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Ireland’s Summer Heatwave – A wake-up call for wild Atlantic salmon
This summer has provided a stark reminder of how quickly Ireland's climate is changing. Prolonged periods of warm weather, low river flows and increasingly intense rainfall events (if they arrive) are no longer exceptional—they are becoming an increasingly familiar feature of our summers. In this edition of the Salmon Watch Ireland newsletter, we examine how these changing weather patterns are affecting wild Atlantic salmon at every stage of their life cycle. From juvenile salmon struggling to survive in warm, shrinking rivers to adults delayed in estuaries where predation risk increases, the evidence demonstrates that climate change is becoming one of the defining challenges for salmon conservation. The newsletter also explores why restoring the resilience of our river catchments must now become a national priority. We highlight the urgent need for mandatory riparian buffer zones, stronger controls on nutrient pollution, improved land drainage management, natural water retention measures and the restoration of spawning habitats if Ireland's rivers are to remain capable of supporting healthy wild salmon populations in the decades ahead. Climate change cannot be viewed in isolation. It is magnifying the impacts of existing pressures on our rivers, making it more important than ever that we reduce every avoidable human impact on this iconic species. We hope you find this edition both informative and thought-provoking, and we thank you, as always, for your continued support of Salmon Watch Ireland and our work to secure a future for wild Atlantic salmon. Newsletter Number 43
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Newsletter Number 42 – Temperature Protocol / Information Commissioner / Joint Oireactas
This edition focuses on a number of important developments affecting wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout, including Inland Fisheries Ireland's new scientific guidance on managing fisheries during periods of high water temperature and the increasing challenges posed by climate change. We also provide an update on our recent engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs and the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy where we highlighted concerns regarding exceptionally high mortality rates in Ireland's salmon farming industry and the need for greater transparency. Finally, we report on our successful appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner, which resulted in the release of previously withheld salmon farm mortality, stocking and harvest data. We outline the significance of this decision and the further steps Salmon Watch Ireland has taken to improve transparency and public participation in aquaculture licensing. As always, thank you for your continued support. Working together, we can continue to advocate for evidence-based policies that protect and restore Ireland's wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout.
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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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