Scotland toughens penalties for fish poaching

Stronger penalties for serious offences

Holyrood has passed legislation introducing stronger penalties for serious fish poaching offences in Scotland, following years of campaigning by the fisheries sector.

The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill increases maximum penalties for the worst crimes against Atlantic salmon and sea trout. It applies to offences including use of illegal gill nets, explosives, poisons and electric fishing devices.

The amendment from Emma Harper addressed what Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) described as wholly inadequate fines. Although fish poaching has among the highest conviction rates of all wildlife crimes, the average fine currently stands at just £349.

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Concerns over organised crime and wild salmon strategy

The changes also acknowledge the growing sophistication of poaching operations, with some involving coordinated groups operating commercially and linked to wider serious and organised crime.

Dr Alan Wells, FMS chief executive, said the changes “send a strong message that Scotland cares deeply about our wild salmon and sea trout”.

However, an amendment tabled by Edward Mountain and backed by the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s Fishing Group was rejected. It sought annual appraisals of whether the Wild Salmon Strategy was delivering the most needed priorities, reflecting concerns about declining rod catches and poor spring runs.

A spokesman for the SGA Fishing Group said: “We need to ensure we are not just studying decline. We can research endlessly and create pristine habitat but that will be of little value if we lose wild salmon.”

The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill now awaits royal assent before becoming law.