Survey to estimate salmon numbers

A new survey is being launched to estimate the number of young salmon in Scottish rivers.

Between July and September biologists assisted by volunteers will carry out Scotland’s first national “electrofishing” survey to map out young salmon populations.

The method uses equipment with electricity flowing through it to capture the fish without injuring them.

Fish will be captured and counted at more than 800 randomly selected sites across 27 regions.

The project, funded by the Scottish Government, Sepa and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), will provide an accurate estimate of numbers of young salmon and provide fisheries trusts and boards with information to supplement extensive local surveys.

Iain Sime, SNH freshwater and wetlands group manager, said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to report on the health of the ‘king of fish’ on a national scale for the first time, and to measure the health of Scotland’s rivers that are designated for the conservation of salmon.”

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “We are already assessing the populations of adult salmon but this new national survey is a significant milestone.

“The data gathered will also help Sepa classify electrofishing sites and SNH report on the condition of Atlantic salmon and freshwater pearl mussels in Special Areas of Conservation.”