Tuesday 30 July 2019

SGA FISHING GROUP MEETING MINUTES


The SGA Fishing group met at the SGA offices in Perth on 11/07/19

The meeting was informed that the SGA would assign and finance a worker for 4 hours per week, initially, with the aspiration that the group would continue to grow organically and become more self financing in time through membership subscriptions. 

The meeting welcomed the decision by Mowi to relocate one of its farms in Loch Maree but noted with concern the escape of large numbers of rainbow trout in Loch Awe. It was felt that it was important to maintain pressure on SEPA over pollution issues.

The group asked for some research to be undertaken into the current licensing arrangements for salmon farms in Scotland and to compare them to the ‘colour coding’ system used in Norway for potential salmon farm sites.

The group agreed to investigate the economic effect of declines in Salmon fishing with a view to using it as evidence to challenge decision makers. The group will also review progress with the recommendations of the REC committee report.

The group will look at how to engage with and support the Scottish Angling National Development Strategy.

It was agreed that while the group recognised the employment generated by salmon farming in remote rural areas, there was a necessity to focus on shaping the future. The idea of an SGA fishing group manifesto for salmon farming was discussed.

An article is being prepared for Shooting Scotland with a further one on the economic impacts of lost salmon on local communities and businesses being undertaken for the next edition of Scottish Gamekeeper. 

*Due to staff holidays, we apologise for the meeting minute not appearing immediately after the proceedings. SGA Fishing Group members will be notified of the next meeting in the coming weeks.