FOR the first time, probably since the Roman period, salmon returning to the rivers Wye and Usk to spawn will not be running the gauntlet of putcher traps and drift nets.

A group including the Wye Foundation and United Usk Fisherman's Association has successfully negotiated a buy-out of the Usk drift nets and a five-year quota buy of Goldcliffe Putchers.

In addition, the Wye Foundation has negotiated separately with the Environment Agency to remove the Slime Road Putchers at the mouth of the Wye.

"The benefit, even at today's lower figures, is that an additional 1,200 mature salmon will return to either the Usk or the Wye with immediate effect. This will have a positive and significant impact on the spawning targets for both rivers," explained Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith, chairman of the executive committee of The Wye Foundation.

The Slime Road and Goldcliffe Putchers were responsible for 3,750 traps in the Wye and there were six drift-net boats. The traps are held in huge frames that are positioned in the river and salmon become enmeshed as they follow the incoming tides. Once trapped, there is no escape for the salmon and other species such as shad.

The negotiating team was led by Dr Marsh-Smith of The Wye Foundation and Nick Brabner from the United Usk Fisherman's' Association. Other organisations involved included the Wye Salmon Fishery Owners and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (UK) which is Orri Vigfusson's parent organisation.

"Some of the donors have been extremely generous and show just what can be raised for a good cause," added Dr Marsh-Smith.

"However, although this is an important step forward for the Wye and Usk, we still face the major difficulty of the Irish drift nets. In recent seasons, these have accounted for something in the region of 300,000 salmon, a large proportion of which are destined for these two rivers.

"Other Welsh rivers, as well as those in the West Country, France and Spain, also lose salmon to these nets. We have clearly demonstrated how simple it is to remove interceptory nets. We hope that governments, including Westminster, will take note and action."