Salmon numbers in England hit lowest level on record

New research from EA, Cefas and Natural Resources Wales shows that salmon stocks in England have fallen to their lowest level since records began.

New research from the Environment Agency (EA), Cefas and Natural Resources Wales confirms salmon stocks in England are at their lowest level since records began. 

The Atlantic Salmon Stock Assessment for 2025 shows 95% of principal salmon rivers are now below the level needed to sustain their populations. This is up from 88% in last year’s assessment, and the highest level recorded to date. In the past, 15 to 20 young salmon out of every 100 that migrated to sea would return as adults, now only one or two do.

This problem is not unique to England and is observable across the North Atlantic. Much of the cause lies at sea and beyond the control of any single country. However, the EA is taking action to address the decline by removing barriers that block salmon from reaching their spawning grounds, cracking down on pollution and illegal water abstraction, restoring rivers and wetlands and pushing for international action to tackle threats at sea. 

In rivers, analysis has shown that the decline in stocks is being driven by water quantity, water quality and damaged habitat. As part of our reporting to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), we have set out new commitments to tackle all three issues by 2032.

Under these new commitments, the EA will restore 2,282 hectares of peatland and improve water flow below reservoirs, so rivers have enough water, even during dry spells. It will also closely monitor water companies and other users to ensure they are not taking more water than rivers can sustain.