River Eden Salmon Conservation Measures 2014
As most of us will be aware, salmon runs and rod catch returns have been in a steady and continuous decline on the River Eden since its previous high rod catch in 2004, and as a consequence of this the Environment Agency have decided to act to promote conservation measures at the earliest opportunity in order to work towards supporting a more sustainable salmon population once again. The current restrictions are set to run until the end of 2017 but with current figures showing more urgent measures are needed, it is highly possible we will see an early review of the existing Net Limitation Order and Byelaws, or a set of interim byelaws being put in place from 2015. In the mean time, as the development and application of new regulations can take up to 12 months, they are seeking the adoption of concerted and effective voluntary conservation measures. At present Eden anglers are returning 69% of their catch. The environment Agency would like to increase this to 90% to help protect the salmon stock and future generations of Eden salmon. The voluntary rod measures are being developed and promoted by REDFA (River Eden & District Fisheries Association) and became effective as of 16th June 2014. A brief break down of these measures is as follows: Salmon 1. Daily kill limit of 1 fish per day 2. Maximum season kill limit of 6 fish 3. All gravid cock and hen fish to be released in a responsible manner, as quickly and safely as possible 4. Development and introduction of a tagging system for 2015 - 6 tags per licence holder per season with a 100% catch and release once all tags are used up. Tags are non-transferable between licence holders Sea Trout 1. Daily kill limit of 1 fish per day 2. Maximum season kill limit of 3 fish 3. Development and introduction of a tagging system for 2015 - 3 tags per licence holder per season with a 100% catch and release once all tags are used up. Tags are non-transferable between licence holders Further 2014 Voluntary recommendations - Maximum annual kill of 3 salmon - Maximum annual kill of 2 Salmon per licence holder on the River Eden below Caldew Foot junction - 100% catch and release of migratory fish on the River Caldew - Fly only on summer level and below on the River Eden system - The use of single and double hooks on flies and artificial lures - 100 % catch and release for Sea Trout on the River Eden system More details can be found on the REDFA’s website at www.edenfishing.co.uk
