Operation Salmo helps close the net on salmon crime

Operation Salmo launched on Monday 20 October — a week-long enforcement and awareness drive putting extra boots on Scotland’s riverbanks to tackle salmon poaching.

Led by Police Scotland, Fisheries Management Scotland, and a network of district fishery board water bailiffs who fight fish crime across Scotland, the operation will scale up joint patrols on rivers and lochs and help raise awareness of the damage poaching and other illegal activity can do to Scotland’s endangered salmon stocks.

What is fish crime?

Fish crime includes the following illegal activities which can do serious harm to wild fish, including:

·        Fishing for salmon or sea trout without permission,

·        Using illegal fishing methods, including setting nets or traps,

·        Killing fish for their eggs,

·        Using poisons, explosives or other methods that kill fish,

·        Wilful destruction of juvenile fish habitat.

These activities threaten fragile salmon populations and can be linked to wider organised criminality.

In 2023 wild Atlantic salmon were reclassified by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Endangered’ in Great Britain and it’s crucial we do what we can to alleviate threats to their survival. This follows years of sustained declines in salmon numbers, affecting rivers across Scotland.

Enforcement teams can’t be everywhere, which is why community vigilance is essential. What can the public do?

·        Remain vigilant to suspicious activity on Scotland’s rivers and lochs

·        Look out for nets in rivers, on the riverbank or dead fish

·        Report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland via 101 or to your local district salmon fishery board.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon said:

“The Scottish Government takes the issue of Scotland’s declining wild salmon populations very seriously and are coordinating action to prioritise the protection and recovery of Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon populations with the Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan. This includes the damaging impact that poaching can have on local salmon populations.

“We are pleased to support Operation Salmo, highlighting the importance of collaboration between Police Scotland, District Salmon Fishery Boards and the general public, to report and stop incidences of wildlife crime from occurring. The most recent Wildlife Crime report 2023 shows that fish poaching remains the most common wildlife crime, and we encourage anyone who witnesses illegal wildlife crime to report it.”

Brian Davidson, Director of Operations at Fisheries Management Scotland said

“We are delighted to be working with Police Scotland to raise awareness of the impact of fish poaching. It is clear that Scotland’s Atlantic salmon are now at crisis point. The fact that this iconic species is now considered to be endangered underlines just how grave the situation has become.

“Whilst fish poaching is one of the most common wildlife crimes, with a high conviction rate, it has the lowest average fine level for all wildlife crimes at just £349. In parallel with Operation Salmo, Fisheries Management Scotland is pressing for tougher penalties for the most serious fish offences, including those that involve poisons and noxious substances, destruction of habitat, killing salmon for their eggs and poachers who operate in gangs.”

“Returning adult salmon have already successfully negotiated a range of challenges at sea, and any loss of these precious wild fish to illegal activity is tragic and reduces the chances of sustaining Scotland’s salmon populations into the future.” 
Police Scotland’s National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, Detective Sergeant David Lynn said:

“There is a perception that fish poaching is not a serious crime and that ‘taking one for the pot’ does no harm. However, fish poaching is a criminal offence and stocks are protected by law. It is often connected with other forms of criminality.

“As well as carrying out joint patrols with water bailiffs to deter fish poaching and other offences in and around rivers, lochs and the coastline, officers work closely with Fisheries Management Scotland and other partners, including the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Priority Delivery Group for Poaching in Scotland.