Commitment to Wild Salmon Conservation
River Tweed Commission Highlights Ongoing Commitment to Wild Salmon Conservation by recognising the importance of wild Atlantic salmon and the collective efforts taking place across the Tweed catchment to protect and restore one of the Scotland’s most iconic and internationally important fish species.
Wild Atlantic salmon face significant challenges throughout their lifecycle, including climate change, habitat degradation, barriers to migration, predation pressures and declining marine survival. These pressures have contributed to declines in salmon populations across much of their native range, making effective conservation and management more important than ever.
As the statutory authority responsible for the protection, regulation and improvement of salmon and freshwater fisheries throughout the Tweed District, the River Tweed Commission plays a key role in safeguarding salmon stocks and the habitats upon which they depend.
The Commission's Fishery Officers patrol the river and its tributaries throughout the year, enforcing fisheries legislation, deterring illegal activity and protecting vulnerable fish during key migration and spawning periods. The Commission also works closely with fishery owners, anglers, land managers, public bodies and environmental organisations to address issues affecting salmon and their habitats.
A significant part of this work is delivered through partnership and collaboration. The Commission works alongside a wide range of organisations and stakeholders to support habitat restoration, improve fish passage, address water quality issues and ensure that developments within the catchment take account of the needs of migratory fish.
A key partner in this work is the Tweed Foundation, whose fisheries scientists deliver one of the most comprehensive salmon monitoring and research programmes in the UK. Through long-term population monitoring, electrofishing surveys, smolt trapping, fish counters, redd counts and habitat assessments, the Foundation provides the scientific evidence that helps inform fisheries management and conservation decisions throughout the Tweed & Eye catchment.
Recent collaborative work has included fish passage improvements, river habitat restoration, native tree planting, water temperature monitoring and investigations into factors affecting juvenile salmon survival. These projects help build resilience within the catchment and support healthier conditions for salmon and other freshwater species.
Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said:
"Wild Salmon Day provides an opportunity to recognise both the challenges facing Atlantic salmon and the dedication of the many individuals and organisations working to secure their future. Conservation of wild salmon requires long-term commitment, sound science, effective fisheries management and strong partnerships. Across the Tweed catchment we are fortunate to have landowners, anglers, scientists, volunteers, environmental organisations and public bodies all contributing towards that shared goal."
While significant challenges remain, the River Tweed Commission believes that continued collaboration, investment in habitat improvement and science-led management offer the best opportunity to safeguard wild salmon for future generations.
The Commission encourages everyone with an interest in the river environment to recognise the importance of healthy rivers and the role they play in supporting wild Atlantic salmon and wider biodiversity.
