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United Kingdom: Fish farms are destroying wild Scottish salmon, says leading environmentalist

Guardian: One of the world's most influential conservation bodies has accused the Scottish government of ruining the country's lucrative salmon-fishing industry. In a strongly worded letter to all of Scotland's MSPs, Orri Vigfusson, chairman and founder of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF), accuses Holyrood of contributing to a catastrophic decline in salmon stocks on Scottish rivers. Vigfusson, who is lauded in Iceland for his work in salmon conservation, writes: "Your country encourages and supports...

Beaver escape gives teeth to Scotland’s debate over tampering with nature

Guardian: They are all mobilised in the bitter cold. Officers of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the police and local enthusiasts are scouring the countryside for furry creatures amid fears that they could reclaim their ancient territory and undermine the grand beauty of our wild places. The revelation last week that 20 beavers had been set loose in the forests around Perth and Tayside has sparked a desperate recovery operation. Along the banks of the river Tay a volunteer trapper is laying traps to round...