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).
Should be
Irvine -3
Garnock – 3
Ayr – 3
Doon – 3
Girvan – 3
Stinchar – 3
Some are doing better than others but all these rivers should be mandatory class 3 for next 3 yrs at least, my opinion.