Wild Atlantic salmon stocks in UK rivers are reaching crisis point, according to the latest stock assessment report which estimates they are at their lowest levels on record.

UK rivers are traditional breeding grounds for Atlantic salmon, which are classed as an iconic species in our rivers.

However, many factors are impacting on their numbers at freshwater and marine sites, with , including the impact of climate change which is leading to rising sea and river temperatures and overfishing, which is impacting on salmon stocks globally. Water quality in rivers and estuaries can also affect the fish lifecycle as well as barriers stopping salmon travelling upstream.

Through the Salmon Five Point Approach action is being taken by the Environment Agency (EA) and its partners to remove barriers to migration with 19 fish passes improved in the last year. Work is also taking place to improve water quality and reduce the exploitation of salmon by both net and rod fisheries.

The Salmon Five Point Approach has been jointly developed and committed to by a wide range of partners which include Government, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Angling Trust, River Trusts, Wild Trout Trust and the Institute of Fisheries Management. It sets out the actions to address the key pressures that affect the different life stages of salmon. The priorities are:

• Improve marine survival.
• Further reduce exploitation by nets and rods.
• Remove barriers to migration and enhance habitat.
• Safeguard sufficient flows.
• Maximise spawning success by improving water quality.

Kevin Austin, Deputy Director for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment for the Environment Agency said:

“Today’s assessment for England is of great concern and without urgent action Wild Atlantic Salmon could be lost from our rivers in our lifetimes.

“We have seen some real successes through our work with partners, particularly on the river Don and Tyne, but more much progress is needed.

“As the climate emergency becomes more acute, we need coordinated action between governments, partners and industry to enable stocks to stabilise and recover to sustainable levels.”

The latest stock assessment report, from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales, is of significant concern.

In 2020, 20 salmon rivers (48%) were thought to be ‘at risk’ – meaning salmon stock are no longer at sustainable levels - but in the latest report this has now risen to 31 (74%) with rivers in the South West, North West and Wales considered to be the most affected.

Only one river in England, the River Tyne, remains within the ‘not at risk” category and has improved due to better water quality in the estuary and action against barriers to migration. On the River Don, fish pass improvements and habitat restoration initiatives have enabled salmon to return.

To safeguard river flow and improve water quality, the EA has also identified improvements through the Water Industry National Environment Programme. In 2021, 53 schemes were completed that will bring benefits to salmon - 37 of these on our main salmon rivers and 16 on recovering salmon rivers. In addition, 50 new agricultural officers have also been appointed to work with the agricultural community to address diffuse and acute water quality issues.

Earlier in July, the Agency published its annual Environmental Performance Assessment on water quality- the EA has called for tougher fines and prison sentences for those responsible for serious and deliberate pollution affecting water quality.