News Release August 21, 2108

Statement on Stocking Plans for 2019

The Spey Fishery Board is delighted to announce that it has decided to fully embrace its hatchery operation at Sandbank in Glenlivet by developing it to its full capacity.

The Board recognises that it has been a particularly difficult Salmon fishing season so far this year. We remain very concerned about a number of issues which have contributed to a significant decline in the numbers of adult salmon returning to the river, mainly issues in the marine environment.

We also recognise that this year, these have been exacerbated by particularly low water levels and a prolonged spell of mainly dry, very warm weather.

The Board has carefully considered the scientific advice regarding the use of hatcheries and balanced this against the commercial interests of all stakeholders along the river. These include not only the livelihoods of those directly employed on the river, but also the many local businesses that depend upon angling tourism to sustain them. The Board has determined that a carefully considered stocking plan, accompanied by some development at Sandbank, will see production there increase to 1,000,000 salmon eggs, which is double the number that have been produced over the last year.

The Board will have to apply to the Scottish Government’s Marine Scotland Science for a licence to collect broodstock from the River and its tributaries to achieve this. Assuming that this application is successful, the Board will begin collecting the required broodstock from mid-October of this year.

Brian Doran
Chairman, Spey Fishery Board