There is new legislation which will regulate the introduction i.e. stocking of all species of freshwater fish within Scotland. Section 35 of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007, which inserts a new section 33A into the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, makes it an offence for any person to intentionally introduce any live fish or spawn of any fish into inland waters, or possess such with the intention of introduction without previous written agreement of the appropriate authority. This legislation comes into force on 1 August 2008.
The principal aim of the new provisions is to protect native biodiversity from the consequences of introductions of non-native fish into Scottish freshwaters. The provisions apply to all introductions of freshwater fish including, salmon, trout and coarse fish to any inland Scottish water system. These provisions do not apply to fish farms (including introduction of brood-stock into hatcheries) or to ornamental fish-keeping facilities.
Where a DSFB operates and the fish to be introduced are salmon or sea trout then the relevant Board will take applications from individuals or corporate bodies who wish to introduce fish. The Board will issue written agreement or refusal to the applicant. Where a DSFB does not operate or where the fish being introduced are not salmon or sea trout e.g. brown trout from hatcheries, then it is for the Scottish Ministers via Fisheries Research Services (FRS) to consider applications from individuals or representatives of corporate bodies who wish to introduce fish and issue written agreement or refusal.
Below are links to the application forms and guidance. The applications must be printed off and completed manually before submitting to FRS.
Scottish Government advice on introductions of fish to Scottish inland waters
Single Introduction application form (SG35S)
Block Introduction application form (SG35B)
Guidance on completion of applications
Scottish Government and Association of District Salmon Fishery Boards Advice for Water Bailiffs
Guidance on Deriving Ordnance Survey Grid References of your receiving water
Hatchery Work in Support of Salmon Fisheries