Survival at sea has dropped to between 1% and 5%, compared to around 25% thirty years ago, according to Salmon Scotland.
Scotland's salmon farmers have invested in 10 projects nationwide this year to protect rivers, restore habitats, and safeguard wild salmon and sea trout populations.
The projects address practical conservation, habitat restoration, and scientific research, aiming to address the ongoing decline of wild salmon and sea trout populations that has been occurring across the UK in recent times.
"Scotland's salmon farmers are committed to finding solutions, working constructively with the wild fish sector, and taking meaningful action to protect wild salmon and sea trout," assured Chief Executive of Salmon Scotland, Tavish Scott.
All of these initiatives receive financial support from Salmon Scotland's wild fisheries fund, which has already awarded over £230,000 this year for practical work aimed at tackling the long-term decline of these species.
Since 2021, this fund — formerly known as the Wild Salmonid Fund — has invested around £475,000 in various projects. It is also part of a £1.5 million commitment to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage wild fish populations across Scotland.
Regarding this, Jon Gibb, fishery manager in Fort William and coordinator of the fund, expressed: "It's inspiring to see local groups, trusts, and fisheries working together to protect these species and demonstrate that community-led conservation can make a real difference."
Additionally, Scott noted: "Through the wild fisheries fund, we are supporting community-led projects that restore rivers, improve spawning grounds, and give wild salmon and sea trout a better chance of survival."
The fund that supports these initiatives also finances research and practical actions, such as a long-term study on salmon stocking success that assists the River Carron Conservation Association with DNA analysis of juvenile fish.