Wild Salmon Welfare and River Management

Wild Atlantic and Pacific salmon face welfare challenges throughout their lifecycle from habitat degradation, warming rivers, predation pressure, and the physical demands of their spawning migrations.

Key Facts

Atlantic salmon populations have declined by over 70% in the last 25 years due to multiple pressures
Wild salmon experience significant physiological stress during upstream spawning migrations in degraded rivers
Warm water temperatures above 23 degrees C cause thermal stress and mortality in salmon
Weirs and dams block salmon passage and require fish ladders to enable migration
Wild salmon exposed to escaped farmed salmon may be displaced from spawning sites
Catch-and-release recreational fishing causes physiological stress, particularly in warm conditions

Welfare Considerations

Wild salmon welfare is inseparable from river health. The massive decline in Atlantic salmon populations means that many rivers support only remnant populations facing intense pressures. Improving river connectivity through fish passage, reducing agricultural runoff, managing water temperatures through riparian shading, and reducing aquaculture escapes are all essential for supporting the welfare and survival of wild salmon populations.

What You Can Do

Support organisations like the Atlantic Salmon Trust working on wild salmon recovery
Advocate for strong water quality and fish passage standards in river management
Minimise disturbance near salmon spawning grounds during autumn and winter
If recreational fishing, practice careful, low-stress catch-and-release with wet hands
Support riparian tree planting to shade rivers and reduce thermal stress for salmon