International Year of the Salmon

That the Parliament acknowledges that 2019 is the International Year of the Salmon; understands that the Atlantic salmon is of great cultural and economic importance to Scotland, with the salmon industry providing over 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributing £540 million to the Scottish economy; recognises that the Atlantic salmon is a keystone species as it is a valuable indicator of the health of the freshwater environment and is integral to aquatic biodiversity; understands that, unfortunately, the Atlantic salmon is under threat from climate change and predation, and that wild salmon numbers are falling, with total rod catch numbers in 2017 being the fourth lowest on record; commends the efforts of groups such as Scottish Environment LINK on its research into the effects of salmon farming and threats to the species, as well as managing organisations such as the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board and the Tweed Forum, which, through work such as the Nith Fishery Management Plan and the Eddleston Water Project, are helping to create a safer environment for wild salmon spawning; acknowledges the report by the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee into salmon farming in Scotland; notes the hope that salmon farmers and conservationists can work together to ensure the health and safety of both wild and farmed salmon stocks, and further notes the view that it would be beneficial to Scotland to see a rise in the numbers of wild salmon, as well as the continuation of a sustainable salmon farming industry.