Salmon bill nets criticism

The new bill will give government greater powers

Criticism is growing over moves to preserve Scotland's dwindling salmon stocks.

It is being claimed that the legislation proposed by the Scottish Executive will do little to save the fish.

And one of Scotland's most senior judges says the Salmon Conservation Bill could even be illegal.

The Scottish Executive launched the bill - which was included in the parliament's legislative programme unveiled in September - after salmon stocks in some rivers reached an all-time low.

Lice burrow into the salmon's skin

The latest figures showed that the total number of salmon and grilse caught and retained by anglers and netsmen in Scotland was 55,538 - down 39.4% on 1998.

The proposed legislation would give local fishery boards and ministers wide-ranging powers to change fishing methods and even close fisheries.

The Scottish Anglers' National Association - which represents 30,000 fishermen - has welcomed some of the measures.

But it says some other steps are far too sweeping.

The association's Jane Wright said: "The bill as it is presently worded might be able to be used to stop fishing altogether.

This bill is uneven in its effect, discriminatory, unfair and possibly illegal

Lord Morison

"Obviously angling is very important to the economy of Scotland and has been in Scotland's history for years and years.

"There must be a balance struck between the fish we take and the fish we return."

The bill has also come in for strong criticism from recently-retired judge Lord Morison, who owns fishing rights on the River Deveron.

He claims the bill may be illegal under the European Convention on Human Rights because it does not ensure there will be compensation for affected owners.

"This bill is uneven in its effect, discriminatory, unfair and possibly illegal," he said.

Court action dropped

However, the Scottish National Party has argued that the bill does not go far enough.

But the Scottish Executive stands by its legislation and says there is no doubt about its legality.

Last month fishing pressure groups dropped a court action aimed at protecting wild stocks from problems said to stem from fish farms.

The action, brought one-year-ago by the Sea Trout Group, was discontinued amid fears it could interfere with a Scottish Parliament inquiry.

The group said it took the step after recent moves by the Scottish Executive to tackle the serious sea lice problems facing the salmon farming industry.