Aquatic Animals

Wild Salmon and River Habitat Restoration

Atlantic salmon populations have declined dramatically as river habitats have been degraded by pollution, barriers, and changing ocean conditions.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon numbers have declined by over 70% in recent decades
Salmon require clean, cool, well-oxygenated rivers to spawn
They navigate thousands of miles using magnetic sense and smell
Dams and weirs block migration routes
Climate change is warming rivers beyond salmon tolerance thresholds

Welfare Considerations

Individual salmon welfare during migration is affected by poor water quality, physical barriers causing exhaustion and injury, high temperatures, and predation pressure at pinch points. Restoring free-flowing rivers benefits both population-level conservation and individual fish welfare by reducing migratory stress.

What You Can Do

Support river restoration charities removing weirs
Reduce garden pesticide use near waterways
Back policies requiring adequate water flow in rivers
Support salmon habitat monitoring projects
Avoid purchasing endangered wild-caught Atlantic salmon