Decrease in salmon migration is 'disappointing'

The Ribble Rivers Trust has reported a significant decline in the number of salmon swimming upstream to spawn in the North West, describing the situation as "disheartening." Since 2012, the population has decreased by approximately 60%, dropping from about 1,000 fish to 400, a trend attributed to climate change.

Jack Spees, CEO of the Ribble Rivers Trust, commented: "It has been very disappointing. When I first started, there were between 5,000 and 10,000 salmon making their journey up the river each year."

Onlookers recently gathered at Stainforth Force, an 8-foot (2.5 m) waterfall, to witness salmon attempting to leap upstream after traveling from the sea.

"The decline continues, so we are actively addressing all the challenges to help reverse this trend," said Mr. Spees. "Human activity has impacted our rivers for centuries, and it will take time to restore them to their natural condition. We hope that within the next five to ten years, numbers will stabilize and eventually begin to rise again."

Mr. Spees, who joined the Ribble Rivers Trust in 2008 as a fisheries scientist, expressed admiration for the species: "These salmon have traveled over 3,000 miles at sea. Now they face a natural waterfall and strive to reach ideal spawning areas with clean gravel to lay their nests."

After leaving the estuary, salmon travel up the coast into the North Sea toward Greenland in search of food. They rely on their sense of smell and the Earth's magnetic field to navigate back to their birthplace.

The salmon encounter numerous threats, including predators such as birds, otters, and human anglers. "During their upstream journey, they stop eating to conserve resources for their offspring. They face injuries and infections, yet continue to confront incredible obstacles," Mr. Spees added.

Charlotte Ireland Pope from the Ribble Rivers Trust noted: "Since 2012, salmon numbers have steadily and rapidly decreased. Climate change, with increased flooding and summer droughts, is likely a major factor."

Changes in ocean conditions may also impact salmon life cycles. Warming waters affect their metabolism and susceptibility to infections, while floods can wash away their nests, known as redds.

The Ribble Rivers Trust is implementing conservation efforts, including planting trees along riverbanks to prevent flooding, removing artificial barriers such as weirs, and installing fish passes to assist salmon migration. The Trust also collaborates with farmers to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality.

Efforts continue to preserve the river ecosystem and ensure future generations of salmon can thrive in the North West.

Author: Sophia Brooks