‘HOME AND DRY’ TO KEEP SCOTTISH WATERS GS BUG FREEA new campaign to keep Scotland’s rivers free from a deadly parasite which destroys wild fresh water salmon stocks has been launched.The parasite Gyrodactylus salaris (GS), found in many European countries, could wipe out Scotland’s £ 60 million salmon angling industry with the loss of 2,000 associated jobs if it reaches Scotland. The Home and Dry campaign, launched by one of the UK’s best known anglers Jack Charlton, will target anglers and water sports enthusiasts to ensure equipment used in GS affected countries is safe before being used at home. Deputy Environment Minister Sarah Boyack said: “The GS bug, which is harmless to humans but deadly to salmon, has not reached the UK. We want to keep it that way and protect Scotland’s unique natural resources and our diverse mix of wildlife. “GS is invisible to the naked eye, and the only available means of eradicating it is to kill all fish in the treated areas. It can live for several days on recreational equipment such as waders, fishing equipment, bags, canoes and rafts. That’s why we need the public’s support to take essential precautions before using Scotland’s rivers.” While there are many precautionary measures that can be undertaken, the easiest is for anyone visiting an affected country to ensure all equipment is dried at a minimum temperature of 20  When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.
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