Wednesday 10th September, 2025
The 2024 salmon stock assessments for Welsh and English rivers have been published today. Once again, they make for grim reading.
In Wales, the salmon populations in all 22 “Principal Salmon Rivers” remain “at risk”, which means they are at risk of failing to maintain sustainable populations in the future.
In England, 83% of the salmon populations in principal rivers are “at risk” although this is predicted to improve to 71% by 2029.
However, none of the Welsh “at risk” populations are predicted to move out of this category by 2029, showing just what a parlous state salmon are in.
Sadly, the situation for sewin (sea trout) is no better. Similar analysis of the 33 main sewin rivers in Wales has shown an equally dramatic decline with all bar the Aeron in West Wales now classed as “at risk”. Sewin populations in Wales are believed to be highly vulnerable and at risk of ongoing further decline.
Just as concerning as the assessments is the lack of any urgent actions to resolve issues that are increasingly likely to lead to the extinction of these iconic fish species in Wales.
More Information:
“Salmon Stocks and Fisheries in England and Wales in 2024” (assessment report)
“Assessment of Salmon Stocks and Fisheries in England and Wales 2024” (background report)
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.