Anglers are going to be required to release all salmon they catch in the River Derwent over the next 10 years under a new by-law to protect perilously low stocks of the fish.
The Environment Agency (EA) has been forced to draw up new fishing regulations for the waterway because the Derwent’s salmon stock is now formally classified as being ‘at risk’ of failing to achieve its conservation limit. Sea trout stocks are also in need of continued protection.
A public consultation on the proposed new local by-law for the River Derwent rod fishery was launched on Friday. The by-law requires mandatory catch and release of all salmon caught in the next decade to protect stocks and help recovery.
The by-law will also limit the use of more damaging methods of fishing to protect salmon and sea trout stocks.
Salmon stocks in the catchment are now at their lowest on current record, with the species formally classified as being ‘at risk’ of failing to achieve its minimum desirable population level.
The Environment Agency has met with stakeholders and rod fishing representatives to explain the status of the salmon and sea trout stock and the need for a change in regulations.
The new proposals being consulted upon are intended to reduce the number of adult salmon being killed and increase the numbers making it to their spawning grounds. They will also add protection to the sea trout stock.
Environment Agency fisheries specialist, Phil Ramsden said: “Subject to approval from Defra and the Government minister, our proposed by-laws would require anglers to release all the salmon they catch and adjust the methods they use for salmon and sea trout to help protect and enhance fish stocks in order to maximise the numbers of adults available to spawn successfully.
“We understand the wide-ranging benefits associated with rod fishing and these proposals do not seek to prevent people from taking part in angling.
“The Derwent rod fishery will remain fully open under our proposed by-laws. However, we do need to urgently reduce the exploitation of the Derwent salmon stock to zero, and we have a shared responsibility to protect our fish within the catchment. Each spawning salmon is now crucial, and it is essential we act now to prevent any further decline in our salmon stocks.
“As anglers, we must all work together to maximise the number of salmon reaching their spawning grounds and successfully protect this iconic fish for future generations. This is what our proposed by-laws will help to achieve.
“Our proposed restrictions on rod fishery are only one part of the wider jigsaw and need to sit alongside other ongoing areas of work to protect our fish stocks and their habitat.”
The Environment Agency is encouraging all local anglers to review the proposals, participate in the consultation and play a part in the recovery.
The Derwent rises at Sprinkling Tarn underneath Great End and flows in a northerly direction through Borrowdale before entering Derwentwater which it exits to the north just outside Keswick where it is joined by the waters of the River Greta. It then enters Bassenthwaite Lake at its southern end and exits at its northern end, flowing to
Cockermouth where the River Cocker joins it.
The five-week consultation closes on October 31. Comments can be made via the Environment Agency’s online portal at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/fisheries/river-derwent
