Question reference: S6W-26306
- Asked by: John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 20 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 9 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to measures to increase the wild salmon population through stocking initiatives.
Answer
A Government report on the scientific considerations in stocking policy development for river managers was published last year Science of salmon stocking: report .
In summary, the supplementation of wild populations with salmon raised in hatcheries can play a part in securing benefits for wild salmon, but may also cause significant and long-lasting harm, depending on the situation.
It is recognised that in specific situations where the threat of extinction can be identified and is imminent and extreme, stocking with hatchery raised salmon may be a vital tool following careful consideration of the inherent risks. The Wild Salmon Strategy Science and Evidence Board is currently reviewing the evidence of various stocking methods in these situations and will report to the Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan Delivery Group soon.