Wildlife

Sea Trout Welfare in Rivers and Estuaries

Sea trout are migratory brown trout that face welfare pressures from river barriers, pollution, and sea lice from nearby salmon farms affecting their coastal welfare.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

River barriers prevent access to upstream spawning habitat, causing welfare impairment through frustrated migration behaviour. Sea lice infestation from salmon farms causes skin damage and osmotic stress in wild sea trout smolts. River pollution from agriculture and sewage degrades water quality affecting feeding, spawning, and overall fish condition.

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