Atlantic salmon require clean, cold, well-oxygenated rivers for spawning and juvenile development, habitats now threatened across their range.
Salmon welfare begins in the river where juveniles spend two to three years before migrating to sea. Degraded river habitat means inadequate food, shelter and oxygen, causing chronic stress and high mortality. Migrating adults face exhausting journeys blocked by obstacles, elevated water temperatures and reduced flow. River restoration through barrier removal, riparian planting and pollution control directly improves welfare outcomes for wild salmon.