Wildlife Welfare

Wild Salmon Conservation and Welfare Integration

Integrating welfare considerations into wild salmon conservation decision-making improves outcomes for individual fish while supporting population recovery.

Key Facts

Wild Atlantic salmon populations have declined by 70% in the UK since 1970
Electrofishing surveys cause temporary disturbance but enable population monitoring
Catch-and-release angling causes measurable physiological stress that varies with handling time
Stocking programs introduce hatchery fish with potential welfare and genetic impacts
River management decisions affect salmon welfare through temperature, flow, and access

Welfare Considerations

Conservation decisions affect individual salmon welfare at scale. Minimizing handling time in surveys, improving catch-and-release protocols, and managing water temperature for fish welfare are practical interventions that protect individual fish alongside populations.

What You Can Do

Practice best-practice catch-and-release angling protocols to minimize stress
Support river restoration programs improving salmon habitat quality
Advocate for welfare considerations to be incorporated into salmon conservation planning