Scotland’s wild salmon are facing an increasingly uncertain future, and a nationwide police operation is now targeting the illegal fishing that places even greater pressure on their survival.

Police Scotland launched Operation Salmo on Monday 19 October, bringing officers together with river bailiffs and fisheries organisations for a dedicated week of action against fish poaching.

The operation will involve joint patrols and cooperation with Fisheries Management Scotland and district Salmon Fishery Boards, with the aim of protecting fish populations in rivers, lochs, reservoirs and coastal waters.

For the Highlands and Islands, where salmon fishing is woven into the history and economy of many communities, the protection of wild stocks carries particular importance.

Atlantic salmon populations have experienced serious declines, with the species now classified as endangered in Great Britain.

Every returning salmon represents a fish that has survived a remarkable journey through rivers and the open ocean, overcoming numerous natural threats before reaching its spawning grounds.

Illegal fishing adds another avoidable danger to populations already under considerable pressure.

The consequences reach beyond the loss of individual fish, affecting fragile river ecosystems, biodiversity and rural businesses that depend on sustainable angling and tourism.

Detective Sergeant David Lynn, Police Scotland’s National Wildlife Crime Coordinator, said:

“We are working with partners to protect fish in our rivers, lochs, reservoirs and along our coastline.

“While some people don’t view fish poaching as a serious offence, Scotland’s wild fish are protected by law.

“Taking them without the proper permits or permission is illegal.

“Penalties for such poaching offences are due to increase under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026.

“I would like to remind anyone mindful to carry out this kind of crime that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.

“The public has a vital role to play in protecting our waterways and I would encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious to contact us via 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“If it is an emergency then dial 999.”

The operation will also draw on the experience of local river bailiffs, who play an important role in protecting fisheries and identifying illegal activity.

Their knowledge of river systems, fishing practices and vulnerable locations helps support enforcement work across Scotland’s extensive network of waterways.

Fisheries Management Scotland has welcomed the renewed cooperation, stressing that the loss of wild salmon to poaching is particularly damaging when stocks are already struggling.

Brian Davidson, the organisation’s Director of Operations, said:

“We are delighted to be working again with Police Scotland to raise awareness of the impact of fish poaching.

“Scotland’s Atlantic salmon are at crisis point, and their classification as endangered underlines the gravity of the situation.

“Returning adult salmon have already overcome many challenges at sea.

“The loss of any of these precious wild fish to illegal activity is tragic and further reduces the prospects of sustaining Scotland’s salmon populations for future generations.”

Police are encouraging anglers, landowners and members of the public to report suspicious activity rather than confronting suspected offenders themselves.

Information can be passed to Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Operation Salmo is intended to reinforce a straightforward message that protecting Scotland’s wild fish is not simply about enforcing fishing regulations, but about safeguarding a natural heritage that future generations deserve to inherit.