What happened to the salmon population in Scotland?

The wild salmon population in Scotland has declined by 25% since 2022, reaching record lows, with the species now officially classified as endangered.

How many farmed salmon escaped in Scotland?

During a severe storm in October 2025, 75,000 farmed salmon escaped from the Gorsten fish farm in Loch Linnhe, near Fort William.

What is the impact of the escaped farmed salmon on the wild salmon in Scotland?

The escape of the farmed salmon raises concerns about the potential impact on the genetic integrity and resilience of the wild salmon population, as the escaped fish could breed with their wild counterparts.

Home / Environment / Salmon Escape Disaster in Scotland Threatens Wild Populations

Salmon Escape Disaster in Scotland Threatens Wild Populations

13 Nov

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Summary

75,000 farmed salmon escaped into the West Highland sea during Storm Amy
Scotland's wild salmon population has declined by 25% since 2022, reaching record lows
Atlantic salmon now listed as endangered species, on par with mountain gorillas and blue whales

Salmon Escape Disaster in Scotland Threatens Wild Populations

In October 2025, a powerful storm named Amy battered Scotland, causing widespread damage and disruption. One of the most significant impacts was the escape of 75,000 farmed salmon from the Gorsten fish farm in Loch Linnhe, near Fort William. The storm's battering waves caused the farm's anchors to drag, ripping the netting and allowing the salmon to escape into the West Highland sea.

The escape of these farmed salmon has raised concerns about the potential impact on Scotland's already struggling wild salmon population. According to the latest data, in 2023, only 33,023 wild salmon were caught in Scotland, a 25% decline from the previous year and the lowest number on record since 1952. This alarming trend has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature to add Scotland's Atlantic salmon to its red list of endangered species, placing it on par with mountain gorillas, blue whales, and the Komodo dragon.