Trouble in Neidenelva (river)

Ill photo Fishbooking.com

The landowners that control Neidenelva (river) are concerned over the stocks of wild salmon. This is due to the large numbers of fish caught by net fishermen. These fishermen have used the current dry spell in the north to kill enormous numbers of wild salmon in the river mouths of some of the world’s most important wild salmon reserves

Editor

The problem started when reports of how many fish have been caught by these net fishermen along the Finnmark coast. For example it is not unheard of that these nets kill 60 fish a day. Over the course of a season this can represent a large percentage of the total catch per river. Not only is the number of fish that reach the breeding grounds reduced but the all-important tourist dollar reduced. It is clear to see that one tourist will generation considerable more income for a district than a small one-man operation.

All of this has come in the wake of the resent Salmon protections act. Not only are river managers asked to manage there stock but uncontrolled net fishing is a clear violation of what the government is attempting. Several groups involved in this issue have now come forward to voice their outrage.

As a hobby fisherman it is hard to understand that catch and release is enforced on many when other groups can slaughter salmon at will. Tore Hammari from Gamvik Jeger og fiskeforening and Kåre Wåga leader of Neiden Jeger- og fiskeforening are working hard to open this issue for discussion They wish to some form of balance.

Fishbooking.com is a tourist operation but we are in support of the idea that a equal balance show be shown form both parties. Lets hope that the parties can sit and discuss a deal. For example one sports fisherman suggested that “breeding” fish over ten kilos should be released from the nets so as to conserve the entire population.