The director of Angus-based Usan Salmon Fisheries has hit back after the company found itself drawn into a political row.
George Pullar accused the Esk District Salmon Fishery Board of having a ”malicious fixation” with driving his firm out of business.
Mr Pullar was speaking to The Courier after the fishery board condemned the Scottish Government’s decision to give Usan an additional 14 days to catch fish.
Hugh Campbell Adamson, chairman of the fishery board, said extending the season was ”recklessly irresponsible” and described the move as making ”no sense at all” in terms of conservation.
Usan Salmon Fisheries will be allowed to net salmon between September 1 and 14, after the end of the statutory netting season on August 31, for three years from 2012.
The reason for the extension had been stated as ”to compensate the fishery for disruption” caused by Marine Scotland Science having ”access to fish and genetic samples during the commercial fishery season” for tagging research purposes.
Mr Pullar said: ”We are disgusted and outraged at the latest statement issued by the Esk Board. This represents the latest in a long line of baseless persecutory attacks on our long-established Scottish business.
”It is quite clear that after eight years of haphazard mismanagement by the Esk Board, the Scottish Government has stepped in to introduce a science-based programme to explore salmon stock status within the district and address knowledge gaps, where these exist.
”We welcome that and believe all of those involved in the management of wild salmon should regard this as positive.
”Rather than acting objectively and considering all pertinent factors, the extent of the Esk Board’s suggestions for action appears to be to limit the operation of our legal net fishery, stemming from a malicious fixation with driving us out of business.”
Mr Campbell Adamson said the government is allowing Usan to kill up to 1,000 more salmon with a potential gross value of some £50,000.
He said: ”Scottish Government’s approach to salmon conservation is woefully inconsistent. It regularly exhorts fishery boards and anglers to reduce exploitation through catch and release.
”This advice is being heeded on the River South Esk, where in 2011 anglers caught just 672 salmon, of which well over half were safely released back into the water.
”In contrast, Usan’s nets in the South Esk district killed 6,500 salmon last year. It beggars belief that the netting season is now being lengthened.”
However, Mr Pullar said both the Esk Board and the angling lobby have run a concerted campaign over many years aimed at destroying their business and the reputation of legal coastal salmon netting in Scotland.
He added: ”We have a proven track record of proactively engaging in salmon conservation measures where these are necessary.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said it was fully committed to salmon conservation.
She said no licence would have been granted had there been evidence it would have a detrimental impact on stocks.