THE TAY’S importance to Scotland’s economy has been highlighted in the Scottish Parliament.
The world-famous Tay salmon season was opened in style on Tuesday and the waterway is set to attract thousands of enthusiasts to Perthshire in coming months.
Freshwater angling brings over £100 million to the country’s economy each year.
After attending the traditional opening day festivities at Dunkeld, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament celebrating the industry.
He called on MSPs to recognise “the vital role that Tay salmon fishing plays in driving tourism and the economy, and support the future of salmon fishing on the Tay and across the rest of Scotland.”
Thanks to a successful catch and release scheme, the average catch increased last year.
Mr Fraser MSP said: “Salmon fishing is important to the rural economies of many communities in Scotland.
“Salmon fishing on the River Tay has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
“The number of young salmon is on the rise thanks to the success of the catch and release scheme, which ensures the future sustainability of the river.
“The Tay has been particularly successful in drawing anglers from across Britain to Perthshire who are eager to test themselves on the river. I’d encourage fishers of all standards to come to Perthshire and explore the fantastic fishing available on the Tay.”
William Jack, chairman of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board said: “It is pleasing to note that numbers of large spring salmon, for which the Tay was always celebrated historically, seem to be recovering. 2012 saw the highest average weight of spring salmon in the Tay since 1987.
“Starting five years ago, we have seen a sustained resurgence with many more spring fish in the high teens and twenties of pounds, and 2012 was the best yet.”
“Before the advent of catch and release, all big spring fish caught by anglers were killed. Now they are able to continue their journeys upstream to spawn and help produce the next generation.
“It is vital that we retain our spring conservation measures so that this recovery continues.”
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk