Salmon numbers in our rivers are at their lowest ever recorded, according to annual stock figures.
Data from the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science shows that 90 per cent of the principal salmon rivers in England are classed as either ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk’ – meaning numbers are so low they cannot support a sustainable population.
With Atlantic salmon – the type found in the UK – known as an indicator species, its low numbers suggest rivers are unhealthy.
It prompted nature groups to warn the fall that ‘these magnificent fish are in danger of becoming extinct’.
The provisional declared rod catch in 2023 was 4,911 fish, which was 23 per cent less than the final declared catch for 2022 and the lowest in the time-series since 1988.
Salmon numbers are at their lowest levels ever recorded in the UK, with scarcity suggesting rivers are unhealthy (file photo)
Ninety per cent of principal salmon rivers in England are classed as either ‘at risk’ or ‘probably at risk (file photo)
Meanwhile, the survey also said 88 per cent of rivers in England are failing to achieve their conservation targets for the level of eggs laid by salmon in 2023.
Research shows that the dramatic decline of salmon stocks is an international trend, with similar findings in Ireland, Iceland, Sweden and Canada.
But the UK showed the most significant decline, the report said. Agricultural pollution, sedimentation, and chemical runoff from industries, wastewater, and roads are degrading their habitats.
Further threats are barriers to migration, lower water levels from abstraction and the challenge from climate change and warming seas.
The EA and Natural England (NE) said more action was needed from landowners and farmers, and the energy, waste and water sectors to do more to protect the fish.
Alan Lovell, chairman of the Environment Agency said: ‘Forty years ago an estimated 1.4 million salmon returned to UK rivers each year. We are now at barely a third of that – a new low and evidence of the wider, growing biodiversity crisis.
‘The EA is already taking action to tackle water pollution, address barriers to migration and restore and improve habitats. We need all those who pollute to clean up their act.’
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: ‘As a critical indicator species, England’s dwindling salmon population is a warning of the deteriorating health and connectivity of our waterways, and signals a threat to other wildlife species and local economies.’
The River Wear in Durham. Over 80 per cent of rivers in England are failing to achieve their conservation targets for the level of eggs laid by salmon in 2023
Mark Lloyd, chief executive of The Rivers Trust, said: ‘These results demonstrate the urgency with which we need to address the many pressures on freshwater ecosystems at a strategic scale. Salmon populations are unusual in that they are a factor of the health of both rivers and the oceans, but many of the marine issues are outside our control.
‘These magnificent fish are in danger of becoming extinct on many of our rivers where they were once abundant, which would be a disastrous legacy to leave the next generation.’
The report said improvements were seen on the river Trent – thanks to construction of a fish pass – and on the Severn due to efforts to unblock salmon migration routes. In England, it is illegal to sell any rod or net caught wild salmon in England.
Around 95 per cent of rod catches were returned to rivers in England and Wales by anglers.