The Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Regulations 2016

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make provision to regulate the killing of salmon in specified areas. The Scottish Ministers must carry out, or arrange for the carrying out of, an assessment of the conservation status of salmon in those areas described in Schedule 1.

Regulation 3 prohibits the retention of any salmon which are caught in coastal waters and those areas of inland waters described in Schedule 2. In terms of section 38(7) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003 it is an offence to act in contravention of the prohibition. Anyone found guilty of the offence is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of up to level 4 on the standard scale.

Regulation 4 provides that a conservation plan for salmon may be agreed between the Scottish Ministers and District Salmon Fishery Boards or proprietors of salmon fisheries in respect of those areas described in Schedule 1.

A Business Regulatory Impact Assessment in relation to these Regulations has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies of it can be obtained from Marine Scotland, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ and online at www.legislation.gov.uk.