ANGLERS have called on Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney to protect wild salmon by declaring an “urgent moratorium” on new fish farms.

The call came as Salmon Fishing Club members joined community campaigners, conservation charities, and animal welfare organisations in demonstration outside Holyrood today, where the rural affairs and islands committee is considering fresh regulation of the industry.

Salmon Fishing Club co-ordinator Ken Reid called on the Scottish government to follow the lead Denmark, where the government has halted new licences for salmon farms.

He said: “When those who quietly restore rivers and fund vital science feel compelled to stand at Parliament, it reflects the seriousness of the situation and something has gone badly wrong.

“John Swinney has a duty to protect this fish for future generations and issue an urgent moratorium on new salmon farms as a first step.”

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon argued the Scottish government had already made “regulatory frameworks clearer and more robust,” adding: “We will now look at building on these foundations to continue to improve fish health and welfare, and ensure the continued sustainable development of the Scottish salmon sector.”