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Newsletter Number 41 – 26 June 2026
Welcome to Newsletter No. 41 from Salmon Watch Ireland. As we move into the height of summer, our wild salmon and sea trout face increasing challenges from warming rivers, declining marine survival and ongoing human pressures. This edition examines the latest scientific evidence, including the newly published Norwegian Scientific Advisory Committee report, which concludes that salmon farming and climate change remain the two greatest human-induced threats to wild Atlantic salmon. We also report on the recent Joint Oireachtas hearings on aquaculture, where contrasting views were presented on the impacts of open-net salmon farming, and outline our recent submissions on proposed salmon farm developments and Ireland's Draft National Restoration Plan. In addition, we highlight a new national protocol for investigating fish kills and discuss why protecting salmon during periods of high water temperature is becoming increasingly important for both juvenile and adult fish. As always, we thank our supporters for their continued encouragement. Your support enables us to advocate for stronger protection of Ireland's rivers and to ensure that decisions affecting wild salmon are informed by the best available science. We hope you enjoy this edition and, as always, welcome your comments and feedback. Newsletter Number 41 26 June 2026
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NASCO Conference 2026 – Aviemore, Scotland
This year's meeting took place against a backdrop of continuing declines in wild Atlantic salmon populations across much of the North Atlantic. Governments, Indigenous Peoples' representatives, NGOs, scientists, and fisheries managers gathered to review the latest scientific advice, assess conservation progress, and consider the actions needed to reverse these troubling trends. The newsletter highlights several significant developments from the meeting, including: The introduction of Conservation Commitment Reports (CCRs) and NASCO's new accountability framework; Adoption of new habitat protection, restoration, and improvement guidance; Continued concerns regarding climate change and declining salmon abundance; The ongoing impacts of aquaculture on wild salmon populations; Growing recognition of marine mortality and fisheries bycatch as major conservation challenges; The failure of the West Greenland Commission to agree a new regulatory measure for the 2026 fishery; and The priorities and concerns raised by accredited NGOs during the meeting. While important progress was made, particularly in habitat restoration and conservation planning, the meeting also underscored the urgency of the challenges facing wild Atlantic salmon. The discussions reinforced the need for stronger international cooperation, greater ambition in conservation actions, and increased attention to the pressures salmon face throughout their marine migration. We hope this newsletter provides a useful overview of the meeting and contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of wild Atlantic salmon conservation. As always, we welcome your feedback and look forward to continuing to work together to secure a future for this iconic species across the North Atlantic. Newsletter Number 39 - Salmon Watch Ireland NASCO Conference Scotland June 26
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River Glyde – A n Ecological Disaster
This edition is dominated by the devastating fish kill on the River Glyde, one of the most significant environmental incidents affecting a salmonid river in recent years. We outline the facts currently available, our response to the incident, and the broader implications for river protection and water quality management in Ireland. As always, thank you for your continued support. Salmon Watch Ireland remains committed to advocating for stronger protection of our freshwater ecosystems and ensuring that wild salmon and sea trout remain an integral part of Ireland's natural heritage for future generations. We encourage you to share this newsletter with friends, colleagues and anyone interested in the future of Ireland's rivers. Salmon Watch Ireland River Glyde Newsletter Number 40
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Newsletter Number 38 – Blackwater Genetic Study
Salmon Watch fully supports and endorses this important project. The information gathered through the collection and analysis of salmon, sea trout and brown trout scale samples will greatly enhance our collective understanding of the Blackwater catchment, its individual tributary systems and the contribution each makes to the overall fishery. Importantly, this work may help identify key production units within the catchment, highlight areas which may not currently be achieving their natural potential and guide future investigative, conservation and habitat improvement work. The success of the programme will depend heavily on support and participation from the angling community. We would therefore strongly encourage all anglers, clubs and fisheries interests to participate fully during the season by submitting scale samples wherever possible and promoting the project locally. Every sample collected contributes valuable scientific information and will help build a clearer picture of the future management and protection needs of the Blackwater system. Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated. Blackwater Genetic Study - Newsletter Number 38
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Joint Oireachtas Committee – Salmon Conservation – Newsletter Number 37
Across all submissions to the Committee, one message is clear: Atlantic salmon are in crisis. Despite some gaps in the data, the overall trend is unmistakable—stocks are in sustained decline. Now is the time to act decisively to halt and reverse that decline. In this newsletter, we outline the key evidence presented, reflect on the discussion at Committee level, and set out why current pressures on salmon—both in freshwater and at sea—require a far more precautionary and coordinated response. We also highlight a number of critical concerns, including: The continued exploitation of vulnerable stocks in certain river systems The need for a precautionary approach where even moderate surpluses are protected The importance of stronger alignment between policy and scientific advice The role all stakeholders, including recreational fishers, must play in conservation Alongside the newsletter, we have submitted a number of supporting materials, including our opening statement, a policy document, and additional evidence presented to the Committee. Links to video recordings of the session are also available. A full transcript will be shared once published. This is a pivotal moment. The decisions taken now will determine whether wild Atlantic salmon recover—or continue their path toward collapse. We encourage you to read and share the newsletter, and to continue supporting efforts to protect and restore this iconic species. Thank you for your continued support. Salmon Watch Ireland Newsletter Number 37
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Newsletter Number 36 – 10 April- Response to New Salmon Regulations
Please find the response of Salmon Watch Ireland to salmon regulations as signed into law in early April. Some positives but overall a disappointing outcome with little concrete advances to protect wild salmon. We ask that all anglers abide by the code of conduct as laid out in the newsletter. We hope for a better outcome for salmon into the future. While the weather presently is not conducive to angling, it is certainly a help in protecting adults returning and smolts will have an abundance of water to safely avoid serious predation pressures. Hopefully these conditions prevail until May. Newsletter Number 36 10 April 2026
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Newsletter Number 35 – 31 March 2026 -Pollution Portal Salmon Watch Ireland
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Ireland Water Pollution Reporting Portal, designed to make it quicker and easier for the public to report suspected pollution incidents and help protect our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Recent events, including the devastating fish kill on the Blackwater and other serious pollution incidents across the country, have highlighted just how vulnerable our waterways are—and how important timely reporting can be. Early intervention can make a real difference in preventing long-term environmental damage. This portal brings together key reporting information in one place, helping you to: Identify pollution incidents Contact the correct authority quickly Follow a clear, standard reporting procedure Provide useful details (including photos and location) that support investigation and enforcement We strongly encourage anyone who spends time near water—anglers, farmers, walkers, and local communities—to make use of this resource. The resource is available on our website and can be downloaded to your phone if required. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Newsletter Number 35 - 31 March 2026
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Salmon Aquaculture – History and Information Resource
Salmon Watch Ireland has recently published its latest newsletter examining the relationship between salmon aquaculture and the future of wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout in Ireland. The newsletter outlines key issues currently being discussed in Ireland and internationally, including sea lice, disease risks, regulatory oversight, and the wider environmental debate surrounding open-net salmon farming in coastal waters. It also highlights the potential implications for wild salmonid populations that migrate through areas where aquaculture operations are located. We are sharing this publication as an information resource for the public and for anyone interested in the science, policy and environmental questions surrounding salmon aquaculture in Ireland. Further background information and related resources are also available on the Salmon Watch Ireland website: https://salmonwatchireland.ie/salmon-farming-ireland/ Please feel free to share this with colleagues or anyone who may have an interest in the future of wild salmon and sea trout.
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Salmon Watch Ireland Newsletter Number 33- 27 February 2026 Freshwater Survival Newsletter
This edition focuses on one of the most important, and often underestimated, stages in the salmon life cycle — freshwater survival before ocean entry. Drawing on long-term Irish research from systems such as the River Bush, Burrishoole, River Erriff, and southern rivers, the newsletter outlines: Evidence that significant mortality occurs during downstream migration The impact of low-flow, warm spring conditions on smolt survival The importance of discharge timing and spring freshets Increased risks associated with long estuaries How freshwater stress can compound with marine parasite pressures The critical role of genetic integrity and environmental stability The consistent message from Irish datasets is clear: freshwater conditions are not neutral — they strongly shape marine survival outcomes. We also introduce Hydronet, a comprehensive river data resource covering water height and temperature, which may be of interest to anyone examining historical or current river conditions. Freshwater survival is one of the most manageable stages in the salmon lifecycle, and protecting natural flow regimes, limiting abstraction during migration, maintaining connectivity, and reducing thermal stress can all make a measurable difference. I hope you find this edition informative and useful. As always, we welcome feedback and discussion Newsletter Number 33 - Freshwater Migration
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Pelagic Fisheries and Salmon
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. Newsletter Number 32 - Feb 20 2026
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