Will The Pinks Return?

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham explains how her Government and its agencies are assessing whether Pacific pink salmon have successfully spawned in Scottish rivers.

- Roseanna Cunningham 

OVER THE LAST few months I have been closely following the reports and have watched the published video footage of spawning activity and redds associated with the arrival of unprecedented numbers of pink salmon. At the time of writing, I’m aware that at least 18 Scottish rivers have reported pink salmon and more than 70 have been caught by rod-and-line, and netting.

I appreciate that their arrival has stimulated much debate and recognise it has generated a wide range of views from those who see them as a potential fishing opportunity, to those who consider them to be a potentially significant threat to our freshwater and migratory stocks, particularly our iconic Atlantic salmon populations.

The Scottish sector’s reaction to this event has highlighted to me, once again, its passion, expertise and dedication. I pay tribute to the work of Fisheries Management Scotland and its member boards and trusts for their swift reaction and the mobilisation of resources which, with the input of the Scottish Government, SNH and SEPA, has resulted in a rapid and rational response to monitor and manage the situation across Scotland.