Mapping the climate-change threat to Scotland’s salmon rivers

Scottish Government: ‘A new online mapping tool will help river managers to plan mitigation work to limit the impact of climate change on Scotland’s rivers and fisheries. Scotland’s rivers account for around three quarters of the UK’s and 30 per cent of European wild salmon production. Freshwater fisheries and associated expenditure contribute more than £79 million a year to the Scottish economy. However, Atlantic salmon are sensitive to changes in river temperature and temperatures, which are expected to increase under climate change, raising concerns that Scottish rivers could become less suitable for salmon. Scientists at Marine Scotland and the University of Birmingham have developed a river-temperature model to predict maximum daily river temperatures and sensitivity to climate change throughout Scotland, using interactive maps on the National Marine Plan interactive website.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said:

“We know a number of complex factors, including climate change, are affecting wild salmon numbers in the northeast Atlantic region.

“This research identifies areas where our famous salmon rivers are at risk due to climate change and will help fisheries managers target work to protect stocks and increase the resilience of our fresh waters.

“It is vital we take decisive action to safeguard wild salmon stocks and we will continue to work with Fisheries Management Scotland and their members to do so.”

For more information, visit the Scottish government website.