EXCLUSIVE by DOUG COLLIE
The cost of living crisis may be behind an increase in illegal fishing on the Tweed last year as poachers tried to land the river's wild salmon which have become one of the world's rarest and costliest delicacies, currently being marketed by a top London smokehouse for up to £196 per pound.
But while over 96% of the 6,000 rod-caught salmon were returned to the river during 2022 in a concerted effort to conserve the Tweed's stocks of Atlantic salmon, local fishery managers have criticised "incredibly light" sentences handed down by magistrates in two poaching cases.
The annual report of the River Tweed Commission (RTC) says: "During 2022 the enforcement team [river bailiffs] experienced some increases in certain fishing related incidents which could be related to the current cost of living crisis".
Statistics show a total of 26 such incidents, 15 of them on the main river, including the estuary at Berwick-on-Tweed. The remainder were recorded on four tributaries - Whiteadder, Till, Teviot and Ettrick.
In one case still to come to court when the report was written, the enforcement team, supported by Northumbria Police, charged three Latvian men for the illegal gill netting of salmon and sea trout on the River Till. A trammel gill net measuring 166 feet, three salmon and nine sea trout were seized as evidence.
According to the RTC report by its head fishery officer Karl Ferguson: "The most common offence encountered is fishing without permission, many of the offenders have very little fishing experience and are oblivious to the fact that permission is required".
In years gone by English poaching cases brought by the river bailiffs were heard at Berwick Magistrates Court. But the local court "remains suspended" with its future uncertain, the report explains. It means prosecutions by the RTC officers are taken in Newcastle, some 50 miles from the 'scene of the crime'.
Last August poaching cases were brought against two individuals 'known to RTC' at Newcastle Magistrates Court.
"One pleaded guilty to possession of a gill net and obstructing a water bailiff. He was fined £50 for each offence and ordered to pay costs of £100. The other man admitted possession of a gill net. He was conditionally discharged for twelve months and ordered to pay £100 costs".
And the report adds: "The sentences appear to be incredibly light given the time and effort put in by the enforcement team to apprehend the individuals carrying out these offences".
RTC solicitor Ian O'Rourke sets out the reasons behind the sentencing. He points to the fact that the court no longer has the power to impose a community order with a prohibition or restriction preventing offenders from going within a specific distance of a river.
He is quoted as saying: "Possession of a gill net is not imprisonable. They can only be fined or receive a discharge regardless of the number of times they commit this offence".
Wild salmon taken from the Tweed by the only remaining netting station - Gardo Fishery at Berwick - is now offered for sale by just one smokery in the world. And the costly delicacy has become so exclusive each consignment is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The netting season runs from April 1st to September 15th each year.
The website of Forman & Field, gourmet food producers since 1905 is where to order the genuine article.
The London-based company warns its Tweed salmon customers: "Wild River Tweed salmon is now so fiercely protected - and fishing so restricted - that it is nigh impossible to acquire stocks, with prices reflecting its rarity. We would urge you to order while you can as there is a grave danger you will never experience this wonderful delicacy again".
And Forman & Field claim that with just one fisherman now permitted to fish on the River Tweed, the firm is the only smokehouse in the world to offer the 'exquisite delicacy'.
The price list includes a 1 lb hand sliced side (serves 6-8) in a smart wooden presentation box for £179.95; a 1.5 lb equivalent (serves 8-10) will set you back £249.95.
Conventional packs of salmon are priced at £49.95 per quarter pound, £99,50 for half a pound, and £196.95 per pound.
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