At the end of June, the Gave d’Oloron Fishermen’s Association (AAPPMA) he asked to the prefect for the “exceptionally early closure” of the entire salmon fishery.
“In accordance with the decisions taken by the representatives of professional sea fishing or freshwater recreational fishing, the prefectures of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine have decided to immediately suspend salmon fishing permits for all fishermen. fishing season”, – the authorities write.
Iconic
The prefecture claims that Atlantic salmon are “an iconic component of the area’s rich biodiversity.” Commercial or recreational fishing activities, traditionally carried out on these fragile species, “are the focus of attention in a context disrupted by climate change”.
The number of adults returning to breed in the Gaves each year “declined dramatically in 2023, as in many other basins of the European species”.
“Thus, based on the numbers arriving at the spawning grounds estimated at 600 individuals in the Adur Basin at the end of June 2024, the analysis of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Directorate for Environment, Development and Habitat (Dreal) compares with the worst years observed (2018 and 2023- years) reveals a very unfavorable development that can be compared. »
Other measures such as “improvement of ecological sustainability, protection of spawning grounds, improvement of water quality and reintroduction through cultivation” have been implemented to protect the species, its habitat and restore its population. Therefore without convincing results.
Law project
David Habib, re-elected MP for the third constituency of the Pyrenees-Atlantic, announced. at the beginning of the year he was working on a bill to ban salmon netting in the Adour estuary while offering compensation to professional sailors whose activities would be affected.