First Minister presented with MSA policy asks at Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Conference

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, addressed over 100 delegates at the Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Conference on Friday 21st March 2025 in Perth, reaffirming the Scottish Government’s commitment to restoring Scotland’s iconic wild Atlantic salmon. Held under the theme “Working in Partnership to Deliver Solutions”, the conference brought together policymakers, river managers, scientists and conservation organisations to explore shared challenges and inspire practical solutions.  

Speaking before the conference, First Minister John Swinney said:

“Wild salmon fisheries support thousands of jobs in Scotland. We all want to grow our local and regional economies sustainably, and that means passing on good fish stocks to the next generation. ... I look forward to continuing to work with FMS and other key partners to see Scotland’s wild salmon flourishing in abundance once more.” 

During the conference, the Missing Salmon Alliance’s high-level policy asks for Scotland were formally presented to the First Minister. These set out five urgent priorities to protect and restore wild salmon: appropriate legislation which puts wild salmon first, make polluters pay, free access to cold clean water, manage land for water in mind, and improve wild salmon survival at sea. 

A highlight of the event was a presentation from Pedro Landale and Wendy Kenyon on behalf of the Missing Salmon Alliance, titled “Wild Salmon Connections – What next?”. The presentation reflected on the recent Wild Salmon Connections event at Fishmongers’ Hall in London and showcased the Alliance’s wider initiatives and collaborative approach to salmon conservation. Crucially, the talk included a clear call to action for organisations and individuals to sign the Wild Salmon Declaration —a collective commitment to urgent, coordinated efforts to halt the decline of wild salmon across the Atlantic and Pacific. 

Other sessions explored innovative work on nature finance, invasive species, and habitat restoration, with powerful case studies from Loch Shin and the River Clyde demonstrating that recovery is possible when key pressures are addressed. The Fisheries Management Scotland Annual Review 2025 was also launched, highlighting progress across the sector. 

Alan Wells, Chief Executive of Fisheries Management Scotland, said:

“Scotland’s wild fisheries face serious challenges, but recovery is possible when we work together. Our members and partners are delivering real outcomes, on the ground and at policy level, to give wild salmon the future they deserve.” 

The strong Missing Salmon Alliance presence throughout the day helped reinforce a unified message: there is hope but we must all commit to bold action, and it must start now.