25th March: New report warns salmon could vanish completely from Welsh rivers in next few decades

A new report has revealed that salmon and sea trout populations across Wales are declining “at unprecedented rates”.

The report, commissioned by Natural Resources Wales looked at the decline of salmon and sea trout populations across Wales and considers whether and when they may become critically small.

The research confirms that Atlantic salmon are under threat not only in Wales but throughout most of its range and suggests salmon may disappear completely from many Welsh rivers within the next few decades.

Ben Wilson. Principal Fisheries Officer for NRW, said: “Atlantic salmon and sea trout in Wales are declining at unprecedented rates and, in many areas, are currently below sustainable biological limits.