A recent report by the United Kingdom Environment Agency and Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science has revealed that Atlantic salmon populations in England and Wales have dramatically declined to unprecedented lows. This decline is especially alarming, as 90 percent of wild river salmon in England are now classified as either “at risk” or “probably at risk”.
The decline in salmon populations has raised concerns about the biodiversity crisis and the overall state of the environment. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has changed the status of Atlantic salmon to “endangered” in Great Britain, indicating a significant decline in numbers over the last 40 years.
Various factors are contributing to the decline of salmon populations in the UK, including agricultural practices, bycatch, and the environmental impact of maize production. Additionally, salmon farming, which accounts for roughly 70 percent of the world’s salmon production, has its own set of challenges such as disease outbreak in cramped aquaculture facilities.
The effects of climate change, including rising water temperatures and decreased oxygen levels in rivers and oceans, further threaten salmon populations. As a result, other fish species, such as eels, are also facing endangerment due to similar environmental factors.
Efforts are being made to address these challenges, including collaboration with organizations like the Missing Salmon Alliance to advocate for sustainable production practices and government regulations. While experts suggest consuming wild salmon with lower levels of contaminants, reducing overall salmon consumption may not be a practical solution.
Overall, the decline of salmon populations in the UK and other parts of the world highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts and sustainable practices to protect these vital fish species and ensure their survival for future generations.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com