Wild Atlantic salmon populations in decline across Norway, Finland, and Canada

Wild Atlantic salmon, or Salmo salar, is in severe decline, particularly in North Atlantic rivers and those flowing into the Baltic Sea, where the problems began decades ago. Salmon populations have drastically decreased in Central Europe, the eastern coast of the United States, and parts of Canada. Until the turn of the century, stocks in northern Norway and the Kola Peninsula were improving, even achieving record catches in the Teno River in 2001. However, issues have now spread to these areas too, affecting even the most pristine rivers, according to Jaakko Erkinaro, a researcher at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.

In June, fishing was halted in 33 rivers across southern and central Norway due to low salmon returns. Restrictions were lifted in approximately half of these rivers in July, yet the famous Orkla River remains closed. The Teno River has been under a fishing ban for the past three seasons, although some local fishing was permitted this year.

Various factors contribute to the poor condition of wild salmon, such as lost migration routes, deteriorating water quality due to acidification, warming climates, and changes in ocean salinity, temperatures, and currents. Other significant impacts include habitat destruction in spawning rivers, genetic effects from farmed fish escapes, diseases, invasive species, and overfishing.

Temperature increases in river waters are approaching critical levels for salmon in their southern ranges, and this trend is also observed in northern areas like parts of Canada and Scotland. The changing marine conditions have led to alarming mortality rates among salmon, particularly along the eastern coast of Canada, prompting extensive rescue operations.

The overall future of wild salmon appears grim, with a prevailing trend toward further decline. Experts emphasize the need for stricter fishing regulations, restoring migration pathways, and climate change mitigation to protect these vital fish populations.