Scotland’s freshwater and coastal
ecosystems are in crisis.
It’s not too late to
restore the balance.
Wild fish species like salmon and sea trout are not only iconic species; they are key indicators of healthy ecosystems. Their presence signifies thriving river catchments, clean water, and balanced biodiversity.
For centuries, these fish have sustained Scottish communities, enriching our culture, economy, and natural heritage.
Today, unprecedented challenges from climate change, pollution, and habitat fragmentation have placed iconic species like the wild Atlantic salmon, now classified as endangered, at serious risk.
Only
%
of rivers are considered to be at good or better ecological status.
In 2018,
%
of Scottish rivers reached temperatures that could cause salmon thermal stress.
Over
of river habitat are blocked by man-made barriers, preventing fish migration.
Approximately
%
of Scotland’s sewage overflows are unreported.
We envision a future where Scotland has resilient river catchments and coastal waters which support abundant populations of native wild salmon, sea trout, migratory and freshwater species, for the benefit of nature and people.
Explore the Pressures
Seal Predation
Fish Health & Genetic Introgression
Marine Developments
Instream and Riparian Habitat
Point Source Pollution
Diffuse Pollution
Invasive Non-Native Species
Exploitation
Obstacles to Fish Passage
Piscivorous Bird Predation
Water Quantity
Water Temperature
Seal Predation
Seals are natural predators of wild salmon, particularly in estuarine and coastal areas during the smolt migration and adult return phases. Their presence near river mouths and fish passes can concentrate predation pressure at critical points in the salmon life cycle, contributing to reduced survival rates.
Fish Health & Genetic Introgression
Fish farms with high sea lice infestations can transmit lice to wild salmon during migration, imposing parasite burdens that wild fish are unable to withstand while escaped farmed fish risk genetic interbreeding with wild stocks, weakening long-term resilience.
Marine Developments
Offshore and coastal developments can alter migration routes, degrade habitats, and introduce underwater noise pollution that disrupts salmon behaviour during their migration journey at sea.
Instream and Riparian Habitat
Damaged or modified riverbanks and channels reduce habitat quality for spawning, feeding, and shelter throughout the salmon life cycle.
Point Source Pollution
Pollution from identifiable sources such as sewage discharges, wastewater treatment works, and industrial effluent can reduce oxygen levels in rivers and introduce harmful chemicals, comprising the health and survival of freshwater species.
Diffuse Pollution
Diffuse pollution from runoff enters watercourses more broadly across the landscape. It can carry nutrients, fine sediments, pesticides, and other pollutants that smother spawning grounds, reduce water quality, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems critical for salmon.
Invasive Non-Native Species
Invasive animals like pink salmon, signal crayfish, and American mink can prey on or compete with native species, or spread disease. Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed outcompete native riverbank vegetation, reducing shade, increasing erosion and sedimentation, and degrading important habitats for salmon and other wildlife.
Exploitation
Illegal fishing and poaching reduce adult returns, threatening already fragile populations and undermining conservation efforts.
Obstacles to Fish Passage
Man-made barriers like weirs and culverts block migration routes, cutting salmon off from critical spawning and nursery habitats.
Piscivorous Bird Predation
Piscivorous birds such as goosanders, cormorants, and herons prey on salmon across multiple life stages. Predation pressure is highest on juveniles in freshwater habitats, particularly in smaller rivers or where habitat availability is limited. Natural and manmade barriers in rivers can delay fish movement and create predation hotspots, increasing vulnerability to bird predation.
Water Quantity
Water abstraction for hydropower, agriculture, and other uses can alter the natural flow regime. Especially during dry periods, this can limit migration, restrict access to spawning grounds, and reduce habitat for juvenile salmon.
Water Temperature
Climate change and lack of riparian shade increase river temperatures beyond optimal levels for salmon survival and development.
Who are we?
Fisheries Management Scotland is the membership organisation representing Scotland’s local rivers and fisheries managers across Scotland, committed to conserving and restoring Scotland’s iconic wild salmon, sea trout, and freshwater species.
We support our members through provision of training and guidance, securing financial support, and sharing best practice in evidence-based catchment management and restoration.
We amplify our community’s voice when engaging with Scottish government and agencies to influence relevant national policy and regulation.
We adopt a strategic approach to address the issues confronting wild salmon by working in partnership and delivering projects at a national level.
Our Work
Our Membership
Membership of Fisheries Management Scotland is made up of 39 District Salmon Fishery Boards, the River Tweed Commission, and 27 Rivers and Fisheries Trusts.
Our members cover all of mainland Scotland and the majority of Islands, with the exception of Shetland.
Our Members' Impact in 2024
Native trees to help protect fish habitat planted by our members and partners
1,431
Recorded illegal fishing incidents
408 Pollution incidents and other infringements were reported to SEPA
SPOTLIGHT PROJECT
Fisheries Management Plans
Fisheries Management Planning provides an evidence-based framework to protect and restore Scotland’s wild salmon, outlining actions from local management to catchment-wide restoration.
Our 44 interactive Fisheries Management Plans present local fish health, pressures, and targeted interventions to improve river habitats and safeguard salmon.
The National Dashboard aggregates data from 44 fishery districts across Scotland, tracking over 1,300 interventions with real-time updates on locations, costs, timelines, and funding needs to support salmon conservation investments across Scotland.
Our Wild Salmon: Film
Explore the powerful journey of Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon — a species woven into the nation’s history and now facing critical threats from human activity.
This six-part film series, supported by EU funding via NASCO, highlights the challenges our wild salmon face and the dedicated efforts to protect them.
Latest News
Fisheries Management Scotland asks anglers to support recapture efforts in Lochaber and report any farmed salmon caught
Following severe weather conditions brought by Storm Amy, Mowi Scotland’s Gorsten fish farm has experienced an escape of approximately 75,000 Atlantic salmon. The escaped fish are understood to be sexually immature, with an average weight of approximately 860 grams....
School pupils help to monitor River Tweed’s health
After a summer of high water scarcity across the Scottish Borders, pupils at one primary school in the region have been helping to check on the health of the River Tweed. Earlston Primary pupils have been working with the Tweed Foundation as part of a UK-wide survey....
Transforming Scotland’s Rivers: 11 Riverwoods Development Grants Awarded
Ahead of World Rivers Day 2025 – a celebration of the world’s waterways held annually on the fourth Sunday of September – over £200,000 in funding has been awarded to 11 organisations across Scotland, kickstarting a pipeline of new river woodland creation and...