Thursday June 4th 2026
Wild Atlantic Salmon Running A Tweed Tributary (credit: Ronald Richardson)
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Efforts on the River Tweed to protect and restore one of Scotland’s most iconic and important fish species were magnified this week.
Since the mid 1970s, worldwide Atlantic salmon numbers have dropped from an estimated 10 million to currently less than three million.
Scientists believe the decline is down mainly to changing water conditions and habitats, as well as a reduction in food availability.
The River Tweed Commission marked Wild Salmon Day on June 1 by recognising the importance of wild Atlantic salmon and the protection efforts taking place across the Tweed catchment.
Wild Atlantic salmon face significant challenges throughout their lifecycle, including climate change, habitat degradation, barriers to migration, predation pressures and declining marine survival.
These pressures have contributed to declines in salmon populations across much of their native range, making effective conservation and management more important than ever.
As the statutory authority responsible for the protection, regulation and improvement of salmon and freshwater fisheries throughout the Tweed District, the River Tweed Commission plays a key role in safeguarding salmon stocks and the habitats upon which they depend.
The commission’s fishery officers patrol the river and its tributaries throughout the year, enforcing fisheries legislation, deterring illegal activity and protecting vulnerable fish during key migration and spawning periods.
The commission also works closely with fishery owners, anglers, land managers, public bodies and environmental organisations to address issues affecting salmon and their habitats.
A significant part of this work is delivered through partnership and collaboration.
A key partner in this work is the Tweed Foundation, whose fisheries scientists deliver one of the most comprehensive salmon monitoring and research programmes in the UK.
Through long-term population monitoring, electrofishing surveys, smolt trapping, fish counters, redd counts and habitat assessments, the Foundation provides the scientific evidence that helps inform fisheries management and conservation decisions throughout the Tweed & Eye catchment.
Recent collaborative work has included fish passage improvements, river habitat restoration, native tree planting, water temperature monitoring and investigations into factors affecting juvenile salmon survival.
These projects help build resilience within the catchment and support healthier conditions for salmon and other freshwater species.
Jamie Stewart, Clerk to the River Tweed Commission, said: “Wild Salmon Day provided an opportunity to recognise both the challenges facing Atlantic salmon and the dedication of the many individuals and organisations working to secure their future.
“Conservation of wild salmon requires long-term commitment, sound science, effective fisheries management and strong partnerships. Across the Tweed catchment we are fortunate to have landowners, anglers, scientists, volunteers, environmental organisations and public bodies all contributing towards that shared goal.”
The commission encourages everyone with an interest in the river environment to recognise the importance of healthy rivers and the role they play in supporting wild Atlantic salmon and wider biodiversity.
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