The Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA) in Scotland has called for a “robust system” to ensure stocks are not exploited further, saying the numbers killed had been “dwarfed” by the 17,778 killed by nets.

It is backing moves to introduce a “kill licence”, which would mean anglers having to release fish back into the wild.

Chairman Hughie Campbell Adamson said: “Salmon runs are fickle and clearly conditions can impact on rod catches, but it would be irresponsible not to take heed of the significant downturn in the last two years which is mirrored across the North Atlantic.

“The figures underline why Scotland needs to have a robust system in place to ensure that any exploitation is limited to those stocks which have a discernible surplus. In this context, S&TA Scotland supports the principle of a kill licence system, as is currently being consulted on by Scottish Government.”