Salmon Migration and River Habitat Welfare

Atlantic salmon face welfare challenges during their remarkable upriver migration in increasingly degraded and warming river systems.

Key Facts

Wild Atlantic salmon populations have declined by over 70% since the 1970s
Salmon may travel hundreds of miles upstream to reach spawning grounds
Weirs and dams block migration and cause mortality at barriers
High river temperatures cause thermal stress and block migration behaviour
Fish passes reduce barrier effects but do not eliminate all welfare impacts

Welfare Considerations

Migrating salmon face cumulative physiological stress from obstacles, temperature extremes, and pollution during their upriver journey. Each obstacle represents an additional energetic cost and welfare challenge. The combination of declining habitat quality, rising temperatures, and multiple barrier effects may cause salmon to abort migration or die before reaching spawning grounds. River restoration and barrier removal are essential welfare and conservation interventions.

What You Can Do

Support river restoration projects and fish pass installation
Advocate for fish-friendly management of river flows and temperatures
Report river pollution incidents that may affect salmon migration
Support conservation organisations working on salmon river restoration
Raise awareness about salmon welfare during migration as a conservation concern