What evidence there is regarding whether smolt release programmes sustain salmon stocks for angling.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-25306 on 5 May 2015. There is evidence that stocked salmon smolts return to Scottish rivers as adults. However, the survival rate is very low and much lower than that of wild-reared smolts. The report currently being published by the Scottish Government suggests that the revenue accrued by smolt ranching is unlikely to cover the costs of the activity in many circumstances, a conclusion also reached by certain local managers, as published by the Ness and Tay District Salmon Fisheries Boards. There is a further problem that there may be negative effects on wild stocks as a result of smolts stocking. Where financial outlay and conservation concerns are not serious impediments, smolt release programmes could sustain salmon stocks for angling.
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