Aquaculture for all

Largest AMA Region Gets a Step Closer

SCOTLAND - Two more Area Management Agreements (AMAs) have been signed in Scotland. Argyll and Lochaber Region are the latest salmon farming areas to join the scheme which brings the total number of AMAs up to 18.

Only the Sound of Jura is left join the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) Programme. When it does, it will complete full coverage for Scotland's largest AMA Region.

The new AMAs cover Loch Ailort and the coastal waters surrounding the Isle of Arran. Lucy Fry, TWG Regional Development Officer for the Region said the signings were hugely encouraging.

"The process is all about finding solutions to ensure the long-term health of wild and farmed salmon, so that each sector has a sustainable and successful future," she said.

Lucy Fry, TWG Regional Development Officer for the Argyll and Lochaber region.

Argyll and Lochaber region covers from Arrochar on Loch Long at the Southern border of Argyll to Loch Hourn at the Northern Border of Lochaber. There are four salmon and four trout farming companies within Argyll and Lochaber with a total of 70 or so sites signed up to area management agreements.

Argyll and Lochaber river systems are classically smaller spate rivers which are home to small numbers of salmon and trout. Due to these smaller populations the fish tend to be more sensitive to pressures such as habitat disruption, genetic degradation, poor marine survival and over fishing. As a result of these pressures, Argyll and Lochaber rivers are in variable state of health, some rivers are quite successful with viable fisheries, while others have a range of problems.

The Tripartite Working Group is backed by the Scottish Government along with the salmon farming industry, anglers and conservationist groups.

Click here for more information on AMAs and the Tripartite Working Group.

Further Reading

- Go to our previous news item on this subject by clicking here.
- For details of online/DVD footage covering AMAs click here.
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