John Bailey on Scottish salmon and Norfolk grayling
The author of this content discusses the declining population of salmon in Scotland and the potential consequences of this ecological disaster. They highlight the financial impact on local communities that rely on salmon anglers for tourism revenue and note the risks posed by salmon farming, climate change, predation, and overfishing. The author also criticizes fishery boards for their refusal to consider restocking initiatives and advocates for a more proactive approach to conservation efforts.
The author compares the situation in Scotland to that in Norfolk, specifically mentioning the decline of salmon fishing and the potential for restocking efforts to revitalize the rivers. They mention the success of grayling fishing in Norfolk before the Great War and suggest that the Environment Agency should consider restocking efforts to restore fish populations. The author emphasizes the importance of habitat preservation but believes that additional intervention is necessary to support fish recovery.
The author expresses frustration with the lack of action taken to address declining fish populations and points out the contradictory nature of reintroduction efforts. They mention the negative impacts of beaver and pine marten reintroductions, which have resulted in forestry damage, flooding, and red squirrel decline. The author criticizes the prioritization of certain reintroduction efforts based on popular sentiment rather than scientific expertise. They conclude by acknowledging the challenging and unpredictable nature of the world we live in, both environmentally and socially.