Fishing taxes for salmon fishing 2002

So often I am asked why it is we need fishing cards. Well the answer is so simple. The money spent by us is channelled into research and preservation. Last year alone 28 million kroner was raised, this is a round 2 million(£).

One of the greatest threats to the salmon population here in Norway is a parasite called Gyrodactylus salaris. Sadly in was introduced by the Swedish in 1975 and has spread through out Norway at an alarming rate. This parasite now has effected some of Norway’s most important rivers; for example Drammenselva, Driva, Ranaelva, Lærdalselva, Figga, Steinkjervassdraget, Vefsna and Skibotnelva. Yet the danger of it spreading is every present.

The most common way this problem spreads is via contact of infected fish interacting with healthy populations from other rivers. Since 1975 a total 41 rivers have been infected but the efforts of government groups has reduced this down to the current figure of 21. Unfortunately four of our best rivers have had this parasite return after treatment: Lærdalselva, Skibotnelva, Steinkjervassdraget and Rauma. The failure to control the parasite in these rivers led to the infecting of surrounding rivers.

This is treaded with a method that is known as rotenon spaying. This unfortunately is a drastic method that kills all the fish within the river that is effected. The cost of such a program is both costly and time consuming. So as to counteract this cost the government has introduced an annual fishing card that all people over the age of 16 must have. If you plan to fish in our river this year you must have this fishing card. It can be bought at one of the many local post offices. Costing 180, kroner for a complete year it’s a bargain!!

We have written a list of what to do so you can help stop this problem:

1- Never wash clean or gut your fish in any other place than the river they were caught in.
2- Never empty water from one river/lake to another.
3- Dry or disinfect all equipment that has been in contact with infected rivers.
4- Disinfect all equipment used after each trip: boots, outboard motor, fishing equipment and water containers.

By following these simple guidelines you will contribute greatly to the government’s efforts. In order to secure a gene bank the “Direktoatet” has created a group of banks that contain eggs and sperm for the entire individual genetic range of Norway’s salmon. If you need more information on this subject just contact us here at post@fishbooking.com or the government body that controls fishing cards. www.dirnat.no, telephone 73580500 or fax 73580501.

Skot