That is the worrying summary from the Statistics published today by Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, see: https://www.gov.scot/publications/salmon-sea-trout-fishery-statistics-2025/
Total salmon catch was 28, 020. To put that in context, figures for 2010 were 111, 405.
Of those caught, 98% were released back into the river (also a record). Of all salmon caught, 1.6% were of farmed origin, showing the impact of escapes from fish farms.
Wild Atlantic salmon are now classified as endangered in the UK.
A Spokesman for the SGA Fishing Group said: “These statistics demonstrate exactly why there must be no delay in implementing the Wild Salmon Strategy. Adaptive management is also necessary if we are to avoid localised collapse of Spring runs.
“It is vitally important we do not just study our way into a position we can’t recover from. Action, and difficult decisions, will be necessary.”
