Both the number of Atlantic salmon returning from the ocean to Norway for spawning, and the Atlantic salmon catches, were lower in 2021 than ever recorded before (based on a time series starting in 1980). The number of salmon returning from the ocean to Norway each year is now less than half of the level recorded in the 1980s. Still, the number of salmon spawning in the rivers has increased. The increased number of spawners despite reduced numbers returning from the ocean is due to reduced fisheries in the sea and rivers. Reduced exploitation has more than compensated for the decline. 

The reasons for the decline of Atlantic salmon are impacts of human activities in combination with a large-scale decline in the sea survival. The largest population declines are seen in western and middle Norway, and negative impacts of salmon farming have contributed to this. Escaped farmed salmon, salmon lice and infections related to salmon farming are the greatest anthropogenic threats to Norwegian wild salmon. The present mitigation measures are insufficient to stabilize and reduce these threats.

Hydropower production and other habitat alterations are also threats to salmon. There is great potential for improving conditions for salmon in regulated rivers. Invasive pink salmon is a new threat, and there is need for national and international measures to reduce the risk of negative impacts on native salmonids, including Atlantic salmon.

Climate change impacts Atlantic salmon populations negatively. Climate change increases the need to reduce the impacts of other threats to support the ability of Atlantic salmon to adapt to changing environments. 

Read full summary of the report (in English)

The 2022 annual report is published in Norwegian.

• 11 november 2022
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