We know salmon numbers are down and we know there’s an existential threat endangering their very future, but this week on the Last Salmon, Jim Murray finds out why the Outer Hebrides could be the UK’s salmon stronghold.
Jim speaks to the chair of the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust, Richard Davies, who believes that their engagement with fish farms on the Isle of Lewis has resulted in helping the survival of wild salmon there.
As listeners to The Last Salmon podcast know, salmon farms are polluting the environment and causing irreparable damage to wild salmon stocks and that currently they have very little interest in doing anything to help.
However, Richard is one of the most passionate salmon conservationists we know and he will do anything to help save the wild salmon in the Outer Hebrides and beyond, so we had to speak to him and to hear his side of the argument - and of course hear more about the incredible fly fishing place that is the Outer Hebrides.
Richard also pays tribute to two old fishing friends, Kenny and Arthur, who are no longer with us, and who epitomised the kindness and determination of good fly anglers and good people.
To find out more about the Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust go to:
https://www.outerhebridesfisheriestrust.org.uk/
And to see Richard's incredible salmon footage visit:
https://www.instagram.com/racdavies_photos/
The Last Salmon Season 2 is supported by The Missing Salmon Alliance.
Image courtesy of: Richard Davies
The Last Salmon, presented by actor and salmon activist, Jim Murray MBE, offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild salmon.
For regular updates, follow the show at Instagram.com/TheLastSalmon.