Experts are warning of a potentially bleak future for Atlantic salmon, following shocking recent survey results.
The latest stock assessment report from the EA revealed the lowest levels ever on record, with some 74 per cent of rivers now thought to be ‘at risk’, up from 48 per cent in 2020, with the South West, North West and Wales the worst affected regions. The River Tyne was the only river in England to be declared ‘not at risk’.
“Without urgent action, wild Atlantic salmon could be lost from our rivers within our lifetimes,” warned EA spokesman Kevin Austin, who said that in spite of progress such as new fish passes and the widespread closure of salmon net fisheries in 2019, ‘much more progress’ was needed.
Numerous factors have been blamed for declining stocks, from climate change to poor water quality and poaching.
