‘Like doomsday’: why have salmon deserted Norway’s rivers – and will they ever return?
Norway’s North Atlantic salmon populations are at a historic low, with rivers seeing significantly fewer salmon returns, particularly medium and larger-sized fish.
This year, 33 rivers in Norway, including the Gaula River, were abruptly closed to fishing due to the alarming decline in salmon populations.
The decline is largely attributed to climate change and the impacts of open net pen salmon aquaculture, including escaped farm salmon, sea lice, and interbreeding.
Experts and campaigners are calling for stricter regulations on fish farming, including a switch to closed containment facilities, and promoting catch and release among anglers to help preserve wild salmon.
The Norwegian government acknowledges the environmental challenges posed by aquaculture and is working on new policies to address these issues, expected to be presented next spring.
