Protecting Salmon Fishing on the River Ribble

Environment Agency News Release

The Environment Agency is once again reminding anglers of the byelaw on the River Ribble in Lancashire, limiting the number of salmon that can be killed.

From 16th June through to the end of the salmon season on 31st October 2009, anglers are permitted to fish for salmon but can only take and retain a maximum of 2 salmon per person.

The mandatory bag limit is again supported by a free and voluntary tagging scheme to enable anglers to follow the byelaws with ease. The simple procedure will ensure each salmon carcass is marked with a unique ID tag as soon as it is removed.
 
The tagging scheme is supported by the Environment Agency, Ribble Fisheries Consultative and Lancashire Fisheries Consultative.
 
All anglers are being urged to take part in the scheme and tags are available from a number of outlets throughout the region.
 
Although the tagging scheme is voluntary, anglers should be aware that the byelaw is mandatory and must be complied with.
 
Richard McIlwain, Fisheries Team Leader for Lancashire, said: “Two years ago, we made the decision to introduce the byelaw in order to further protect the salmon stock in the river. As a result, it’s a criminal offence to take more than 2 salmon during the season from the River Ribble and its tributaries and we will prosecute anyone found to be flouting the byelaw.
 
Whilst, many anglers now use the tags as a matter of routine, there are still some who aren’t aware of the scheme. The tagging scheme is a pilot project aimed at helping us to police the 2 fish limit and it has the full support of the Ribble Fisheries Consultative Association which represents angling clubs and riparian owners on the Ribble. We encourage all anglers to use the tags.
 
Whilst the salmon run on the Ribble has improved considerably in recent years, it could be even better, and controlling the number of salmon taken by anglers, remains a vital conservation measure”.
 
Controls on exploitation are one of a number of measures employed to help improve the fishery. These changes are vital to preserve the long-term future of fisheries interests on the Ribble.
 
The Atlantic Salmon is listed as a priority species on the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan, and despite improvements on some of our rivers, in general, stocks around the UK remain seriously depleted.
 
For further information on the Ribble Catchment area byelaws and the voluntary tagging scheme call 08708 506506.