Success of river conservation project

A motion has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament welcoming a report published by the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation at UHI Inverness and the River Carron Conservation Association (RCCA) on the River Carron conservation study.

The motion by MSP Mercedes Villalba commends this ‘unprecedented conservation study’ for helping guide a path for returning wild salmon to the country's rivers and marine environment, and demonstrating the vital role that conservation initiatives play in the health of Scotland’s ecosystems and the strength of rural economies and communities.

The study offers one of the most comprehensive investigations of conservation stocking of wild salmon in the United Kingdom. It demonstrates that fish stocked as eggs or juveniles survive to return as adults and in some years account for over 50% of the rod catch.

It draws from a rich archive of genetic material and other data, collected over three decades by the RCCA and analysed by Dr Victoria Pritchard, a senior researcher at IBFC. Dr Pritchard recently presented her report at an event in Edinburgh that offered insight into the future management of wild salmon stocks.

For more information about the study: Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation - IBFC News - Wild salmon conservation study guides path to restoring endangered native species

Read the motion here: S6M-16837 | Scottish Parliament Website