Wild Atlantic Salmon in Crisis: Urgent Action Needed

Wild Atlantic salmon are in serious trouble. Across the northern hemisphere, their numbers are falling fast. The North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) is the only intergovernmental body with the remit to protect these fish. NASCO brings together countries to work on conserving, restoring, and managing wild Atlantic salmon.

At NASCO’s recent Annual Meeting in Cardiff from 3 – 6 June 2025, 22 accredited environmental NGOs joined the discussions and played a key role in shaping future plans.

The Alarming Reality

Experts at the meeting delivered stark warnings:

• The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) reported that in 2023 and 2024, most countries saw record-low numbers of salmon returning to their rivers.
• The lack of recovery across the North Atlantic points to major environmental pressures in the ocean that are harming salmon on a large scale.
• Two upcoming scientific studies are expected to reveal that wild salmon populations are being genetically weakened by interbreeding with farmed salmon
• This “introgression” is seen as one of the biggest threats to wild salmon survival and its ability to adapt to climate change and other environmental pressures.

Recognising Positive Steps

Despite the grim news, there were some bright spots:

• Greenland has successfully reduced its catch to below agreed limits, helping protect wild salmon that migrate from Europe and North America to feed in its waters, before returning home to spawn
• Norway has made major progress in eradicating the deadly parasite Gyrodactylus salaris from 48 of its 54 infected rivers 3 .

NGOs Call for Stronger Action

Throughout the meeting, NGOs pushed hard for NASCO to raise its ambitions. They argued that the strategic goal of merely “slowing the decline” of wild salmon is not enough. They were very disappointed that NASCO did not show capacity to change this goal based on the latest ICES report.

Robert Otto from Atlantic Salmon Federation, co-Chair of NGO group, said:

“If ever there was a time for urgent action to save Atlantic salmon, it is now. We hoped NASCO would exhibit the leadership of the moment and respond commensurately to the challenge before the NASCO attendees collectively.”

Nils Olav Gjone, Norwegian Salmon Rivers, co-Chair of NGO group, said:

“As NGOs, we’re not idealists—we’re scientists and fisheries experts. We understand the scale of the challenge ahead to restore thriving wild salmon populations. We will continue to work to reverse the decline of this magnificent fish across the North Atlantic.”

John Murphy, Salmon Watch Ireland said:

"Atlantic salmon in Ireland are facing a devastating and critical decline, and we are at a pivotal moment. This is a time for all stakeholders—communities, anglers, policymakers, environmental groups, and commercial fishers —to reflect on our collective role in safeguarding this iconic species. Moving forward, we must prioritise conservation over exploitation and work together to implement effective, sustainable solutions. We are confident that, united by a common purpose, the majority will choose to do the right thing."

Looking Ahead with Determination

NGOs remain committed to the cause. They will continue their own conservation action across the North Atlantic and advocate for stronger protections. They also pledged to support each other more closely and show the leadership needed to turn the tide for wild Atlantic salmon.

The goal is clear: to restore thriving wild salmon populations at the heart of healthy,

biodiverse ecosystems. It will take urgent, transformative action,

which must start now.