Question reference: S5W-30078
- Asked by: Michelle Ballantyne, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 18 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 2 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to reports of large numbers of salmon smolts trapped in the Muirtown Lock on the Caledonian Canal.
Answer
The decline in the numbers of Scottish wild salmon is of great concern and we are determined to safeguard the future of this important species. We recognise the problem is down to a range of complex factors and have identified 12 high level groups of pressures on salmon (which include barriers to migration) and will continue to work with stakeholders to better understand and tackle these issues.
The particular issue at the Muirtown Lock is an example of positive stakeholder engagement, with the River Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and Scottish Canals working together to ensure the protection of wild salmon during Covid-19, with support from Marine Scotland officials. Large numbers of outgoing smolts, trapped in the Caledonian Canal, were released and further discussions are now in hand to seek a longer term solution to manage future smolt movements in the area.