Scotland at the Heart of Global Salmon Conservation

That the Parliament welcomes the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) to Aviemore for its Forty-Third annual meeting, which is taking place from 2 to 5 June 2026; recognises that NASCO is the international body responsible for the conservation and restoration of wild Atlantic salmon across the North Atlantic; believes that Scotland, as one of the most significant wild Atlantic salmon nations, has a particular stake in the outcomes of this gathering and that Scotland's participation in NASCO reflects a commitment to salmon conservation that extends beyond its own borders, across the full migratory range of the species; considers it fitting therefore that the meeting takes place in Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park, on the banks of the River Spey, which is one of Scotland's most celebrated and important salmon rivers; acknowledges that wild Atlantic salmon reportedly now inhabit just 34% of Scottish river systems in good conservation status; recognises what it considers to be the profound importance of healthy salmon populations to the communities, economies and landscapes of the Highlands and beyond; notes that NASCO is embarking on its fourth reporting cycle in 2026, making this a particularly significant moment to review progress and strengthen international commitments; believes that international cooperation of the kind fostered by NASCO is essential to addressing the wide range of pressures facing wild salmon across their migratory range, and wishes all delegates a warm Scottish welcome and every success in their deliberations.