Who we are
The Spey Fishery Board is an organisation which over the past 160 years has worked to conserve, protect and enhance Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout stocks throughout the River Spey catchment.
Established by government legislation dating back to 1862 and empowered under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 2003, our aim is to ensure that the Atlantic Salmon population within the River Spey is protected and is given the best chance to grow and thrive.
We hope that thanks to our careful management of the river and the projects that are undertaken throughout the catchment, that salmon and sea trout will be a key feature of this mighty river for future generations.
Vision
A healthy ecosystem within the River Spey and wider catchment where wildlife thrives and salmon and trout populations are stable or growing.
Mission
To maximise the number of smolts (young salmon and trout) reaching the sea after spawning.
Evolving Strategies..
To help salmon populations flourish within the River Spey ecosystem, we focused on four key priorities which are outlined in the links below. Please use them to find out more about our past work.
More recently, the Board spun-off key activities, which for over the past 10 years it has been investing in generously, in alignment with its earlier strategy. These key activities are now part of the Spey Catchment Initiative (SCI), which formally began last June, 2024. This charitable organisation is led by former Spey Board Director, Roger Knight, and who is now CEO of the SCI.
The Board recognised in 2024 that this means these and other aspects of the work undertaken by the Spey Fishery Board need to be refreshed and reconsidered now that the SCI has responsibility for funding and delivering these crucial activities for protecting the Spey Catchment.
As the Board works through its own challenges of funding and strategic direction, it is in the process of determining its Scope of Activities, consistent with its responsibilities under the Act. It is understood that the Board’s Proprietors, who fund the organisation, welcome such a timely consideration, now that key activities have migrated to the SCI.
It is an exciting and challenging time as the Board navigates both this transformation and the difficult issues it still must manage in its pursuit of protecting and enhancing the Spey River, and of course, the Spey Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout populations.
Support our work
There are many projects currently underway or in our plans that will help to enhance the habitat along the River Spey and improve fish passage. But we need your help and support to make these projects happen.
