Wild and farmed salmon interests screen their successful area management agreements online and on DVD

Salmon farmers and wild fish groups launch a DVD and website today to spread the word about the success of the Area Management Agreements that have been signed around the north west highlands, islands and outer Hebrides. Along with the Scottish Government, wild and farmed salmon interests have fostered local solutions to benefit salmon farmers and anglers and the project is now available for all to see at www.tripartiteworkinggroup.com.

The DVD, with its personal introduction by Michael Russell MSP, Minister for the Environment, can be viewed on the website, and is a fascinating insight into the work involved in developing and cultivating successful local agreements. Against a backdrop of stunning scenery and remote, rural communities, many representatives of the area management groups give their views on how well the process is working and how co-operation and growing trust between the parties have been the key to this achievement.

Sid Patten, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, welcomed this addition to the Tripartite project. “The DVD clearly illustrates how salmon farmers and anglers can and do work well together. A fundamental aspect of this is the sharing of information on both sides and I welcome the additional opportunity presented by the launch of the website to keep those interested in both our sectors well informed about the progress of this valuable initiative.”

Andrew Wallace, Managing Director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, also supported the development. “The process has involved a huge effort on all sides to gain acceptance and build momentum and it is very gratifying to see the achievements presented on film and on the website. For local interests the website will develop into a very useful reference tool to see how each of the agreements is working and the benefits accumulating for the area.”

The DVD has already attracted interest from Canada where Government, fish farming representatives and wild fish groups are trying to find solutions to similar issues experienced in Scotland before the launch of the Tripartite Working Group.

END

Notes to Editors:

1.  To date sixteen agreements have been implemented:

• Linnhe/Lorn/Etive/Sound of Mull/Sunart
• Loch Nevis
• Loch Fyne
• West Mull
• Loch Torridon
• Lochs Carron/Kishorn
• West Loch Tarbert
• East Lewis/Harris
• Loch Laxford
• Loch Eriboll
• Loch Ewe
• Kyles of Bute
• Lochs Duich/Alsh
• Lower Lorne (signed 23 March 2006)
• Loch Roag (signed 16 August 2006)
• Skye (signed 9 October 2007)

2.  The members of the Tripartite Working Group are: The Scottish Government, The Fisheries Research Services, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, Rivers and Fisheries Trusts Scotland, Scottish Anglers National Association, Atlantic Salmon Trust and Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation.

3.  The Group was established in 1999 against a background of declining wild salmon stocks and in recognition of the importance of wild fisheries and the aquaculture industry to rural economies. A Report and Concordat was published in July 2000.

Issued on behalf of the Tripartite Working Group by Julie Edgar 0789 987 5151 or Julie@jecommunications.co.uk.

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