Marine & Wildlife

Wild Sea Trout Welfare

Sea trout (migratory brown trout) face welfare challenges from sea lice exposure near salmon farms, river barriers and water quality decline in spawning streams.

Key Facts

Sea trout migrate between freshwater spawning rivers and the sea for feeding over several years
Sea lice from salmon farms cause severe fin erosion and skin damage on sea trout smolts
River barriers including weirs block spawning migration to suitable upstream gravel beds
Water temperature increases reduce suitable spawning habitat in southern rivers
Sea trout populations have declined in rivers near salmon farming operations in some studies

Welfare Considerations

Sea trout welfare involves threats at sea from lice and in freshwater from barriers and water quality. Integrated management across both environments is needed to protect this migratory species.

What You Can Do

Support salmon farm sea lice management schemes that protect sea trout smolts
Advocate for fish pass installation at barriers to sea trout spawning rivers
Report sea trout spawning activity to river trusts to support population monitoring