Red Skin Disease

6 Jun

News from the Atlantic Salmon Trust:-

Reports of Red Skin Disease
Last year AST reported that there were accounts of small numbers of salmon caught in rivers across Europe, including Scotland, all exhibiting signs of a severe red rash and at times fungal infections (see here). It has been brought to the AST’s attention that this Red Skin Disease has reappeared in some areas. Following a major workshop in Norway last autumn, various laboratories have agreed to cooperate in tracing outbreaks of the disease and further analysing samples provided. Despite extensive investigations undertaken last year on retrieved specimens by the various fish health authorities, no attributable cause from an infectious agent has been established to date.

The AST asks that, when returning to the river bank, individuals stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any fish showing symptoms. If you do catch one of these fish, please do not remove it from the water and handle it as little as possible when removing the hook. Photograph the fish if you can and report the exact location of capture as soon as possible to the authorities (contact information provided on the AST website). Geographical coordinates for the position of capture from your smartphone would be particularly useful. It is also advised to follow normal biosecurity protocols and disinfect your fishing tackle, landing net, waders, and fishing jacket if they have come into contact with the fish.

At the moment this is for information only and the AST will share more news on their website & social media channels as it becomes available.

Fishing on the Rivers Tweed and Till.

13 May

Statement by RTC on the relaxation of the lockdown announced by the UK Government on Sunday 10th May.

BY TWEEDFOUNDATION ON MAY 12, 2020 IN 

Since the very first of the River Tweed Acts in 1807, the fishings on the River Tweed have been managed as a single unit notwithstanding the fact that the river rises in Scotland and reaches the sea in England. This arrangement has continued successfully to the present day with the management powers vested in the River Tweed Commission by virtue of the Scotland Act 1998 (River Tweed) Order 2006.

The UK Government announcement on 10th May changes matters since for the first time since 1807 from 13th May different rules will apply to fisheries in England as opposed to those in Scotland. The reason for this is that whilst the UK Government has eased the lockdown restrictions in England the position of the Scottish Government is that fishing is not allowed and also that travelling for anything other than work or essential purposes is not allowed.

RTC is in the process of obtaining clarification of its position from the Scottish Government, but understands that the effect of the two Government announcements on 10th May to be as follows:-

  • The portion of the River Tweed Salmon Fishery District which lies in Scotland remains closed for fishing.
  • With effect from Wednesday 13th May it will be permissible to fish in the portion of the River Tweed Salmon Fishery District which lies in England subject to social distancing measures being observed and the fisheries complying in all respects with the measures required to protect fishers, ghillies and all other persons using the riverbanks.
  • Travel in Scotland is still restricted and it is therefore understood that it will not be permissible to travel from Scotland to England to fish.

The decision as to the timing of relaxation of the current restrictions in Scotland remains a matter for the Scottish Government, but in anticipation of this occurring at a future date, RTC is in consultation with Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) over the drafting of a protocol which will set down how fishing activity might be safely carried out during the currency of the pandemic. This will be published as soon as possible.

Editors note:-

This article confirms that at the moment subject to the agreement of the Scottish Government that anglers can fish the river Tweed from the English bank but not the Scottish and that the River Till is now fully open to fishing.

Going fishing?

12 May

Fishing to start

The Government recently announced that fishing will again be allowed in England as of Wednesday, May 13th. Most waters will be available to fish. You may want to follow some simple rules to help make fishing safe for everyone.  These rules are set out below and follow the guidelines issued by the Angling Trust.

COVID-19: Some General Rules

COVID-19 is spread when an infected individual or carrier, who may not have any symptoms, releases the virus into the air by coughing or sneezing, or even breathing.  A person in close contact can inhale the virus and become infected. Also, the virus will settle on surfaces and can live there for days. Someone can become infected by touching that surface and then touching their face. The virus can be killed by soap or by appropriate sanitising agents.

Some  general rules:

  • DO MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING: do not stand within 2m of anyone and maintain a distance of 15m from other anglers when fishing.
  • DO PRACTISE GOOD HYGIENE: use hand sanitiser BEFORE and AFTER touching gates, locks, etc and of course when you have finished fishing. Disposable gloves or a carrier bag over the hand provide alternative protection.
  • DO GO FISHING ON YOUR OWN: only travel to venues on your own or with members of your household.
  • DO NOT share fishing tackle or touch fishing tackle other than your own
  • DO NOT leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19: follow Government advice on self- isolation.

If we remember and adhere to these general rules, the virus will be contained, and we can enjoy fishing safely.

Stay safe.