New net fishing ban proposed to protect River Dee salmon

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has launched a consultation on new net fishing regulations designed to protect declining salmon and sea trout populations on the River Dee and its estuary.

The consultation, which opened on 18 December and runs until 12 March 2025, aims to gather public feedback on proposals to permanently close the net fishery.

This would replace the current Net Limitation Order (NLO), which has governed the fishery for the past decade but expires in June 2025.

While no net fishing licences have been issued under the NLO since 2009, numbers of salmon and sea trout returning to the River Dee have continued to decline, leaving populations smaller and less resilient.

Richard Pierce, Senior Fisheries Officer for NRW, said: “Protecting salmon and sea trout is essential for the health of the River Dee and for maintaining the connection between our communities and nature.

“We are inviting everyone to share their views on these important proposals. Public input is vital to ensure a balanced decision that reflects ecological needs and community interests.”

The new byelaws would focus on the Welsh section of the river, while a separate consultation for the English portion will be conducted by the Environment Agency.

NRW has highlighted the importance of the measures to safeguard the future of these iconic species, which are increasingly vulnerable to environmental pressures and human activities.

The River Dee’s salmon and sea trout are not only ecologically significant but also culturally important to local communities.

NRW’s proposals are part of a broader effort to improve the resilience of freshwater ecosystems in Wales.

For more details about the proposed regulations and how to respond, visit NRW’s consultation page: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/evidence-policy-and-permitting-tystiolaeth-polisi-a-thrwyddedu/proposals-for-new-net-fishing-controls-to-protect.