We are pleased to share Newsletter 32 (19 February 2026) from Salmon Watch Ireland, focusing on emerging evidence of Atlantic salmon bycatch in pelagic fisheries of the Nordic Seas.
This edition highlights:
- Documented salmon catches during the International Ecosystem Summer Survey in the Nordic Seas (IESSNS), including 126 salmon recorded in 2025 surface trawls.
- Growing international policy attention, with Atlantic salmon formally added to the ICES list of species of bycatch relevance.
- The westward expansion of mackerel fisheries since 2005–2007 and the implications for salmon during critical marine feeding migrations.
- Concerns regarding the blue whiting fishery around the Faroe Islands during the March–April period.
- Reflections on improved salmon size and returns in 2020 during reduced pelagic fishing effort, and what this may (and may not) indicate.
The evidence demonstrates clear spatial overlap between offshore pelagic fisheries and salmon during key marine phases. While comprehensive North Atlantic bycatch estimates remain unavailable, systematic reporting is now being formalised — an important step forward.
Our policy position is straightforward: improved monitoring, mandatory and standardised reporting, genetic identification of any salmon caught, and greater integration of ecosystem and fisheries data are essential to ensure pelagic fisheries do not contribute avoidable additional mortality to vulnerable salmon stocks.
Our aim remains unchanged: to keep all interested parties informed so that responsible, evidence-based conservation can take place. This is a space for constructive contribution and shared understanding. Above all, our collective objective is clear — more salmon reaching their spawning grounds, not fewer.
Thank you for your continued support.
