Reports from the Board

SUMMER 2009

The Association of Salmon Fishery Boards has raised concerns about the status of spring run fish in Scottish rivers. While we, on the Deveron, have had not too bad a spring, would be foolish to ignore the serious declines evident on other rivers. Our own catch and release rate is much improved. Looking at fish caught between February and April 2008, we killed 41 of a total of 77, returning 47% back to the river to spawn. Anecdotal evidence suggests that well over 50% were returned this year. Many beats have adopted their own 100% catch and release policies to the end of May and their efforts in preserving our spring stocks are to be applauded. Frankly, with the Trust offering a side of smoked salmon (generously donated by Sutherland’s of Portsoy) for each fish returned before the end of May, there is no excuse to kill them unless they are visibly damaged beyond repair. The Board and Trust have issued laminated posters for fishing huts setting out the reasons why we wish spring fish to be returned and exhorting fishermen to adopt a more responsible attitude. If anyone would like further copies, please contact the Trust (Tel: 01466 711388)

As regards other threats to the survival of our salmon river, the new owners of the proposed wind farm site at Clashindarroch helpfully held their public meeting on the day of our March Board meeting, which meant most Board members could not go. Someone who did attend kindly sent me a copy of the proposed layout – depressingly, even after a lengthy and hugely expensive Public Enquiry, few lessons have been learned and the new proposal seems just as potentially damaging to the fishery as the previous one. It is also pretty lamentable that no effort has been made to approach the Board to discuss any of the significant issues raised at the Enquiry and which caused the original proposal to be resoundingly rejected. The gushing and glossy handouts sit rather oddly against the position of the statutory body responsible for the fishery and the many fishermen the length and breadth of our system who remain resolutely against the proposal. Other developers, such as the promoter of Dorenell, have shown a willingness to make important concessions towards protecting fisheries’ interests, even to the extent of investing in the future by proposing remedial works to improve the status of the river post construction. While there still remains the awful spectre of a massively destructive pollution event during the high risk build period, the effort to ameliorate these concerns by making a genuine investment in the future of the river system is to be applauded. We are only too well aware that fine words can mean nothing in the brutal battle for planning consent and your Board’s objections to both these massive developments will not be withdrawn until legally binding commitments are in place.

Our Fishery Management Plan is now on the website and I would urge all those with an interest in our river to read this thoroughly excellent piece of work. As a document in perpetual motion by virtue of being continuously updated, it can only be improved and perfected by your input. Please feel free to correct any errors or raise any issues where you might disagree with the content. It can only the content. It can only be successful if it addresses your concerns as anglers and/or proprietors.

At the June meeting, the assessment for riparian owners was increased from 0.57p in the pound to 0.58p. While the levy had been held at the same level for two years, a marginal increase was felt prudent in order to balance the books for the coming year. The Board had also agreed earlier to boost its annual funding package to the Trust to £20,000. The accounts for the year to March 31st 2009 were approved and will be made available for discussion at the AGM in August.

Depressingly, and just as we go to press, news of a hugely destructive dredging incident on the King Edward burn has come to light. This excellent gravel bedded stream has long been thought to be one of our best spawning tributaries and particularly important for our sea trout. The removal of the gravel over an extended stretch will have had devastating consequences for our juvenile fish, and not least the survival of eggs from future spawning activity. It is absolutely amazing that something like this can take place in this day and age and with the mountain of EU and national legislation explicitly prohibiting such operations. Obviously, there still remains a massive educational job to be done on protecting our fragile riparian habitats. With the abject failure of government agencies and NGOs to complete this task, there is a clear role for private sector, charitable organisations like the Deveron, Bogie & Isla Rivers Trust to fill this gaping hole. We will be redoubling our efforts to forge links with farmers and other riparian owners to try and put a stop to this hugely damaging activity and encourage landowners to protect and look after the valuable asset that they own.

On a brighter note, and despite the hot spell a month ago, there seem to have been a few more sea trout about and a few early grilse have been taken. While nothing yet to write home about, it is, nevertheless, encouraging that the rapid decline of recent years does not seem to be continuing, at least for the moment.

Finally, I would like to thank all those Board and Trust staff who work tirelessly for the good of our river. I would also remind you that the triennial elections are due in August and that all are welcome at the AGM where I am sure we will have the usual lively discussion.

Malcolm Hay
Chairman of the Board