On Wild Salmon Day, it is important to recognise the role of the River Tweed Commission in protecting and conserving wild Atlantic Salmon throughout the Tweed District.

As the statutory body responsible for the protection, regulation, and improvement of salmon and freshwater fisheries within the Tweed catchment, the Commission undertakes a range of activities that directly support the conservation and sustainable management of wild salmon populations.

Protection Against Illegal Fishing

A core function of the Commission is the protection of salmon stocks through the enforcement of fisheries legislation. Water bailiffs patrol the river and its tributaries day and night throughout the year, deterring illegal fishing activity, investigating offences, and protecting vulnerable salmon during key migration and spawning periods.

Regulation of Fisheries

The Commission oversees the management of fisheries within the Tweed District and works to ensure that fishing activity is conducted responsibly and sustainably. Through regulation and engagement with proprietors and anglers, the Commission seeks to balance fishing opportunities with the long-term conservation needs of wild salmon populations.

Fish Passage and Obstruction Management

Maintaining access to spawning and nursery habitat is essential for salmon conservation. The Commission works with landowners, public bodies, and other partners to identify and address obstructions that may impede the migration of salmon and sea trout throughout the catchment.

Addressing Threats to Fisheries

The Commission has a statutory role in identifying and addressing activities that may damage fisheries or degrade salmon habitat. This includes engagement on developments, water management proposals, pollution incidents, and other activities that may affect the ecological health of the river system.

Supporting Scientific Evidence and Monitoring

The Commission works closely with the Tweed Foundation and other partners to support fish population monitoring, fisheries research, and the collection of evidence that informs fisheries management and conservation policy across the district.

Representation and Advocacy

The Commission represents the interests of the Tweed's fisheries and salmon populations in discussions with governments, regulators, conservation organisations, and stakeholders. This advocacy helps ensure that the needs of wild salmon are considered in wider environmental and policy decisions.

Collaboration Across the Catchment

The conservation of wild salmon depends on cooperation. The Commission works with fishery proprietors, angling associations, land managers, conservation bodies, local communities, and partner organisations to promote measures that benefit salmon and the wider river environment.

Wild Atlantic salmon continue to face significant challenges, including climate change, declining marine survival, habitat pressures, barriers to migration, and changing river conditions. The River Tweed Commission's role is to provide the protection, regulation, and stewardship necessary to help ensure that salmon remain an integral part of the Tweed's natural heritage.

On Wild Salmon Day, we recognise the commitment of Commissioners, Fishery Officers, executive staff, fishery proprietors, anglers, scientists, volunteers, and partner organisations whose collective efforts contribute to the protection and conservation of wild salmon throughout the Tweed District.

Protecting wild salmon today helps secure the future of one of the River Tweed's most iconic and valuable species for generations to come.

River Tweed Commission