The Salmon: The Extraordinary Story Of The King Of Fish

Description

A fascinating journey into the extraordinary world of the king of fish: the salmon. This beautiful book explores the natural history of this most mysterious of fishes. Michael Wigan explores the life cycle of the salmon, weaving his own experiences and stories of salmon fishing and spotting into an evocative narrative. Crucially, he addresses the pressing matter of conservation issues and human management, which in the past has led to fast decreasing populations. History suggests it is the pressure of human development which has narrowed down the survival zone of the salmon, and the author questions whether we can go on altering natural systems and freshwater rivers in order to make space for human populations, and do so in sync with fish needs. In his unique and passionate voice, the author transports us to another world - his writing is beautifully evocative and his excitement for the salmon palpable throughout.

Reviews

'Extremely well-informed' Literary Review 'Michael Wigan gives us passionate advocacy on behalf of the wild Atlantic salmon. Above all he recognises the salmon as environmental indicator - "the hydrographer's fish" - as well as cultural icon and economic driver.' Tony Andrews, director of the Atlantic Salmon Trust 'Among the most emotive creatures of the Northern Hemisphere, our migratory salmon is both an emblem of valour and a popular food fish. Its nomadic lifestyle has been dramatically recounted in a daunting number of volumes ... yet few have explored the subject with more aplomb than Michael Wigan's latest book. The research has evidently been deep and vigorous.' Country Life

Author description

Michael Wigan is a father of five, journalist and writer, living with his wife in the north Scottish Highlands. One-time film critic, art critic and travel writer, he has reported and commented on countryside and field sports issues in assorted newspapers and magazines for 35 years, which has allowed him to cover his favourite interests: fly-fishing, deer stalking, oil paintings and literature. His previous books include The Last of the Hunter Gatherers: Fisheries Crisis at Sea (1998) and Grimersta: The Story of A Great Fishery (2000). He is presently the manager of the fishery board on Sutherland's River Helmsdale.