Atlantic salmon populations in Wales remain at seriously low levels, with every principal salmon river assessed in the latest annual stock assessment classified as “at risk”.
The assessment for 2025 shows the continuing decline of salmon across England and Wales. Only two of the 64 principal rivers assessed were estimated to have salmon populations above their conservation limit.
In Wales, every assessed principal salmon river remains below the level considered necessary to provide confidence in the long-term sustainability of the population.
The figures also record the lowest rod catches since records began in 1956, underlining the scale of the challenge facing efforts to restore one of the country's most iconic fish.
Salmon face pressure at different stages of their lives, including climate change, damage to river habitats, barriers preventing migration and problems with water quality.
Work is continuing across Wales to try to reverse the decline. Fish passage schemes have opened up more than 50 kilometres of river habitat for migratory fish, while other restoration projects have improved access to more than 33 kilometres of waterways and enhanced over 42 kilometres of riverside habitat.
Projects including LIFE Dee River and Four Rivers for LIFE are also working on habitat restoration, removing barriers, planting trees and improving the resilience of river systems.
The latest assessment comes shortly after the publication of Wales’ Climate Resilient Fisheries Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out a long-term approach to creating healthier rivers and other aquatic ecosystems and supporting fish populations.
Dr Ben Wilson, Principal Fisheries Advisor, said the situation for salmon in Wales remained “deeply concerning”, with too few fish returning from the sea to sustain healthy populations.
He said there was no quick fix, but work was continuing with partners to restore habitats, improve fish passage and strengthen the resilience of rivers.
The annual assessment is produced jointly by Cefas, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales and is used to inform fisheries management and conservation decisions across England and Wales.