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Salmon Watch Ireland notes the recent online discussions regarding the by catch of salmon by industrial scale pelagic fisheries. We certainly agree that these pelagic fisheries are not being fished in a sustainable manner and the prospect of significant bycatch is certainly cause for concern.
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NASCO – Press Release
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.
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Newsletter Number 13 – 20 May 2025
This newsletter discusses the unique relationship between salmon and pearl mussel. It is in everyone's interest to know the link between these species and how we must keep habitat and water quality in a condition that supports vibrant stocks of both species. We also highlight the recent high temperatures and their potential effect on juvenile salmon. We have also provided a link to the Danish River Skyern and note that a declining trend in catches similar to UK and Ireland appears to be taking place.
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Newsletter Number 11 -Salmon Farm – Concerns
Salmon Watch Ireland Newsletter Deenish Island Aquaculture Update Urgent Concerns Raised by Salmon Watch Ireland Licence Breach: Introduction of Pre-Adult Salmon The recent transfer of fish to the Deenish Island site appears to breach key conditions of the extant aquaculture licence (AQ199). The licence strictly permits the introduction of smolts only—juvenile salmon—up to a cap of 400,000. The recent stocking of 406,450 pre-adult salmon, each averaging 2.155 kg, appears to represent a clear breach of this stipulation. This information was provided on foot of a request for AIE (Access to Environmental Information) to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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Update 21 February 25 – Salmon Monitoring Report
The report was published recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland and is a comprehensive analysis of the program carried out in 2023. This program is concerned with catchment wide electro fishing, estimation of smolt to adult return survival rates and a study of life cycle characteristics in several catchments. The report is extensive and complex and is strongly indicative of trends evident in salmon populations countrywide.
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Collapse of Salmon Stocks – An examination of illegal and unregulated fisheries
The focus of this update is to inform you of the recent addition of a scientific paper examining the many impacts on salmon with a particular emphasis on unregulated illegal fisheries at sea. Please click on document below.
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Annacotty Weir and Catch Advice 2025
Salmon Watch Ireland would like to update our supporters on the catch advice for 2025 and Annacotty Weir. Please click on the documents below.
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Newsletter 2025 – Salmon Watch Ireland
Please find a PDF copy SWIRL NEWSLETTER 12025 of the newsletter as published today. We anticipate that you may find it of interest. In this issue we among other subjects examine the effect of hydro schemes and the various turbines associated with the many hydro systems around Ireland. It is a subject that we all should be informed about and vigilant about, as there is a renewed interest in the construction of facilities which will impact on salmonid mortality and production. We have also put together a video highlighting the demise of the iconic sea trout in Waterville and ask the simple question as to why. This video was co-produced with Currane fisheries, and we appreciate their support. With the ongoing transition to closed containment and closure of open cage salmon farms in British Columbia and Washington state and the apparent improvement in wild salmon numbers there, it is essential, that we progress in eliminating open cage farming and shift the dialogue towards closed containment or indeed complete closure if the industry does not facilitate this. Essentially we are approaching a period whereby open cage salmon farming may be about to expand and it is probably one of the last opportunities that we have to shape policy to protect wild salmonids and we need your support and ongoing efforts to steer our campaigns into the future. We hope you will find the content interesting. Please distribute as widely as possible.
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Ballisodare Report – Inland Fisheries Ireland
Salmon Watch Ireland welcomes the publishing of the report concerning the large scale mortality event on the Ballisodare River in June and July this year. While the report does not specifically identify a cause of the mortalities, it does outline a number of factors which may have impacted the adult salmon population. It is encouraging to see that mortalities have not occurred since higher water on the river became established on the 20th July. The issues surrounding fish passage do require attention and it is hoped that a practical approach to the issue can be put in place. It must always be remembered that this river without the fish passes at the lower falls and at Colooney would not be a salmon river as salmon could not pass the natural barriers at these locations until the passes were constructed. We would suggest that at all times the salmon are prioritised through a regime of facilitating free passage. To this end we suggest that IFI should examine the feasibility of mitigating further natural barriers upstream of the lower falls. In the interim we do see the benefit of managing access until a resolution can be found to alleviate stress factors above the lower falls. IFI Report
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Fish Counter Report 2023- Significant decline noted in grilse and late summer salmon
There would appear to be a significant downturn in 1SW salmon in 2023. This is very much in line with angling and commercial catches in 2023 and is in line with majority of countries in NE Atlantic which saw a substantial decline across all regions. The indicators would suggest that this year has seen a significant upturn on last years grilse run but spring salmon in 2024 is suggestive of poor survival of the same smolt cohort which supplied last years grilse. As this downturn is widespread it suggests a large downturn of conditions at sea. The report can be read here: IFI Fish Counter 2023
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