An integrated approach to salmonid management

This paper draws together the findings of the others in this special issue which explores the scientific background to salmonid fisheries management. It considers the various options for action and sets them into a framework of an overall management plan. The primary importance of sound habitat management is stressed, at all scales from national and regional down to the riparian and in-stream level. An understanding of the fundamentals of population dynamics and carrying capacity is essential for effective management which involves management of exploitation and possibly stock enhancement. Benefit cost analysis, sustainability and risk management are also important elements of an effective management strategy. Finally, while fisheries management needs to be effective and incisive it also needs to be unobtrusive and sympathetic, for sport fisheries in particular, in order to maintain the “wild” nature of the resource being exploited.