Why are salmon near extinction in the River Sid?

Salmon are functionally extinct in the River Sid because the School Weir prevents them from reaching their spawning grounds.

What is the Westcountry Rivers Trust doing about salmon?

The Westcountry Rivers Trust is urging authorities to help re-establish salmon populations on the River Sid.

Will the Environment Agency help salmon migration on River Sid?

The Environment Agency is considering installing a ramp to help salmon migrate upstream past the School Weir.

Home / Environment / River Sid Salmon Near Extinction Due to Weir

River Sid Salmon Near Extinction Due to Weir

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Salmon are functionally extinct in the River Sid, east Devon.
School Weir prevents salmon from migrating upstream to spawn.
Environment Agency considers a ramp to aid fish migration.

River Sid Salmon Near Extinction Due to Weir

Salmon populations in the River Sid, located in east Devon, are facing a severe crisis, nearing extinction. Campaigners and the Westcountry Rivers Trust report that the species is "functionally extinct" due to a significant obstacle.

The primary cause identified is the School Weir, an outdated structure on the river that is too high for salmon to leap over. This prevents them from accessing crucial upstream areas needed for their spawning, leading to critically low numbers of the fish.