English salmon stocks hit new low, report finds

Atlantic salmon stocks in England are more at risk than they have ever been, according to the latest report from the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas).

According to the Atlantic Salmon Stock Assessment for 2023, a joint study carried out by the two bodies, 90% of principal salmon rivers in England are classified as either “at risk” or “probably at risk,” meaning salmon numbers are below minimum levels to support sustainable populations.

The provisional declared rod catch in 2023 was 4,911 fish, which was 23% less than the final declared catch for 2022 and the lowest in the time-series (since 1988).

The study also found that 88% of rivers in England are failing to achieve their conservation targets (the level of eggs deposited) in 2023.

The Environment Agency (EA) says Atlantic salmon is an indicator species, reflecting the health and cleanliness of marine and freshwater ecosystems. A shrinking salmon population, the Agency stresses, is a warning sign that much more work is needed to improve our natural environment.

Despite the overall picture, improvement on individual rivers have been recorded. Last year, the EA completed the largest fish pass in the UK, at Colwick near Nottingham, establishing a new route for migrating wild fish to reach the River Trent catchment. The Trent has observed an increasing number of salmon as overall water quality has improved following decades of decline following industrialisation.

Similarly, fish passage improvement on the River Severn, facilitated by the “Unlocking the Severn” project, a collaboration between EA, NE and others. This has significantly improved a number of weirs known to block salmon migration routes. These improvements have helped to ensure that salmon and other migratory fish can now ascend the river more easily to reach their spawning grounds.

Action needed, says EA

The dramatic decline of salmon stocks is an international trend, with similar findings reported in Ireland, Iceland, Sweden and Canada, however the UK shows the most significant decline.

Challenges to the salmon population, the report says, include agricultural pollution, sedimentation, and chemical runoff from industries, wastewater, and roads which degrade river habitats. Barriers to migration, water scarcity from abstraction and the persistent challenge from climate change and warming seas are also problematic.

Action is needed across all pressures impacting salmon, according to EA and public body Natural England, and the two organisations are calling on everyone from landowners and farmers, to the sectors of energy, waste and water to do more to protect this iconic and pivotal species.

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency

Alan Lovell, Chair 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.

“We will continue to press on and improve our regulation of water quality and that is why I am pleased by the benefits the new Special Measures Bill brings, which will improve the EA’s ability to hold polluters to account.”

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.

“Working in partnership to restore rivers and seas will bring widespread environmental and ecological benefits, driving broader nature recovery, which is at the heart of Natural England’s mission.”

Through national and international initiatives such as NASCO and the Missing Salmon Alliance, the EA and NE are working to protect Atlantic salmon and mitigate threats to salmon numbers.

Colwick (Holme Sluices) fish pass