Conservation of Salmon Assessment – Season 2021

This morning Marine Scotland announced their recommended conservation assessments for season 2021. I am very pleased to say that the Lomond System has again been graded as Category 2 which allows for limited harvesting of salmon.

The usual 28 day consultation period now begins during which any objections may be lodged. These assessments are only recommendations and have still to be laid before the Scottish Government. The committee have yet to digest and discuss the documents forwarded by MS outlining their reasoning for this assessment before deciding on a response.

However there is absolutely no doubt that the increase in the submission of catch returns by members and associate members has been a major factor in keeping us out of mandatory catch and release.

Looking at the systems 5 year average returns the River Leven and Loch Lomond should have been graded at Category 1 but the River Endrick SAC has once again influenced the Cat 2 decision.

Just to clarify…this grading is made on the catch returns submitted for seasons 2015 – 2019. This season’s return will be included in the calculations for the season 2022 grading.

Tight lines

Jim Raeburn

Chairman LLAIA