Record Low Atlantic Salmon Numbers in England and Wales

In 2017, a start was made recording Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) numbers in England and Wales. Prior to that time, at least 20,000 fish were counted each year. The Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science have now documented the lowest numbers of Atlantic salmon, since the records were started. Only 5,399 of these fish were recorded in 2023 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/07/salmon-numbers-in-england-and-wales-last-year-were-lowest-on-record). It seems very likely that this dramatic decline in Atlantic salmon numbers is due to a combination of pollution (from agricultural run-off and Water Company sewage discharges) and climate breakdown (causing some rivers to dry). Of 64 'principal salmon rivers'in England and Wales, only one is currently classified as 'not at risk'. The migratory Atlantic salmon could soon disappear from English and Welsh waters.