Print this pageConserving, Protecting and Enhancing Atlantic Salmon in the River Spey
The Spey Fishery Board was established under the 1862 and 1868 Salmon Fisheries legislation. This was subsequently amended and presently stated in the Salmon Act 1986 and the Salmon Conservation (Scotland) Act 2001. This legislation has more recently been amalgamated under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003. There are 42 District Salmon Fishery Boards around Scotland, of which the Spey Fishery Board is considered to be one of the "Big Four", alongside the Tweed Commission and the Dee and Tay District Salmon Fishery Boards. The Board is empowered under the legislation to take such acts as it considers expedient for the protection, enhancement and conservation of stocks of Salmon and Sea Trout. It also has a duty to ensure the general protection and enhancement of the fishery. 
Area of Responsibility
The Board area not only includes the mainstem of the River Spey but also the tributaries. These include:
- Fiddich
- Avon
- Dulnain
- Nethy
- Feshie
- Tromie
- Truim
The Coastal area stretches from the sand dunes at Lossiemouth to Cowhythe Head [East of Portsoy]
Office Bearers
The Board is elected triennially and any proprietor can stand for election. The Board also has powers to co-opt members. Currently Scottish Natural Heritage, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the river's 10 angling associations are represented on the Board. See "The Board" for more details.
Next page: The River Spey Special Area of Conservation
