by DOUG COLLIE
The number of rod caught salmon on the River Tweed's 50 angling beats during the 2023 season was the lowest for five years, according to figures released by fishery managers.
A total catch of 5,720 represented a 14.4 per cent decrease from the 2022 figure of 6,690. And numbers were down by 30 per cent on 2020 when anglers hooked 8,215 salmon.
A statement issued by the River Tweed Commission (RTC) said the 2023 salmon catch had been accompanied by an encouraging increase in the sea-trout catch to 2,285, the best since 2015.
"Tweed continues to maintain its position as the UK's premier river for rod catches", declared the RTC..
The statement explained that Atlantic salmon populations faced alarming declines across various river systems, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures. Climate change posed a particularly grave threat, with rising temperatures endangering freshwater habitats during hot, dry summers.
In December last year the Atlantic salmon was reassessed on the red list of threatened species from 'least concern' to 'endangered' in the UK by international environmental agencies.
The RTC said: "Recognising these challenges, the Commission initiated a comprehensive study in 2023 to bolster Tweed's resilience against climate change, with the preliminary analysis identifying key gaps and outlining strategies for long-term preservation. This work continues to be a key focus."
Building on the knowledge gained by the Tweed Foundation and Tweed Forum, RTC aims to deliver a baseline audit of the Gala Water where existing tools, including fish counters, electrofishing, and smolt trap monitoring, will provide valuable insights into the tributary's condition and, wherever possible, prioritise the improvement of in-river, riparian, or wider catchment management issues relating to healthy fish stocks The findings will inform a detailed condition report and identify future work programs, serving as a blueprint for subsequent catchment-wide audits.
Jonathan Reddin, the RTC's Chief Commissioner, commented: "Our aim is to foster more meaningful involvement from all stakeholders in the Tweed community. However, there are no simple solutions or instant remedies. Our only recourse is to exert maximum effort and efficiency in addressing the underlying factors contributing to these challenges.
"In light of shared challenges faced by Scottish Fishery Boards and Tweed alike, collaboration emerges as a cornerstone of effective conservation practices. While there is no quick fix for enhancing adult salmon abundance, the RTC remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering partnerships and driving collaborative initiatives for the betterment of Tweed's aquatic environment."
The Tweed's reputation as one of the world's leading salmon fishing rivers is estimated to be worth around £24 million each year to the Borders economy, and supports over 500 full time equivalent jobs. Anglers caught a "staggering" 23,200 on the main river and its tributaries in 2010.
Last year's decline in the Tweed catch was much less than on the River Spey where the 2022 total of 5,439 salmon caught by rod slumped by 32 per cent last year to 3,691.
The Missing Salmon Alliance has pointed out that provisional Scottish Government statistics for 2023 revealed the lowest catches reported for wild Atlantic salmon since records began in 1952, and signal that Scotland’s salmon and sea trout populations remain in a critical state.
Last year, 33,023 wild Atlantic salmon and 21,907 sea trout were caught. For salmon, this is a decrease of 25% on the 2022 catch.
The Alliance said: "These figures are announced at a time when we are experiencing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, and concerted, urgent action is required now to prioritise the protection and recovery of Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon populations."
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