Sea Trout Fishery Statistics: 2013 Season

Summary

• The total reported rod catch (retained and released) of sea trout for 2013 is 16,078. Catches have declined over much of the period since 1952, when our records began. Total reported catch in 2013 is the lowest in the time series.
• The proportion of the total rod catch accounted for by catch and release in 2013 is 77%. This is the highest reported since records began in 1994.
• Catch and effort for both fixed engine and net & coble fisheries remain at historically low levels. Reported catch in each fishery was 2,681 and 3,435; 4% and 2% of the maximum reported in the respective time series. Fishing effort in these fisheries was 238 trap months and 59 crew months; the sixth lowest and lowest, respectively, since records began in 1952.

This publication summarises the sea trout fishery statistics based on returns from proprietors, occupiers or agents of fisheries throughout Scotland for the 2013 fishing season. These data are derived from 1899 forms returned from 2022 forms issued (94% return rate). Final published statistics for the previous 10 years have been based on return rates of between 92% and 96%. These statistics are part of a time series which began in 1952 and are collected and collated by Marine Scotland Science.

A report summarising the status of Scottish sea trout stocks based on reported rod catch data is updated annually, in April. The latest publication, Marine Scotland Science Report 03/14 "Status of Scottish Salmon and Sea Trout Stocks 2013", may be downloaded at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Publications/publicationslatest/Science/MSSR