The Government has released the river categorisations having now been passed in Parliament. These gradings will be effectual from April 1st 2019.
 
River Categories are as follows.
 
Irvine -3
Garnock – 2
Ayr – 2
Doon – 2
Girvan – 2
Stinchar – 1
 
These gradings were consulted on last October, however only 39 responses were received highlighting the apathy that is within many anglers.
 
The link to the 5 year averages and egg deposition rates is as follows: https://scotland.shinyapps.io/sg-salmon-conservation/
 
Category Probability of Meeting CL Advice
 
1. At least 80%
Exploitation is sustainable therefore no additional management action is currently required. This recognises the effectiveness of existing non-statutory local management interventions.
 
2. 60-80%
 
Management action is necessary to reduce exploitation: catch and release should be promoted strongly in the first instance. The need for mandatory catch and release will be reviewed annually.
 
3. Less than 60%
 
Exploitation is unsustainable therefore management actions required to reduce exploitation for 1 year i.e. mandatory catch and release (all methods).