Please see below formal notification of the proposed categorisation of the Lomond System for 2023, this will as normal require Scot Gov approval. Please also note the details provided and request for ‘views’ to be submitted using the links provided concerning voluntary measures to enhance (improve) catch and release percentages. All feedback concerning the proposals by Marine Scotland on how to achieve higher C& R rates must be submitted by 9th September, 2022.

Conservation of salmon – Assessment for the 2023 fishing season

I am writing to let you know that the Scottish Ministers propose to continue to regulate the killing of salmon in Scotland, including the prohibition on retaining any salmon caught in coastal waters, by means of conservation regulations made under section 38 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003.

Marine Scotland has undertaken an assessment of the conservation status of salmon in inland waters in Scotland for the 2023 fishing season. The outcome of that assessment, including proposed gradings for rivers and assessment groups in 2023, is available on the Scottish Government website.

Please note that the presentation of the information relating to the consultation on our website may look different to previous years. This is due to our changed approach to ensure the information is as accessible as possible to all.

Ministers are required, under the terms of section 38 and schedule 1 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, to publish notice of the proposals allowing a minimum 28 day period for representations or objections to be made. Notice is hereby given that the consultation will be advertised and commence on Wednesday 10^th August 2022.

Additionally, the Scottish Government are seeking views on the encouragement of voluntary measures to enhance catch and release rates to 100% across the whole of Scotland. These measures would include highlighting catch and release best practice guidance to reduce post-catch mortality. Should these voluntary measures be unsuccessful in achieving 100% catch and release we are also seeking views on the prospect of introducing mandatory measures in future to achieve this aim. This would potentially involve amending legislation to prohibit the retention of Atlantic salmon on all rivers in Scotland, regardless of their river grading. Please see the proposal on achieving higher catch and release rates for further details.

If you wish to submit a view on the proposed river gradings or on the proposals for achieving higher catch and release rates, you can do so online through our consultation hub.

You can save and return to your responses while the consultation is still open. Please ensure that consultation responses are submitted before the closing date of Friday 9^th September 2022.

If you are unable to respond using our consultation hub, please contact us for an alternative way to submit your response.

Email to: salmonandrecreationalfisheries@gov.scot

Post to:  Wild Salmon and Recreational Fisheries

Marine Scotland

Victoria Quay

Edinburgh

EH6 6QQ