Scottish Government introduces new measures to protect salmon

The Scottish Government has today published a contingency plan to tackle the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs).

Scotland so far remains free of Gs, but were it to be introduced, it could devastate the country's £60 million freshwater salmon industry.

The plan sets out a range of measures to eradicate or contain Gs should it be introduced into Scotland. It was produced with the full and active support of industry and other stakeholders and includes a detailed operations manual to support all those dealing with any disease outbreak.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said: "I congratulate all those behind the preparation of this contingency plan.

"The importance of protecting this iconic fish is paramount. Its presence in Scottish rivers attracts thousands of tourists to this country every year.

"The damage that Gyrodactylus salaris could do to our freshwater salmon sector, should it arrive in Scotland is immeasurable and we must do everything we can to ensure we keep it out.

"However, it is also vital that we are prepared to combat the parasite should it be found on our salmon and ready to take whatever action is needed. Any intervention would entail the widest possible consultation with stakeholders.

"The plan we are publishing today provides a range of measures which can be taken if an outbreak is discovered so that we are able to act quickly and effectively to protect an important industry for Scotland's rural communities.

"I am very grateful to the fisheries organisations and other stakeholder groups that have been able to work together to produce such a comprehensive plan and find practical solutions to difficult problems."

Gs is a virulent freshwater parasite of Atlantic salmon not found in Scotland. It was introduced into Norway with salmon smolts for farming and has severely impacted wild salmon stocks in 46 of their rivers. Less than half a millimetre long, the parasite multiplies rapidly and it would only take one individual to start an epidemic. Simple precautions such as thoroughly drying or disinfecting fishing tackle are effective.

In addition to the contingency plan, the government says Scotland is well placed to combat this disease, with the following measures in place:

- Legal barriers to trade in live salmonids from areas infected with Gs or unable to demonstrate freedom from it.
- Powers taken in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 to treat infected waters and prevent spread.
- A concordat with the Norwegian Veterinary Institute to provide technical expertise in the event of an outbreak in Scotland.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate visiting anglers and canoeists and those returning from abroad about the risks of importing Gs on their equipment.
- A contract securing access to the product necessary to treat infected waters.