An analysis of historical rod catch data has shown that salmon abundance declined dramatically during the 1980s, and more recently, no or very few salmon were caught in many of Skye's rivers. Parallel declines were recorded in sea trout numbers, with evidence of stock collapse during the 1980s and early 1990s. However, in 2004, 2005 and 2006, salmon and sea trout numbers in several Skye rivers improved, sometimes significantly, and there is a feeling of cautious optimism that stocks are showing signs of recovery.
In some areas of Skye, there continues to be incomplete data provided in terms of catch statistics. One of the objectives of the AMA will be to demonstrate the importance of providing accurate catch statistics and actively encouraging riparian owners and lease holders to supply catch data for all rivers in Skye.
The Skye District Salmon Board commissioned an assessment of 12 of Skye's rivers in 2006 which includes catch data.
The Skye Fisheries Trust
The Skye Fisheries Trust was incorporated in June 2008 and obtained full charitable status in August 2008. Since then it has, in close collaboration with the Skye District Salmon Fishery Board, presided over two further significant pieces of work, namely a habitat survey and a survey of invertebrates, conducted on 14 of Skye's rivers. The Trust is currently undertaking to produce an island - wide Fisheries Management Plan with Waterside Ecology which will be completed by April 2010. The Skye RDO has been able to provide significant support to the Trust during this period.