Welfare of Wild Salmon in Rivers

Wild salmon face welfare challenges throughout their life cycle from pollution and habitat degradation to fishing practices and predation.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon populations have declined by approximately 70% since the 1970s
Pacific salmon face major welfare and survival challenges from dams blocking migration routes
River temperatures have increased above salmon thermal tolerance thresholds in some rivers
Catch-and-release salmon angling causes documented physiological stress and some mortality
Salmon must migrate through multiple management jurisdictions during their lifetimes

Welfare Considerations

Wild salmon welfare spans an extraordinary life cycle from freshwater birth to ocean maturity and return migration. Climate change-driven river temperature increases in some systems exceed the thermal tolerance of salmon, causing direct welfare harm through heat stress. Dam removal programs have significantly improved salmon welfare and survival in several North American rivers by restoring migration routes. Catch-and-release angling in warm water conditions causes welfare harm through both handling stress and elevated post-release mortality when combined with high temperatures. Protecting wild salmon welfare requires addressing the full range of threats from dam removal to climate action.

What You Can Do

Support dam removal programs that restore salmon migration routes
Advocate for river temperature monitoring and flow protections for salmon
Practice catch-and-release responsibly, avoiding angling during high-temperature events
Support wild salmon conservation organizations
Reduce your carbon footprint to help maintain suitable river temperatures