How will AI protect salmon in Scottish rivers?

AI will power underwater speakers to emit sounds that deter seals from salmon feeding areas.

What is the Sea Mammal Research Unit doing for salmon?

SMRU is testing AI-driven underwater speakers to protect wild salmon from seal predation on the River Dee.

Why are Atlantic salmon numbers declining in Scotland?

Declining salmon numbers are due to multiple factors including seal predation, rising temperatures, and water quality issues.

Home / Environment / AI to Guard Scottish Salmon from Seals

AI to Guard Scottish Salmon from Seals

23 Nov, 2025

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Summary

AI-powered underwater speakers will deter seals from salmon feeding grounds.
£160,000 funding secured for prototype device on the River Dee.
Declining salmon numbers attributed to seals, climate, and pollution.

Underwater speakers are being developed to protect endangered wild salmon in Scottish rivers. These devices will emit unpleasant noises to deter seals, which are contributing to a worrying decline in salmon numbers.

A research team is advancing this technology by integrating artificial intelligence to monitor sonar and activate the speakers only when seals are detected. This aims to safeguard salmon in crucial feeding zones where their numbers have critically diminished.

The Sea Mammal Research Unit has received £160,000 to trial a prototype on the River Dee. If successful, this automated system could be deployed in other rivers, offering a potential solution to predation pressures exacerbated by climate change and other environmental factors.

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