The River Tweed Commission (RTC) announces a salmon rod catch of 5,720, accompanied by an encouraging increase in the sea-trout catch to 2,285, the best since 2015. Tweed continues to maintain its position as the UK's premier river for rod catches.
Atlantic salmon populations face alarming declines across various river systems, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures. Climate change poses a particularly grave threat, with rising temperatures endangering freshwater habitats during hot, dry summers.
Recognising these challenges, the RTC initiated a comprehensive study in 2023 to bolster Tweed's resilience against climate change, with the preliminary analysis identifying key gaps and outlining strategies for long-term preservation. This work continues to be a key focus.
Building on the knowledge gained by the Tweed Foundation and Forum we aim to deliver a baseline audit of the Gala Water where existing tools, including fish counters, electrofishing, and smolt trap monitoring, will provide valuable insights into the tributary's condition and, wherever possible, prioritise the improvement of in-river, riparian, or wider catchment management issues relating to healthy fish stocks The findings will inform a detailed condition report and identify future work programs, serving as a blueprint for subsequent catchment-wide audits.
Jonathan Reddin, Chief Commissioner, expressed, "Our aim is to foster more meaningful involvement from all stakeholders in the Tweed community. However, there are no simple solutions or instant remedies. Our only recourse is to exert maximum effort and efficiency in addressing the underlying factors contributing to these challenges."
In light of shared challenges faced by Scottish Fishery Boards and Tweed alike, collaboration emerges as a cornerstone of effective conservation practices. While there is no quick fix for enhancing adult salmon abundance, the RTC remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering partnerships and driving collaborative initiatives for the betterment of Tweed's aquatic environment.
