Wild Salmon Welfare and River Restoration

Wild salmon face welfare threats throughout their lifecycle from ocean conditions, river barriers, and fishing mortality, and river restoration programs directly improve welfare for returning fish.

Key Facts

Pacific salmon runs have declined by approximately 90% from historical levels in many rivers
Dam removal is the most effective single intervention for restoring salmon passage
Fish ladders and passages significantly reduce mortality at barriers for migrating fish
Water temperature increases from climate change cause heat stress and mortality in summer migrants
Sportfishing catch-and-release can cause injury and stress affecting survival rates

Welfare Considerations

Wild salmon welfare encompasses a lifecycle of challenges. Ocean harvest imposes fishing mortality; river migration is blocked by dams and degraded by warm temperatures; spawning grounds are reduced by sedimentation. Each stressor reduces survival and causes welfare harm for individual fish. River restoration — dam removal, riparian planting, temperature management — directly improves welfare by reducing mortality and the stress of impeded migration. The welfare case for salmon restoration aligns completely with the conservation case: healthy river systems that support safe migration and spawning improve both welfare and population recovery.

What You Can Do

Support dam removal and river restoration projects for salmon recovery
Advocate for improved water temperature management in salmon-bearing rivers
Practice catch-and-release responsibly with appropriate tackle and handling
Donate to organizations restoring salmon habitat and river connectivity