURNING TO HOME WATERS
Comparison of the number of adult salmon returning to home waters with estimates
of smolt production from two monitored sites, the North Esk and the Girnock Burn (a
tributary of the Aberdeenshire Dee), has shown that the marine survival of salmon
has declined substantially over the period covered by the catch statistics. Such an
observation is not unique to Scotland and similar declines have been detected in a
number of monitored sites on both sides of the North Atlantic.
THE NUMBERS OF SALMON ENTERING RIVERS APPEAR STABLE FOR NOW
In contrast to the net fisheries, the rod and line catch shows a slight increase since
1952, when records began (Figure 10). We have no information on trends in the effort
expended in the rod fisheries. If we assume constant rod exploitation over time,
however, the contrasting fortunes of net and rod fisheries provide insights into the
current stock status of Scottish salmon. Thus, although declines in the marine survival
of salmon have led to lower numbers returning to the Scottish coast, reductions in

19
the netting industry have allowed a greater proportion of these fish to enter rivers
resulting in a slight increase in the number of fish to be available to the rod fisheries
and, assuming stable rod exploitation over time, escaping to spawn.
To date, the decline in the netting industry has acted as a buffer for the rod fishery as
marine survival has declined. However, net catches are now around 5% of those taken
at the peak of the fishery and thus the buffering afforded to the numbers of salmon
entering fresh water by the decline in net catch has been almost completely utilised.
If marine survival continues to decrease, then rod catches may decline and ultimately
spawning populations may be put at risk.
TRENDS IN ABUNDANCE VARY AMONG STOCK COMPONENTS
While the data summarised above represent an overall view of the status of Scottish
salmon stocks, examining the catches of individual stock components shows clear
differences in trends over time. Thus, although rod catches as a whole may have
shown a slight increase over the last 50 years, the numbers of spring salmon in the
catch have declined markedly (Figure 12). Following the interpretation outlined
above, it may be inferred that declines in the net catch have failed to buffer the rod
fishery adequately from the decline in the marine survival of spring salmon. Support
for this interpretation can be found in the data collected by Marine Scotland from
its monitored sites on the Aberdeenshire Dee. Spring fish are thought to be major
contributors to those populations that spawn high in the catchments of Scotland’s
largest salmon rivers and declines in their catch mirror declines in the number of
adults returning to monitored sites in these upper catchment areas.
Thus, consideration of the catch information on smaller geographic scales (e.g.
regions or districts) or considering particular components of the returning stock may
indicate a different interpretation of stock status to the overall assessment presented
above. In view of these insights, we need to continue to monitor the fisheries closely,
particularly with regard to different components of the stock.
CURRENT STATUS OF SALMON STOCKS
Taken over the time series as a whole, the total annual rod catch shows a slight
increase. Furthermore, total rod catches between 2004 and 2008 have been at the
high end of the observed range, which may be taken as evidence of a recent increase
in the numbers of fish entering fresh water and, given the record levels of catch and
release reported, escaping to spawn.
However, the status of stocks on smaller geographical scales (e.g. among or within
catchments) may differ both from each other and also from the overall assessments
presented above. The long term decline in the total rod catch of spring salmon suggests
that the populations associated with this stock component may be particularly weak.
5.2 Sea Trout
RECENT EVENTS
Returns from the last 6 years show rod catches for Scotland as a whole to be at
historically low levels which, in turn, may indicate low numbers of fish both entering

20
fresh water and escaping to spawn. These trends appear to be most pronounced in
returns from west coast fisheries where catches are currently at the lowest levels
recorded in the time series.
THE DECLINE IN NET FISHERIES
As with salmon it is clear that, on a Scottish scale, catches of sea trout in the two
net fisheries have shown major declines over the past 40 years (Figures 15 and 16).
A major factor in these declines is the long term decrease in the size of the netting
industry, indicated in these statistics by the decline in reported effort. This has been
largely driven by changes in the salmon netting industry, as in the vast majority of
cases salmon is the primary target species for the net fisheries.
TRENDS IN ROD CATCH VARY BETWEEN GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
Examining the catches on an east/west geographic split shows a clear difference
in trends of rod catch over time. The rod catch in the western area of the country
has declined markedly whereas that in the east, although exhibiting considerable
variation, has shown no clear trend (Figure 19).
TRENDS IN ROD CATCH MAY BE TAKEN TO INFER TRENDS IN SPAWNING
As with our interpretation of salmon catches, our lack of information on rod fishing
effort weakens our ability to make inferences from catch trends. However, assuming
constant rod exploitation over time, we can follow a similar logic to that outlined for
the salmon catches above. The observation that the west coast rod catch has declined
despite declining net catches suggests lower numbers of fish available for west coast
fisheries and declining spawning escapement.
CURRENT STATUS OF SEA TROUT STOCKS
Since 2003, rod catches of sea trout for Scotland as a whole have been among the
lowest in the time series and catches in both east and west coast rod fisheries are
currently at historically low levels. Taking the time series as a whole, however,
analysis of the catch data suggests contrasting trends on the east and west coasts. In
the absence of other evidence to the contrary, the lack of clear trend in the east coast
rod catches may be taken to indicate no clear long term trend in the numbers of fish
both entering fresh water and escaping to spawn. In contrast, sea trout catches in west
coast fisheries have declined markedly over the same period.
As with considerations of the status of salmon stocks, it should be borne in mind that
the status of stocks on smaller geographical scales (e.g. among or within catchments)
may differ both from each other and also from the overall assessments presented
above.

21
Table 1:
Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught and retained
by salmon fishery region and by method during 2008.
Number
Weight (kg)
Salmon
Salmon Sea
Salmon Salmon Sea
Region Method Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout
East
Rod and Line 725 6796 7521 3122 10643 1866 3236 29274 32510 6822 39332 2821
Net and Coble 584 584 536 1120 1619 2510 2510 1097 3607 3039
Fixed Engine 76 150 226 133 359 802 271 635 907 320 1227 1053
All Methods 801 7530 8331 3791 12122 4287 3507 32419 35927 8239 44166 6913
North East
Rod and Line 73 1553 1626 1462 3088 1443 301 6319 6620 2986 9606 1549
Net and Coble 936 936 1575 2511 1097 3925 3925 2393 6319 1044
Fixed Engine 2171 2171 2614 4785 1072 10231 10231 6569 16801 1420
All Methods 73 4660 4733 5651 10384 3612 301 20475 20776 11948 32726 4013
Moray Firth
Rod and Line 403 4712 5115 3452 8567 1180 1730 20060 21790 6820 28611 1236
Net and Coble 23 23 53 76 2 66 66 130 196 2
Fixed Engine 50 50 91 141 3 263 263 218 481 3
All Methods 403 4785 5188 3596 8784 1185 1730 20389 22119 7168 29288 1241
North
Rod and Line 302 921 1223 1662 2885 892 1243 3795 5038 3216 8253 727
Net and Coble 22 22 86 108 3 68 68 225 293 3
Fixed Engine 1188 1188 3448 4636 11 5900 5900 7838 13739 17
All Methods 302 2131 2433 5196 7629 906 1243 9763 11006 11279 22285 747
North West
Rod and Line 141 141 202 343 89 561 561 419 980 65
Net and Coble 14 14 6 20 62 62 17 79
Fixed Engine 29 29 110 139 128 128 262 390
All Methods 184 184 318 502 89 751 751 698 1449 65
West Coast
Rod and Line 1 195 196 88 284 222 5 585 590 201 791 167
Net and Coble 2 2 6 8 4 7 7 17 24 4
Fixed Engine 21 21 12 33 88 88 37 125
All Methods 1 218 219 106 325 226 5 680 685 255 940 171
Clyde Coast
Rod and Line 5 1384 1389 1170 2559 330 16 5159 5175 2985 8160 290
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods 5 1384 1389 1170 2559 330 16 5159 5175 2985 8160 290
Solway
Rod and Line 12 2398 2410 1495 3905 686 48 10018 10066 3423 13489 662
Net and Coble 18 18 86 104 7 72 72 193 265 7
Fixed Engine 4 499 503 1107 1610 922 19 2331 2349 2624 4973 1009
All Methods 16 2915 2931 2688 5619 1615 67 12421 12487 6240 18727 1678
Orkney
Rod and Line
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods
Shetland
Rod and Line 123 86
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods 123 86
Outer Hebrides
Rod and Line 1 120 121 426 547 781 7 295 303 892 1194 919
Net and Coble 10 10 23 23
Fixed Engine
All Methods 1 120 121 436 557 781 7 295 303 915 1217 919
All Scotland
Rod and Line 1522 18220 19742 13079 32821 7612 6586 76066 82653 27764 110416 8522
Net and Coble 1599 1599 2358 3957 2732 6710 6710 4095 10806 4099
Fixed Engine 80 4108 4188 7515 11703 2810 290 19576 19866 17868 37736 3502
All Methods 1602 23927 25529 22952 48481 13154 6876 102352 109229 49727 158958 16123

22
Table 2:
Number and weight (rounded to nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught and retained by
salmon fishery region and district during 2008.
Number
Weight (kg)
Salmon
Salmon Sea
Salmon Salmon Sea
Region District Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout
East 801 7530 8331 3791 12122 4287 3508 32420 35927 8239 44166 6913
Tweed 514 5080 5594 1718 7312 3485 2033 21696 23729 3634 27362 6129
Forth 40 593 633 524 1157 305 211 2477 2688 959 3647 335
Tay 247 1857 2104 1549 3653 497 1264 8247 9510 3646 13157 449
North East 73 4660 4733 5651 10384 3612 302 20476 20777 11949 32725 4014
South Esk 11 2431 2442 2526 4968 1377 47 11234 11280 6303 17583 1720
North Esk and Bervie 3 1685 1688 2574 4262 1225 16 6998 7014 4377 11390 1174
Dee (Aberdeenshire) 25 72 97 73 170 178 113 272 385 131 516 172
Don 33 197 230 141 371 58 123 867 990 325 1315 74
Ythan 225 225 195 420 566 887 887 468 1355 626
Ugie 1 50 51 142 193 208 3 218 221 345 566 248
Moray Firth 403 4785 5188 3596 8784 1185 1730 20389 22119 7171 29290 1241
Deveron 41 1485 1526 703 2229 161 177 6669 6846 1401 8247 212
Spey 210 1942 2152 824 2976 702 915 8488 9403 1564 10967 747
Lossie 15 15 74 89 148 52 52 141 193 134
Findhorn 99 473 572 484 1056 34 391 1781 2172 870 3042 34
Nairn 10 196 206 467 673 8 67 728 795 927 1722 15
Ness 24 241 265 156 421 35 100 1015 1115 329 1444 24
Beauly 6 153 159 173 332 30 27 486 513 385 898 21
Conon and Alness 13 280 293 715 1008 67 53 1170 1223 1554 2777 54
North 302 2131 2433 5196 7629 906 1242 9763 11008 11276 22285 746
Kyle of Sutherland 45 286 331 620 951 253 171 1114 1286 1338 2624 184
Fleet and Brora 52 97 149 83 232 17 178 365 543 150 694 14
Helmsdale 88 230 318 235 553 90 424 1025 1449 447 1896 70
Berriedale to Wick 4 49 53 79 132 18 16 160 176 141 317 12
Thurso and Forss 53 186 239 620 859 45 223 848 1071 1163 2234 66
Halladale and Strathy 6 1195 1201 3273 4474 9 22 5912 5935 7473 13408 14
Naver and Kinloch 52 60 112 173 285 125 203 233 436 346 782 99
Hope and Grudie 2 28 30 113 143 349 5 106 112 218 330 287
North West 184 184 318 502 89 750 750 699 1449 64
Inchard to Kirkaig 45 45 94 139 19 207 207 197 404 17
Kennart to Gruinard 15 15 13 28 13 42 42 27 69 7
Ewe 32 32 25 57 4 126 126 55 181 4
Badachro to Applecross 10 10 3 13 38 38 7 45
Kishorn and Carron 4 4 10 14 1 14 14 21 35 1
Loch Long and Croe 25 25 22 47 6 112 112 47 160 5
Glenelg to Kilchoan 1 1 7 8 7 3 3 14 17 5
Morar to Shiel 11 11 19 30 6 44 44 45 89 4
Skye and Small Isles 41 41 125 166 33 164 164 286 449 21
West Coast 1 218 219 106 325 226 5 681 686 255 939 171
Sunart and Aline 21 21 9 30 88 88 26 114
Sanda to Creran 15 15 29 44 111 83 83 83 166 67
Awe and Nell 1 17 18 23 41 5 5 74 79 55 134 4
Add and Ormsary 12 12 2 14 24 33 33 5 37 24
Island of Mull 27 27 29 56 11 90 90 60 149 16
Islay and Jura 126 126 14 140 75 313 313 26 339 60
Clyde Coast 5 1384 1389 1170 2559 330 16 5159 5175 2985 8160 290
Carradale and Iorsa 10 10 4 14 13 24 24 8 32 11
Fyne 14 11
Ruel and Drummachloy 2 2 1 3 7 11 11 3 14 8
Echaig 20 20 18 38 181 77 77 45 122 144
Clyde 233 233 112 345 61 797 797 227 1024 53
Irvine 47 47 131 178 8 224 224 341 565 9
Ayr 4 344 348 278 626 9 14 1237 1251 669 1921 8
Doon 245 245 321 566 2 1006 1006 826 1832 2
Girvan 1 252 253 145 398 22 2 834 836 424 1259 20
Stinchar 231 231 160 391 13 949 949 442 1391 24
Solway 16 2915 2931 2688 5619 1615 67 12421 12487 6240 18727 1678
Luce 129 129 21 150 38 415 415 55 470 35
Bladenoch 2 33 35 50 85 1 12 123 134 117 252 2
Cree and Fleet 4 129 133 346 479 84 15 484 500 763 1263 69
Dee (Kirkcudbright) 1 23 24 17 41 6 4 87 90 49 139 16
Urr 163 163 92 255 26 664 664 196 859 25
Nith 9 1550 1559 1335 2894 605 36 6563 6599 3079 9678 579
Annan 888 888 827 1715 855 4085 4085 1981 6066 952
Orkney
Shetland 123 86
Shetland 123 86
Outer Hebrides 1 120 121 436 557 781 7 296 303 914 1217 918
Isle of Lewis 27 27 369 396 230 77 77 781 858 150
Harris 1 83 84 22 106 55 7 196 203 39 242 56
The Uists 10 10 45 55 496 23 23 94 117 712
All Scotland 1602 23927 25529 22952 48481 13154 6877 102355 109232 49728 158958 16121

23
Table 3:
Number and weight (rounded to nearest kg) of wild salmon, grilse and sea trout caught and released by
salmon fishery region and district from rod and line fisheries during 2008.
Number
Weight (kg)
Salmon
Salmon Sea
Salmon Salmon Sea
Region District Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Trout
East 1846 8838 10684 3247 13931 1669 8414 39354 47769 7185 54954 2695
Tweed 933 5091 6024 997 7021 765 3617 21888 25506 2133 27639 1500
Forth 54 639 693 396 1089 351 238 2663 2901 837 3738 575
Tay 859 3108 3967 1854 5821 553 4559 14803 19362 4215 23577 620
North East 1724 5185 6909 2708 9617 1619 6955 22113 29068 5557 34624 1613
South Esk 67 434 501 222 723 275 269 1640 1909 446 2355 279
North Esk and Bervie 310 743 1053 489 1542 145 1179 2936 4115 949 5064 140
Dee (Aberdeenshire) 1257 3315 4572 1490 6062 756 5174 14668 19842 2963 22805 737
Don 90 519 609 309 918 99 333 2219 2552 677 3229 81
Ythan 169 169 187 356 253 621 621 497 1117 275
Ugie 5 5 11 16 91 29 29 25 54 101
Moray Firth 1029 9476 10505 5633 16138 1651 4435 41886 46320 10994 57315 1854
Deveron 35 1681 1716 780 2496 297 144 7678 7822 1500 9322 365
Spey 674 5386 6060 2375 8435 1020 2827 24152 26979 4538 31517 1190
Lossie 9 9 55 64 54 35 35 105 140 37
Findhorn 211 1270 1481 829 2310 77 943 5598 6540 1397 7938 67
Nairn 1 92 93 255 348 73 4 418 422 515 937 97
Ness 59 344 403 293 696 15 309 1439 1748 689 2437 9
Beauly 23 368 391 389 780 51 103 1152 1255 840 2095 39
Conon and Alness 26 326 352 657 1009 64 105 1414 1519 1410 2929 50
North 628 2476 3104 2685 5789 1142 2613 10615 13228 5418 18647 719
Kyle of Sutherland 285 858 1143 1002 2145 306 1188 3627 4814 2027 6842 119
Fleet and Brora 79 175 254 146 400 21 268 711 979 290 1269 14
Helmsdale 89 448 537 513 1050 1 408 2016 2424 1075 3500 1
Berriedale to Wick 1 44 45 27 72 7 5 160 165 48 213 5
Thurso and Forss 62 402 464 327 791 113 263 1769 2032 585 2616 180
Halladale and Strathy 2 82 84 78 162 11 416 428 168 596
Naver and Kinloch 108 368 476 397 873 58 464 1541 2004 834 2838 33
Hope and Grudie 2 99 101 195 296 636 6 375 382 391 773 367
North West 7 606 613 717 1330 813 24 2363 2386 1474 3857 605
Inchard to Kirkaig 62 62 77 139 76 260 260 160 419 39
Kennart to Gruinard 97 97 153 250 107 385 385 321 706 68
Ewe 1 87 88 80 168 92 5 486 491 182 672 54
Badachro to Applecross 1 19 20 13 33 6 2 63 65 31 96 6
Kishorn and Carron 3 56 59 146 205 120 10 231 240 276 516 84
Loch Long and Croe 1 70 71 88 159 9 3 266 269 175 444 6
Glenelg to Kilchoan 28 28 28 56 97 85 85 57 142 73
Morar to Shiel 52 52 59 111 169 175 175 136 310 173
Skye and Small Isles 1 135 136 73 209 137 4 412 416 136 552 102
West Coast 10 773 783 230 1013 376 47 3917 3964 584 4548 297
Sunart and Aline 7 7 19 26 5 29 29 42 71 9
Sanda to Creran 9 408 417 91 508 135 42 2423 2465 266 2731 86
Awe and Nell 1 278 279 90 369 65 5 1221 1226 217 1443 30
Add and Ormsary 2 2 2 40 5 5 5 89
Island of Mull 29 29 15 44 46 105 105 30 135 39
Islay and Jura 49 49 15 64 85 134 134 29 163 44
Clyde Coast 7 1062 1069 894 1963 628 24 3827 3850 2198 6047 506
Carradale and Iorsa 35 35 10 45 61 107 107 20 127 54
Fyne 1 1 8 2 2 8
Ruel and Drummachloy 2 2 4 6 25 7 7 9 15 16
Echaig 16 16 3 19 142 64 64 8 72 91
Clyde 3 208 211 177 388 136 10 670 679 387 1066 89
Irvine 29 29 29 58 11 105 105 68 173 21
Ayr 93 93 27 120 36 294 294 71 365 31
Doon 1 206 207 301 508 42 4 812 816 784 1600 32
Girvan 3 244 247 122 369 94 10 824 834 289 1123 89
Stinchar 229 229 220 449 73 944 944 560 1504 75
Solway 29 1515 1544 752 2296 798 124 6037 6161 1664 7824 789
Luce 23 23 6 29 15 87 87 15 101 11
Bladenoch 1 45 46 45 91 4 185 188 102 291
Cree and Fleet 6 97 103 121 224 93 30 372 402 253 654 45
Dee (Kirkcudbright) 1 37 38 7 45 7 2 119 121 19 140 5
Urr 1 81 82 63 145 4 6 327 333 141 474 3
Nith 17 819 836 351 1187 406 71 3366 3438 810 4248 467
Annan 3 413 416 159 575 273 11 1581 1592 324 1916 258
Orkney
Shetland
Outer Hebrides 6 266 272 689 961 935 13 641 653 1387 2041 776
Isle of Lewis 1 108 109 668 777 416 3 306 309 1344 1653 256
Harris 5 158 163 11 174 388 10 335 344 21 366 387
The Uists 10 10 131 22 22 133
All Scotland 5286 30197 35483 17555 53038 9631 22649 130753 153399 36461 189857 9854

24
Table 4:
Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of farmed salmon and grilse caught by salmon fishery
region and by method during 2008.
Number
Weight (kg)
Salmon Salmon Salmon Salmon
Region Method Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse
East
Rod and Line
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods
North East
Rod and Line 1 1 1 4 4 4
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods 1 1 1 4 4 4
Moray Firth
Rod and Line 12 12 4 16 45 45 8 53
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine 2 2 2 9 9 9
All Methods 14 14 4 18 54 54 8 62
North
Rod and Line 3 3 2 5 13 13 5 18
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine 31 31 31 164 164 164
All Methods 34 34 2 36 177 177 5 182
North West
Rod and Line 61 61 18 79 282 282 55 338
Net and Coble 9 9 9 18 15 15 19 35
Fixed Engine 5 5 2 7 20 20 3 23
All Methods 75 75 29 104 317 317 77 396
West Coast
Rod and Line 3 1 4 8 12 9 5 14 18 32
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine 7 7 10 17 22 22 21 44
All Methods 3 8 11 18 29 9 27 36 39 76
Clyde Coast
Rod and Line 2 1 3 3 14 15 28 28
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods 2 1 3 3 14 15 28 28
Solway
Orkney
Rod and Line 3 3 7 7
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine 5 5 12 12
All Methods 8 8 19 19
Rod and Line
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods
Shetland
Rod and Line
Net and Coble
Fixed Engine
All Methods
Outer Hebrides
Rod and Line 3 3 4 7 14 14 10 24
Net and Coble 45 45 122 122
Fixed Engine
All Methods 3 3 49 52 14 14 132 146
All Scotland
Rod and Line 5 82 87 39 126 23 378 400 103 504
Net and Coble 9 9 54 63 15 15 141 157
Fixed Engine 45 45 17 62 215 215 36 252
All Methods 5 136 141 110 251 23 608 630 280 913

25
Table 5 :
Number and weight (rounded to the nearest kg) of farmed salmon and grilse caught by salmon fishery
region and district during 2008.
Number
Weight (kg)
Salmon Salmon Salmon Salmon
Region District Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse Jan-Apr May-Dec Annual Grilse + Grilse
East
Tweed
Forth
Tay
North East 1 1 1 4 4 4
South Esk 1 1 1 4 4 4
North Esk and Bervie
Dee (Aberdeenshire)
Don
Ythan
Ugie
Moray Firth 14 14 4 18 55 55 8 62
Deveron
Spey 7 7 7 32 32 32
Lossie
Findhorn 5 5 4 9 13 13 8 21
Nairn
Ness
Beauly
Conon and Alness 2 2 2 9 9 9
North 34 34 2 36 176 176 5 182
Kyle of Sutherland
Fleet and Brora
Helmsdale
Berriedale to Wick
Thurso and Forss 8 8 8 39 39 39
Halladale and Strathy 23 23 2 25 125 125 5 131
Naver and Kinloch 2 2 2 10 10 10
Hope and Grudie 1 1 1 3 3 3
North West 75 75 29 104 318 318 77 395
Inchard to Kirkaig 4 4 4 14 14 14
Kennart to Gruinard 2 2 1 3 11 11 2 12
Ewe 7 7 1 8 46 46 2 48
Badachro to Applecross 1 1 1 2 2 2
Kishorn and Carron 2 2 2 8 8 8
Loch Long and Croe 50 50 25 75 204 204 70 274
Glenelg to Kilchoan 1 1 1 5 5 5
Morar to Shiel 1 1 2 3 4 4 3 7
Skye and Small Isles 7 7 7 25 25 25
West Coast 3 8 11 18 29 9 27 36 39 76
Sunart and Aline 5 5 1 6 15 15 2 18
Sanda to Creran 3 3 6 15 21 9 12 21 34 55
Awe and Nell
Add and Ormsary
Island of Mull 2 2 3 3
Islay and Jura
Clyde Coast 2 1 3 3 14 15 28 28
Carradale and Iorsa 1 1 1 15 15 15
Fyne
Ruel and Drummachloy
Echaig
Clyde 2 2 2 14 14 14
Irvine
Ayr
Doon
Girvan
Stinchar
Solway 8 8 20 20
Luce
Bladenoch
Cree and Fleet 3 3 6 6
Dee (Kirkcudbright)
Urr
Nith 3 3 7 7
Annan 2 2 7 7
Orkney
Shetland
Outer Hebrides 3 3 49 52 14 14 132 146
Isle of Lewis 3 3 49 52 14 14 132 146
Harris
The Uists
All Scotland 5 136 141 110 251 23 608 631 281 912

26
Table 6 :
Number of questionnaires sent to proprietors and occupiers of salmon fisheries in 2008 and the number
of returns received.
Statistical District No. of Forms Sent Returns Received
Tweed 156 150
Forth 111 102
Tay 244 219
South Esk 39 38
North Esk and Bervie 51 50
Dee (Aberdeen) 72 69
Don 72 65
Ythan 24 23
Ugie 14 12
Deveron 57 56
Spey 71 65
Lossie 5 4
Findhorn 28 23
Nairn 34 33
Ness 43 42
Beauly 18 17
Conon and Alness 45 43
Kyle of Sutherland 37 35
Fleet and Brora 5 5
Helmsdale 1 1
Berriedale to Wick 10 10
Thurso and Forss 13 12
Halladale and Strathy 4 3
Naver and Kinloch 11 11
Hope and Grudie 10 8
Inchard to Kirkaig 24 21
Kennart to Gruinard 17 17
Ewe 8 8
Badachro to Applecross 7 6
Kishorn and Carron 10 10
Loch Long and Croe 10 10
Glenelg to Kilchoan 8 8
Morar to Shiel 31 28
Skye and Small Isles 29 28
Sunart and Aline 9 8
Sanda to Creran 37 36
Awe and Nell 51 50
Add and Ormsary 32 28
Island of Mull 37 34
Islay and Jura 11 11
Carradale and Iorsa 18 16
Fyne 25 24
Ruel and Drummachloy 16 14
Echaig 19 18
Clyde 25 23
Irvine 11 10
Ayr 41 38
Doon 31 28
Girvan 28 26
Stinchar 29 29
Luce 5 5
Bladenoch 19 18
Cree and Fleet 44 38
Dee (Kirkcudbright) 31 26
Urr 27 27
Nith 38 37
Annan 39 36
Isle of Lewis 15 15
Harris 11 10
The Uists 5 5
Orkney 1 1
Shetland 3 3
Totals 1977 1846

27
// SALMON FISHERIES –
STATISTICAL REGIONS AND DISTRICTS
SHETLAND
62
Region Boundary
District Boundary
ORKNEY
61
OUTER
HEBRIDES
59
58
26
25
24
23
N O R T H
20
19
18
22
21
60
34
27
N O R T H
W E S T
29
28
32
30
31
16
17
14
13
12
M O R A Y F I R T H
15
11
10
N O R T H
E A S T
7
6
8
9
35
33
36
W E S T
3
4
5
39
37
EAST
42
40
43
44
2
38
41
45
C L Y D E
C O A S T
46
47
1
49 48
50
53
51 52
56
S O L W A Y
54 55 57
0
0
10 20 30 40 50 Miles
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Kilometres

28
// NAMES OF THE SALMON FISHERY STATISTICAL
DISTRICTS
Except in the case of the island groups, the names are taken from the names of the
constituent administrative districts as given in Schedule A to the Salmon Fisheries
(Scotland) Act 1868. Where more than one such district is included in a single
statistical district this is indicated by the word ‘and’ implying two districts or ‘to’ which
implies more than two districts and includes all the coast between the two districts
named.
1. Tweed
2. Forth
3. Tay
4. South Esk
5. North Esk and Bervie
6. Dee (Aberdeen)
7. Don
8. Ythan
9. Ugie
10. Deveron
11. Spey
12. Lossie
13. Findhorn
14. Nairn
15. Ness
16. Beauly
17. Conon and Alness
18. Kyle of Sutherland
19. Fleet and Brora
20. Helmsdale
21. Berriedale to Wick
22. Thurso and Forss
23. Halladale and Strathy
24. Naver and Kinloch
25. Hope and Grudie
26. Inchard to Kirkaig
27. Kennart to Gruinard
28. Ewe
29. Badachro to Applecross
30. Kishorn and Carron
31. Loch Long and Croe
32. Glenelg to Kilchoan
33. Morar to Shiel
34. Skye and Small Isles
35. Sunart and Aline
36. Sanda to Creran
37. Awe and Nell
38. Add and Ormsary
39. Island of Mull
40. Islay and Jura
41. Carradale and Iorsa
42. Fyne
43. Ruel and Drummachloy
44. Echaig
45. Clyde
46. Irvine
47. Ayr
48. Doon
49. Girvan
50. Stinchar
51. Luce
52. Bladenoch
53. Cree and Fleet
54. Dee (Kirkcudbright)
55. Urr
56. Nith
57. Annan
58. Isle of Lewis
59. Harris
60. The Uists
61. Orkney
62. Shetland

29
// CONTACT INFORMATION
Any queries about this Bulletin should be made using the contact information below.
Marine Scotland Freshwater Laboratory
Field Station
Inchbraoch House
Ferryden
Montrose
Angus
DD10 8DLUK
t : +44(0)1674 677070
f: +44 (0)1674 672604
e: catchform@marlab.ac.uk
Additional copies of this Bulletin may be obtained from:
The Librarian
FRS Freshwater Laboratory
Faskally
Pitlochry
Perthshire
PH16 5LB
t: +44 (0)1224 294454
f: +44 (0)1796 473523