Wildlife Welfare

Wild Salmon River Habitat Restoration

Atlantic salmon populations in UK rivers have declined dramatically due to habitat degradation, requiring coordinated restoration to support recovering populations and individual fish welfare.

Key Facts

UK Atlantic salmon populations have declined by 70% since the 1970s
River barriers including weirs and culverts block salmon migration routes to spawning grounds
Catchment management to reduce agricultural runoff improves spawning gravel quality
Fish passes at barriers restore migration access but vary significantly in effectiveness
Restored rivers show salmon population recovery within a few years of intervention

Welfare Considerations

Salmon attempting to migrate face physical exhaustion, injury, and mortality at river barriers. Population decline reflects the cumulative welfare harm of degraded habitat conditions affecting every individual fish in these river systems.

What You Can Do

Support river restoration charities working on salmon habitat improvement
Advocate for fish pass installation at all barriers on salmon rivers
Reduce agricultural runoff in your area to protect spawning gravel quality