 A wide range of groups are aiming to tackle the poaching problem |
A scheme to reduce salmon poaching in the Scottish Borders has started. Lothian and Borders Police, the River Tweed Commission, water bailiffs and the National Wildlife Crime Unit have teamed up for the operation.
The scheme - to highlight the impact of poaching - comes after a recent survey claimed the River Tweed generated about �18m for the region's economy.
The launch is being rolled out across all eight Scottish forces to coincide with the start of the salmon season.
Lothian and Borders Chief Constable Paddy Tomkins said that poaching had changed over the years.
He said: "Salmon poaching is not new, it has been going on for centuries, but the modern day poacher now steals on a commercial scale to sell on to unscrupulous traders.
"Poaching has a significant impact on a number of factors, not only the obvious environmental ones.
"Not only does it have consequences for the salmon population and the legal fishing industry, it can seriously affect local businesses and damage rural communities."
He also asked for public help in tackling the problem.
Mr Tomkins added: "Generally poachers work in groups, taking large quantities of fish and attempt to sell them illegally.
"We would urge anyone who notices anything suspicious at rivers or is approached by anyone selling fish who isn't a bona-fide fishmonger, to contact police."
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Poaching has a significant impact on a number of factors, not only the obvious environmental ones.
