Save Our Salmon: A Call to Action for the River Itchen’s Endangered Atlantic Salmon
The River Itchen is home to one of the UK’s most remarkable yet threatened species—the Atlantic salmon. These fish, famed for their epic migrations from freshwater to the open ocean and back, have been a vital part of the river’s ecosystem for millennia. However, the future of the Itchen’s salmon is now in jeopardy.
In 2023, following research funded by WildFish, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species officially classified the UK population of Atlantic salmon as ‘Endangered,’ bringing an alarming reality into focus: without urgent action, these incredible fish could be lost forever.
Only 187 adult salmon are estimated to have returned to spawn in the River Itchen in 2024. In 2022, just 133 were recorded—the lowest number since monitoring began in 1990. This number of returning salmon represents just 20% of the Conservation Limit - the minimum number of returning salmon needed to produce enough eggs to sustain the population. These numbers speak for themselves: the Itchen’s salmon population is in serious trouble.
The Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan (ISDP)
To combat this crisis, the Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan (ISDP) has been launched—a collaborative initiative uniting conservation groups, fisheries experts, and environmental organisations in a concerted effort to save this endangered population. Through habitat restoration, improved fish passage, water quality initiatives, water resources management, and community engagement, the ISDP is taking a holistic approach to tackling the challenges salmon face.
Why It Matters
The River Itchen is not just another river. It is one of only six chalk streams in England that still supports wild Atlantic salmon. Chalk streams are globally rare—often referred to as the rainforests or coral reefs of the UK due to their ecological significance. A healthy Itchen doesn’t just mean survival for salmon; it means a thriving river that benefits all wildlife and local communities.
However, pollution, water abstraction, habitat loss, and in-stream barriers are making it harder for salmon to complete their life cycle; all of which are exacerbated by climate change. If we lose them, an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage will be lost forever.
How You Can Help
The ISDP campaign, ‘Save Our Salmon,’ aims to raise awareness and empower local communities to take action. Everyone has a role to play in protecting these iconic fish:
• Support conservation efforts – Follow the work of ISDP partner organisations and take part in river restoration projects.
• Reduce water usage – Every drop counts. Using less water at home leaves more in the river for wildlife.
• Be mindful of pollution – Only flush the three P’s (pee, poo, and paper) down the toilet to help reduce sewage spills.
The future of the Itchen’s Atlantic salmon is in our hands. By working together, we can ensure that these extraordinary fish continue to swim in our rivers for generations to come.
