Home / Environment / Iconic Salmon Species Declared in Crisis in NI
Iconic Salmon Species Declared in Crisis in NI
12 Feb
Summary
- Atlantic salmon numbers dropped to exceptionally low levels.
- New rules mandate catch-and-release for salmon caught April 1.
- Internationally, the species is recognized as being in crisis.
New regulations are being introduced to safeguard Atlantic salmon populations on four prominent angling rivers in Northern Ireland due to critically low fish numbers. The Loughs Agency reported that approximately 3,500 salmon were recorded in the Rivers Finn, Roe, Faughan, and Mourne in 2025, a significant 63% decrease from the five-year average.
Effective April 1, all salmon caught will be subject to catch-and-release rules until June 1. Following this, anglers will be permitted to keep one fish for the remainder of the season. The agency highlighted the international recognition of Atlantic salmon as a species in crisis, emphasizing the need for immediate, evidence-based conservation measures.
The Loughs Agency, a cross-border body, utilizes fish-counter data and broader environmental monitoring, considering both local and international evidence due to the salmon's long migration patterns. Agency chief executive Sharon McMahon stressed the importance of stakeholder support in improving the outlook for this iconic species.
