Freshwater Wildlife

Wild Salmon Habitat Restoration

Atlantic salmon populations have declined catastrophically due to habitat degradation, barriers to migration, and sea survival challenges, with major welfare implications for individual fish.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon populations have declined 70% in the North Atlantic since the 1980s
Barriers to migration including weirs, dams and culverts prevent salmon reaching spawning grounds
Restored rivers with better habitat show measurable improvements in population recovery
Salmon die after spawning but kelts that survive can re-spawn in subsequent years
The River Restoration Centre coordinates habitat improvement projects across England and Wales

Welfare Considerations

Salmon unable to complete their migration face death before spawning, the culmination of their entire life cycle. Obstructed fish attempt to jump repeatedly at barriers, causing exhaustion and injury. Improved habitat restoration reduces this suffering and allows natural completion of life cycles. Healthy spawning habitat reduces mortality from disease and predation at the most vulnerable life stages.

What You Can Do

Support the Atlantic Salmon Trust and River Restoration Centre financially
Advocate for fish passage requirements at all river barriers in the UK
Participate in volunteer river restoration projects
Choose rod and line caught salmon from certified sustainable UK rivers
Oppose developments that would remove or degrade important salmon river habitat