New rules in force to protect salmon in River Camel
Any salmon caught must be released so the population can recover
Last updated 24th Dec 2024
New rules to protect salmon and other fish in the River Camel catchment in Cornwall have come into force.
The Environment Agency revealed in October that the Atlantic Salmon population is at its lowest recorded level in England.
To help boost their numbers in the Duchy, a new byelaw has come into effect to protect threatened salmon for the next five years.
Any salmon caught in the River Camel catchment, which includes all its rivers, streams, several tributaries and the River Allen, must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible injury. The same applies to sea trout if they are bigger than 50cm from snout to tail.
Tim de Winton of the Environment Agency said: "Salmon return from the Atlantic to Cornwall to spawn. Their presence is an excellent indicator of a river’s health.
"Anyone interested in fishing has a part to play in keeping Cornwall safe for salmon and giving them a chance to increase their numbers."
The new River Camel salmon and sea trout protection byelaws came into effect on 11 December. The byelaws also contain strict rules on what type of hook, bait and lures are allowed to be used to prevent injury to salmon, sea trout and brown trout.
The season for salmon fishing on the River Camel ended on 15 December. Salmon fishing will be allowed again on 1 April 2025.