All of the main organisations with an interest in mixed-stock fisheries are represented on the group.

It will review all aspects of mixed-stock fisheries, identifying the impact on management and conservation, and making recommendations based on evidence and good practice.

The group is to examine concerns about the number of wild salmon returning to spawn in particular rivers, and look at options for better management of stocks. It will prepare a report by the end of 2009.

Welcoming the initiative, which arises from the sector-produced Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater, fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Salmon fishing is extremely important to the Scottish economy - currently valued at more than £120 million and supporting almost 3000 jobs.

"It is one of the many important industries that are the lifeblood of the rural economy.

"Salmon fisheries attract substantial numbers of tourists who support local hotels and shops; they also contribute through scarce rural employment to ancillary transport and manufacturing businesses.

"That is exactly why we are taking decisive action to safeguard its long-term future. In such a testing economic climate, we must do everything we can to help our hard-pressed rural businesses develop sustainably.

"We are determined to maximise jobs, invest in business and ensure our economy is well positioned for recovery.

"I am grateful to David Crawley for leading this review which aims to clarify the situation surrounding mixed stock fisheries in Scotland.

"This project forms a vital part in delivering the Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries and I look forward to receiving the final report which should contribute greatly to sustaining this important sector."

Mr Crawley said: "I am delighted to be working with representatives of those who take part in mixed-stock salmon fishing for enjoyment or income or both.

"We aim to find the evidence and come up with the solutions which will help secure this iconic Scottish fishery for the future."

The Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries identifies a shared vision for the future of Scotland's freshwater fisheries, and was developed by the Steering Group of the Freshwater Fisheries Forum and launched by the Cabinet Secretary at the Scottish Game Fair in Scone on July 4th, 2008.

David Crawley is a former senior civil servant with wide experience of Scottish and European public policy.

His most recent posts were head of Food and Agriculture Group in the Scottish Executive (1999-2002), head of The Scotland Office (2002-05), and Scottish representative in Brussels (2005-06).

He is a board member of Scottish Natural Heritage, a board member of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, chair of the Central Scotland Forest Trust, a non-executive member of the management board of the Wales Office and chair of its Audit Committee, and a Commissioner of Queen Victoria School Dunblane.

Members of the mixed-stock fisheries working group are drawn from the following organisations or groups: Scottish Government, Fisheries Research Services, The Association of Salmon Fisheries Boards, The Atlantic Salmon Trust, The Salmon and Trout Association, Scottish Anglers National Association, The Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland, independent salmon netsmen.

The mixed-stock fisheries working group will meet approximately six times between today and the end of 2009.

Interim papers on scientific and other aspects of mixed-stock fisheries will be produced during the course of the group's work, and will be made widely available.

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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