What are the new penalties for salmon poaching in Scotland?

New penalties impose a statutory maximum fine of £10,000 for each illegally caught salmon and up to £40,000 for possessing poached fish.

Why are salmon populations in Scotland at risk?

Wild salmon populations in Scotland are at record low levels and are considered endangered, making poaching a critical threat to their survival.

What is the current status of salmon fishing in Scotland's rivers?

Nearly three-quarters of Scotland's salmon rivers have a mandatory catch-and-release policy due to critically low fish numbers.

Home / Environment / £10,000 Per Fish: Scotland's Drastic Move Against Salmon Poaching

£10,000 Per Fish: Scotland's Drastic Move Against Salmon Poaching

1 Feb

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Summary

New penalties impose £10,000 fine for every illegally caught salmon.
Possession of poached salmon can result in fines up to £40,000.
Wild salmon populations are at critical, record-low levels in Scotland.

£10,000 Per Fish: Scotland's Drastic Move Against Salmon Poaching

Scotland has enacted strict new penalties to combat the significant threat of salmon poaching. As wild salmon populations have fallen to critically low levels, poaching is now considered a major danger to the species' future. The new measures, recently passed at Holyrood, impose a statutory maximum fine of £10,000 for each illegally caught salmon.

Furthermore, individuals found in possession of poached salmon face fines of up to £40,000. These enhanced penalties were recommended by Fisheries Management Scotland, highlighting that wild Atlantic salmon catches are at their lowest since records began in 1952 and are classified as endangered in the UK.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon stated that fish poaching is a serious wildlife crime and that wild salmon populations are at a crisis point. The government is committed to protecting and recovering this iconic species. Currently, nearly three-quarters of Scotland's salmon rivers have mandatory catch-and-release policies in effect.