Here’s the link to the Rural Affairs Committee meeting that took place this morning after an motion to annul the proposed legislation on mandatory conservation measures for wild salmon. It explains the government’s position and response to many areas of concern raised by committee members and MSP’s. The motion was proposed by Alex Fergusson MSP. After hearing from Government officials during questioning followed by a lengthy debate, the motion failed by 5 votes to 4.
Unfortunately, what this means is that there will be no further debate in Parliament and the proposed legislation requiring mandatory conservation measures for category 3 rivers in Scotland will come into force on the 1st April 2016. The Rivers Ayr and Lugar and all tributaries within the catchment are now 100% catch and release for salmon and will remain so until further notice.