Fisheries survey indicates a need for concern over the effect that predation has on UK fish stocks

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The NGO represents gamekeepers and deer stalkers – but also ghillies and riverkeepers, as well as any other person with an interest in the countryside. Gamekeepers are experts in the field of legal predator control, and given the general plight of the UK’s rivers, streams and lakes the NGO wanted to get the views of those on the ground with regards to predation on fish stocks.

Our survey has shown that those involved with fishery management or angling feel that predation is having a major effect on the UK’s fish stocks, and that 97% of those surveyed would like to see more legal protection for fish from predatory species. The most common predator was the cormorant, closely followed by the heron, mink and then otter. Almost 80% of those surveyed said that predation affects the viability of fisheries.

Brown trout were the most prevalent species of fish, closely followed by the carp. The Atlantic Salmon was near the bottom of the list – which is not unexpected as the main UK population of Atlantic salmon have this year been reclassified as ‘endangered’, meaning they are now threatened with extinction. On a global level, Atlantic salmon populations have been reclassified from ‘least concern’ to near ‘threatened’.

Once a new government is elected, the NGO looks forward to working with them to create the best protection for our fish stocks as possible.

ENDS