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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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Issue Number 14 – 30 May 2025 Salmon Watch Ireland
This week we deal with the highly anticipated paper by Gargan et al. 2025 which effectively deals a significant blow to the government accepted (Marine Institute) science regarding the impact of sea lice on migrating juvenile salmon. We anticipate that this research can be used to bolster legal challenges into the future especially in regard to Special Areas of Conservation which have Atlantic salmon as a qualifying interest. Indirectly it may also be important when consideration is being given to licence farms where pearl mussels are a qualifying interest. We also highlight work carried out by Don Staniford in regard to exposing organic salmon production in Ireland. Another important aspect this week is our case to have commercial exploitation stopped on the Munster Blackwater. We are concerned that the river has seen a stark and accelerating decline and all exploitation should be reviewed.
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Straffan Weir – Newsletter
In this week's issue we discuss an ongoing hydro scheme issue at Straffan Weir on the River Liffey. The hydro scheme has been resurrected after a considerable period of time. The turbine has been replaced and the scheme is to provide power to the nearby K Club. Our concerns relate to salmonid and other fish species migration and the question must be asked if these types of projects should be permitted considering the Nature Restoration Legislation, Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive which champion river connectivity and biodiversity.
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Newsletter Update 10 March
A summary of the 2024 salmon fishery in Greenland and a look at the scientific report of the sampling program in 2022 (Latest). It is obvious that the proportion of European fish is certainly in decline and is reflected in very poor spring salmon returns to Ireland over recent years. It will be interesting to note this year’s spring fishery in Ireland and UK to see if the low catch in Greenland is reflective of a continued decline in both countries.
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Newsletter 28 February 25 Salmon Watch Ireland
This newsletter deals with Section 19A (4) of the 1997 Fisheries Act which is to be deleted from Irish Legislation. Please click on image below
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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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Weekly Update 04 January 2025
Welcome to 2025 from Salmon Watch Ireland. We will be publishing our annual look back at all things wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout in the coming weeks. We hope you will find it interesting and that 2025 will see some progress on many issues to be highlighted. We understand that many catchments did see some improvement in grilse stocks but that multi sea winter salmon stocks were to say the least very disappointing. The same man made issues persist with salmon farming and water quality high on the suspect list pertaining to survival. However the most pressing issues (many beyond our control) are at sea but we all can play our part in allowing more salmon spawn in 2025. The spectre of climate related warming of the seas on the southwestern coast of Ireland is certainly being felt by the salmon farming industry. There are two salmon farms presently operating in Kenmare Bay. The mortality of farmed salmon on both these farms is to say the least extraordinary. Our recent submission throws some light on the extent of mortalities. Deenish Island and Inishfarnard. The total mortality figures contained in the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) reports note exceptional rates of up to 45.8% and 46.9% on Deenish and Inishfarnard respectively which obviously demonstrate a substantial animal welfare issue at the site. While environmental challenges exist presently due to higher water temperatures it is abundantly clear that this will only get worse as climatic conditions deteriorate. Harmful algal blooms, sea lice and jellyfish infestation will only be amplified by declining marine conditions. The total mortality figures reported by MOWI to ASC were as follows for Deenish: production cycle 2013 (36.4%), 2015 (45.8%), 2017 (23.9%), 2019 (28.9%) and 2021 (32.2%) This is well above the figures reported in Scotland and Norway. The mortality rate on Inishfarnard has fluctuated widely with the 2014 cycle (46.19%), 2016 (12.3%), 2018 (unknown), 2020 (44.1%). The many causes of mortality include Pancreas Disease , Amoebic Gill Disease, Sea Lice Damage, Early Maturation, Jellyfish, Harmful Algal Blooms. This could in all probability be in the region of up to a two million farmed salmon mortalities in the last decade. A question to be asked is how do these mortality figures affect wild salmonids. Moribund fish on the farms are certainly more at risk of parasitic infestation while also being affected by the causative agents which cause amoebic gill disease. It is believed that sea trout due to their near coastal residence are prone to AGD and repeat infestation by sea lice from these farms. It is worth noting that sea trout angling returns fell from over 500 seatrout(over 40cm) in 2009 to a low of 81 fish in 2022 in the Waterville fishery. The 2009 figure was coincidently the year before the salmon farms reopened after a fallowing period since 2005. The table from Burishoole demonstrates how a sea trout population is effectively eradicated. No explanation from the Marine Institute as to the cause. Coincided with the salmon farm industry opening and expanding in Clew Bay in the 1980's. Exploitation 2025 While the angling community has been steadfast in their approach to conservation we are disappointed that the recent Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging regulations did not take our views onboard concerning both commercial and recreational exploitation. We do know that Inland Fisheries Ireland do agree that there needs to be a more proactive approach to the management of exploitation and that stocks should primarily be managed for conservation. This does not mean that exploitation cannot be allowed but a more nuanced approach is required to conserve the larger fish which after all are the drivers of population going forward. We are again asking the angling community to voluntarily restrict their harvesting of salmon. Our submission included the following points which we will again be discussing with Inland Fisheries Ireland going forward. We strongly assert that there needs to be a substantial re-examination of the data which undermines the provision of scientific advice in regard to the attainment of conservation limits especially where data is derived from recreational angling returns. The usage of non—return of licences as a means to determine unreported catches is not desirable or is the usage of this data justified to raise catches. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that this data is not accurate. We again would strongly suggest that real time reporting of catches be facilitated through an online portal. This should be an immediate priority even without the provision of the promised digital licencing system. The electro-fishing programme must be expanded substantially both in catchment area, increased regularity, and number of catchments in order to give more robust data in facilitating stock analysis. There is certainly a case for citizen science playing a part in process with training being given by Inland Fisheries Ireland. While the actual electro fishing activity is a highly skilled process it should be possible to include stakeholder groups to carry out certain tasks associated with the fishery and free up numbers of staff to expand the geographic range of the annual program. In regard to exploitation, we would suggest the following for the recreational sector: • As MSW salmon are the most important fish to protect it is essential that more stringent limits apply. It is our opinion that one salmon per angler in the period up to 11 May 2025 should be introduced. • A maximum size limit should be introduced outside this period to protect MSW fish. We suggest a 65cm limit. • A limit of one fish per day should be introduced from 12 May to end of August. • Harvesting of salmon in September should not be facilitated. • All angling should be carried out with catch and release to the forefront which suggests that methods should be restricted which give salmon best chance of survival. Single / Double Barbless hooks etc. • The provision of ten tags to anglers is certainly not desirable considering the dramatic decline in stocks. We suggest this number be reduced. • With regard to commercial salmon exploitation, it is our contention that a commercial fishery moratorium be considered as an interim measure. An immediate examination on how to eliminate the commercial harvest of salmon should be examined with public netting licences to be time limited by way of government order (Similar to net limitation order in UK). The purchase of private netting interests should proceed without delay. If a commercial fishery is to be prosecuted in 2025 it is our contention that season should be from 01 June to 31 July. The month of May should be excluded as it is predominantly MSW fish that are harvested. Consideration should also be given to manage salmon fisheries during periods of low water and/or warm water temperatures. Closure of fisheries both commercial and recreational must be vested in local management and all fishing should cease.
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Weekly Update – 20 December 2024
Deenish Island Update - The Aquaculture Licence Appeal Board has again delayed the determination of the appeal related to the closure of the salmon farm at Deenish which was ordered to close in April 2019. This farm has continued to operate and can do so, while the appeal process is ongoing. This is a process which has taken six years thus far and may again be delayed in May. The recent High Court case judgement regarding the salmon farm in Bantry Bay did negatively comment on undue delay involving ALAB but this seems to be ignored in regard to this appeal. Deenish Island farm will again be stocked with 400,000 smolts in early spring thus facilitating the continued operation of the farm. This situation is not acceptable and there must be a local, national and international campaign to move these facilities to closed containment. Waterville Butler Pool - How many seatrout are running this system now. The Golden Miles Project A French Campaign about the near shore ecosystem and how netting of coastal areas and beyond affect all species - A very interesting read and credit to DÉFENSE DES MILIEUX AQUATIQUES and their president Philippe Garcia for reaching out to Salmon Watch Ireland. This is a great document and examines many issues which share many similarities to Ireland. There is a very interesting segment on Atlantic salmon and should be read by all concerned with preservation of coastal areas. Well researched document and interesting read.
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Weekly Update 08 December 24
Salmon Watch Ireland would like to appraise our supporters of various activities which have come to our notice over the past week. The item which we would like to highlight is the newest research newsletter from Inland Fisheries Ireland and in particular the inbuilt data hub which is a very much needed public viewing platform full of excellent resources for the public and more importantly those people who have an interest in Salmon and wild salmonids. We assume that other sources of research will be added along the line as they become available. Please click on photos and explore this resource.
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