Atlantic salmon stocks in the Tyne remain buoyant despite stocks across England reaching new lows according to a report released last week (Monday 7 October).
According to the Atlantic Salmon Stock Assessment for 2024 from the Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), 90% of principal salmon rivers in England are classified as either "at risk" or "probably at risk," meaning salmon numbers are below minimum levels to support sustainable populations.
However, the River Tyne's salmon stocks are the only location where they remain "not at risk" and the Coquet and Wear are amongst only three rivers nationally where stocks are deemed to be "probably not at risk".
The Environment Agency is working with partners to reduce impacts affecting stocks globally, including barriers to migration, water scarcity from abstraction and the persistent challenge from climate change, including warming seas.
The Environment Agency and Natural England are calling on everyone from landowners and farmers to energy, waste and water companies to do more to protect this iconic and pivotal species.
Jon Shelley, Fisheries Technical Specialist at the Environment Agency said:
We are proud that the Salmon Stocks in the Tyne remain "not at risk" and that rivers across the North East are providing a safe haven for salmon.
However, we know the importance of this report and are not complacent in the North East. Action is needed to combat all pressures impacting salmon, to help maintain the salmon stocks in the region and improve the stocks across the country.
We will continue our vital work to help preserve the salmon stocks in our area by working closely with our partners and the community.
