Wild salmon strategy implementation plan: annual progress report 2024
The second annual progress report under the Scottish wild salmon strategy implementation plan covering progress in 2024.
Theme 4: Making a positive contribution through international collaborations (8 actions)
Action 4.1 - Continue to play an active role in the effective functioning of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and the development and implementation of NASCO resolutions, agreements and guidelines, including by chairing the North-East Atlantic Commission (2023-24)
Ongoing
Scottish government officials contributed to the 41st Annual Meeting of NASCO in Westport, Ireland where Parties agreed a long-term strategy and action plan, updated stocking guidelines, and maintained distant water fisheries measures at West Greenland and the Faroes. Throughout the year, an approach to prioritise salmon stressors was developed using existing data from an FMS and Scottish Government pressures mapping tool, and data on Scottish salmon rivers was provided to NASCO for inclusion in a new public-facing Wild Atlantic Salmon Atlas.
Action 4.2 - Report on the implementation of NASCO's Resolutions, Agreements and Guidelines through Annual Progress Reports
Ongoing
Annual reporting requirements were fulfilled. Scottish Government officials contributed to discussions regarding a new reporting and accountability framework for Parties to NASCO to be developed in 2025/2026.
Action 4.3 - Work with partners through NASCO to maintain an evidence-based and precautionary regulatory measure for the West Greenland salmon fishery and advocate for international cooperation on other pressures on salmon as appropriate
Ongoing
The West Greenland management measure was maintained in 2024. Scottish Government officials continue to advocate for international cooperation in sampling the West Greenland salmon fishery. No Scottish scientists were required to sample in 2024. An inter-agency rota was agreed for 2025 and we will continue to provide samplers as required in cooperation with the governments and agencies in the UK NASCO Delegation.
Action 4.4 - Participate in the West Greenland sampling programme through the provision of samplers in coordination with the UK NASCO delegation
Ongoing
No Scottish scientists were required for this programme in 2024. An inter-agency rota was agreed for 2025 and we will continue to provide samplers as required in cooperation with the governments and agencies in the UK NASCO Delegation.
Action 4.5 - Promote collaboration and cooperation on research into the causes of marine mortality of salmon through active participation in the International Atlantic Salmon Research Board (IASRB)
Ongoing
A Scottish Government scientist represented the UK delegation on the IASRB and maintains active participation in the on-going work of the group, including updating an inventory of research projects and making decisions on projects to fund or endorse. Additionally, a Scottish Government scientist led on developing a proposal for an international study focused on salmon growth at sea based on scale archives and using automated machine learning tools which may be adopted by the IASRB in 2025.
Action 4.6 - Contribute to the preparation of an annual assessment of the status of salmon stocks across the North Atlantic and other advice by the ICES Working Group on North Atlantic Salmon
Ongoing
Scottish Government scientists contributed data, undertook analyses and reported on the 2024 stock assessment and provision of advice to NASCO on Atlantic salmon from ICES WGNAS.
Action 4.7 - Contributing to monitoring and surveillance activities, information exchange and development of recommendations to prevent the spread of parasites and invasive non-native species (e.g. as part of NASCO North East Atlantic Commission G. salaris and future pink salmon working groups)
Ongoing
Scottish scientists contributed to updates on the actions taken in Scotland under the Gyrodactylus salaris Road Map and efforts to monitor the invasive non-native pink salmon were presented to NASCO at its annual meeting.
Action 4.8 - Acting on and reporting implementation of OSPAR Recommendation 2016/33 on furthering the protection of Atlantic salmon in the North-East Atlantic
Ongoing
Programmes and measures included in OSPAR Recommendation 2016/3 on furthering the protection and conservation of the Atlantic salmon in the OSPAR maritime area have been incorporated into the implementation plan. A report to OSPAR on implementation will be completed before the end of 2026.