The Tay is one of Scotlands greatest salmon fishing rivers. The opening of the 2010 angling season is historically heralded by a pipe band, pouring rain and the traditional quaich of whisky. However the difference this year is that fishermen are being urged, implored and begged to put back every fish that they catch in an effort to preserve stocks.

The number of spring salmon returning to the Tay has been declining. This season the numbers are down dramatically, so much so that the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board is asking for more stringent conservation practices.

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“All rivers are faced with the problem of increasing mortality of salmon at sea, which is widely believed to be due to climate change factors affecting the location and abundance of the food chain upon which salmon depend” according to a spokesman from the Fisheries Board.

Anglers are mainly falling into line. In 2008, 75% of spring salmon caught were released back into the water.

via Wild Salmon In Scotland in Peril : TreeHugger.