Wild Salmon
Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon
Wild Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon: What do you mean I hear you asking. Could this be a page about the comparison between the eating qualities of the wild salmon versus those of the farmed salmon?
No, the battle I wish to ponder upon here is that of the threats made upon the wild Atlantic Salmon that used to abound around these shores of Scotland.
The sad truth is that the Atlantic Salmon is in decline and it is a drastic and aggressive decline that has been witnessed by many anglers over the last few years. The threat I wish to discuss here is not that of the Gyrodactylus salaris (GS) parasite that is destroying stocks across Europe it is that of the farmed salmon and the UK supermarkets!
The Wild Atlantic Salmon
Of all the fish that inhabit our waters it is probably the wild Atlantic salmon that is most closely associated with Scotland's fishing heritage. As such it plays a vital role in the tourist industry as many choose Scotland as the location for their fishing vacation. Over the last few decades we have learnt much about the wild salmon. We have learnt much about it's life cycle and biology but there is so much more that do not yet full understand. The fact that they take the fly on their journey upstream, to spawn, is an enigma as, for the whole of that journey, they do not eat. However the most debated puzzle is that of the dramatic annual decline in the numbers returning to their birthplace to spawn. Many have blamed disease and parasites while others choose to blame the increasing populations of the seal whereas a growing number continue to point the finger towards the fish farms.
Farmed Salmon
It was in the mid 1980's that I first started to notice the fish farm cages appearing on the lochs of Scotland. Initially I was excited at the prospect of cheaper salmon and the possibility that it would reduce the need for wild salmon. However I have learnt much since those early days most alarming of which is that the amount of fish which need to be caught to feed them is so much greater than the process actually produces that it has a negative effect upon overall fish stocks.
Unfortunately this is, possibly, the least important of the many problems associated with farmed salmon. In the summer of 2001 I read a report from Friends of the Earth Scotland that listed many problems associated with the industry.
Pollution and Wild Salmon
In the report of 2001 mentioned above I read that the estimated quantity of waste discharged from Scottish fish farms in 2000 was more than twice the annual sewage discharged by the entire population of Scotland. Furthermore it was reported that the amount of wild salmon caught had fallen from 1,220 tonnes in 1983 right down to 200 tonnes in 1999. This is shocking but I really do dread what the situation is like now?
Anglers have already noticed that the chance of catching a wild salmon, in some areas that were once plentiful, are now slim to none. It is sad to see that many rivers across Europe are having to remain closed to fishing this season, such as the river Lackagh in Ireland, due to the lack of returning fish. In the same fly fishing magazine that I read this I also read of a readers disgust at the Scottish Executive's approach to the problem. The writer went to to explain the growing upset over the plight of the sea trout in Loch Fyne.
Loch Fyne is a wonderful sea loch on the west coast of Argyll and Bute which is an extremely popular tourist destination where fishing is one of the most popular pastimes. As a sea loch has several salmon cages towards one end where they are protected. It is believed that it is these cages that have been blamed by many for the sharp decline in the numbers of sea trout being caught with references being made to the amount of rubbish that builds up under the cages.
The Final Nail In the Coffin For The Wild Salmon
Now please take the time to consider the poor wild salmon for a moment. His life is full of danger from the moment of hatching to the day it returns to spawn. It is an amazing fact that any actually manage this wondrous cycle of life in the first place. However we are putting the final nail in the coffin of the wild salmon by flooding the seas around it's spawning grounds with dangerous pollutants from fish farms. The sad fact is that, even if the poor salmon makes it to the spawning ground, it almost certainly faces another collection of fish farm cages and even more dangerous pollution. This is because the farmed salmon are best grown in the most suitable fresh water (the spawning grounds) to be transferred to the sea when they smolt.
The article above only briefly looks at the question of wild salmon vs. farmed salmon but I do believe that it is an unfair fight. The farmed salmon has the support of a massive industry and the government of Scotland supporting it whereas the poor wild salmon has only the support of anglers and conservationists.
I pray that this article inspires you to study the matter further.
References:
Friends of the Earth Scotland - www.foe-scotland.org.uk/press/pr20010604.html
Fly Fishing And Fly Tying Magazine News Section March 2007 - www.flyfishing-and-flytying.co.uk
Letter to fly fishing magazine above by James Waltham
Articles about fishing in Scotland:
Fishing In Scotland
An in-depth look at the popular pastime of fishing in Scotland.
Fishing Seasons In Scotland
An introduction to the seasons of Scotland, the weather and the fishing season for trout and salmon.
Choosing A Fly Fishing Rod
A short article about fly fishing rods that may be beneficial to both beginners and seasoned anglers.
What Is The Best Gear For Fly Fishing?
A look at the equipment and accessories available and what should be considered for best personal safety.
Fly Fishing Waders: A Look At Breathable Waders
As technology moves forward anglers take advantage of every edge they can get I believe these waders should be considered essential.
Essential Equipment: Fly Fishing Flies
A look at the fly fishing fly, how it works, fly fishing fly patterns and much more.
A Look At Some Salmon Flies
A selection of images showing the trusty salmon fly. To view enlargements just click the thumbnails.
A Look At Some Traditional Fly Fishing Flies
A selection of some of the many traditional flies available to the modern angler.
Wild Salmon Vs. Farmed Salmon
A brief look at the unfair battle of the wild Atlantic Salmon against the corporately supported farmed salmon.
Choosing Salmon Fishing Gear
A look at some of the many things you should consider before and during the purchase of salmon fishing gear.
Salmon Fishing on the River Girvan
A look at salmon fishing on the River Girvan and the wonderful Blairquhan Estate.
Sea Fishing in Scotland
A look at the sport of sea fishing including a few very important tips
Saltwater Fishing
A collection of general saltwater fishing articles not directly relevant with Scotland but somewhat applicable.
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