FOI/202200326954 · FOI/EIR · not held
River Earn sea trout catch statistics: EIR release
Information requested
"I have looked at the data available via your website and managed to find data on Earn salmon catches for seasons 2017 to 2021. However, I struggled to find anything accessible relating to sea trout. Can you assist me by providing the information for both caught and released sea trout for the same period; or direct me to where I can find this information. Additionally, can you advise what catch return information has been submitted for Ferryfield Netting Station on the River Earn for the last 3 years."
Response
I attach a copy of some of the information you requested. (River Earn sea trout data - 2017-2021). While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Scottish Government does not have some of the information you have requested. Therefore we are refusing your request under the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs. The reasons why that exception applies are explained below. Under the terms of the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs (information not held), the Scottish Government is not required to provide information which it does not have. The Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested because we hold no catch information for the Ferryfield Netting Station for the seasons requested. This exception is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception. While we recognise that there may be some public interest in information about catch information from the Ferryfield Netting Station, clearly we cannot provide information which we do not hold. About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Detected exemption language
Therefore we are refusing your request under the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs. Under the terms of the exception at regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs (information not held), the Scottish Government is not required to provide information which it does not have.