Wildlife

Sea Trout Welfare and Migration

Sea trout face similar welfare threats to Atlantic salmon from barriers, disease, and climate change during their diadromous lifecycle.

Key Facts

Sea trout are the sea-run form of brown trout making estuarine migrations
They share rivers with Atlantic salmon and face similar migration barriers
Sea lice from salmon farms affect sea trout in coastal areas
River habitat quality determines both sea trout welfare and survival

Welfare Considerations

Sea trout blocked by river barriers cannot complete their migration to productive estuarine and coastal feeding grounds, reducing condition and reproductive success. Sea lice acquired while passing salmon farms cause debilitating skin lesions. River acidification and temperature increase reduce food availability and physiological welfare. The welfare and conservation challenges facing sea trout parallel those of Atlantic salmon.

What You Can Do

Support river barrier removal programs benefiting sea trout
Advocate for sea lice control around salmon farms protecting wild fish
Donate to sea trout monitoring and conservation programs
Buy salmon certified to standards protecting wild sea trout