Atlantic salmon return to three english rivers after nearly decade-long absence, signaling major conservation victory

In a remarkable conservation success story, young Atlantic salmon have been spotted in three rivers across north-west England for the first time since 2015, offering hope for a species on the brink of extinction in British waters.

The critically endangered fish have been observed in the Mersey, Bollin, and Goyt rivers, representing what experts are calling a “significant environmental turnaround.” This discovery is particularly meaningful given that Atlantic salmon were officially declared critically endangered in Britain just two years ago in 2023, highlighting how precarious their situation had become.

The presence of these young salmon tells an extraordinary story of survival and navigation. These fish successfully completed an epic journey from the Arctic Circle back to their natal waters to spawn – a testament to both the species’ remarkable homing instincts and improving river conditions that now support their return.

This positive development comes after years of conservation efforts aimed at restoring river ecosystems and removing barriers that prevented salmon from reaching their traditional spawning grounds. While the species remains critically endangered, the return of salmon to these three rivers after nearly a decade of absence suggests that targeted environmental restoration efforts may be beginning to pay off. The sighting provides conservationists with renewed optimism that with continued habitat improvement and protection measures, Atlantic salmon populations in English rivers could gradually recover from their current critically endangered status.