The killing of wild salmon may soon require a license.

The killing of wild salmon in Scotland may soon require a licence

Subject to public consultation, the killing of wild salmon in Scotland may soon require a licence, Scottish ministers have revealed.

The Scottish government are inviting views on proposed conservation measures which would seek to ban the killing of wild salmon except under licence along with an accompanying carcass tagging scheme to ensure compliance.

The licence would apply to netters and anglers, and it is hoped that the new system will be in place for 2016.  

Over the next 12 weeks stakeholders will be invited to use the consultation period to offer their views on both the principle of the proposals and how they might operate in practice.

Launching the consultation, environment minister, Dr Aileen McLeod said: “I am pleased that we are now in a position to progress this consultation. The Scottish Government is committed to meeting our obligations on wild salmon conservation by ensuring that killing by any method is sustainable.

"We need to ensure we have a robust and sustainable system so our fish thrive and people can continue to enjoy wild fishing and the socio-economic benefits that flow from it for generations to come.

“This is why we have launched a consultation to seek views on a kill licence for wild salmon. I would encourage all those with an interest in the proposals to respond.”

The consultation runs from 6 February 2015 to 30 April 2015.

The full consultation document can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk.