European Salmon

"Known as the king of fish, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has long been admired. A carving of one in a cave in France dates back around 25,000 years . . . Giant specimens can reach over a metre in length, even an average-sized adult can weigh more than 5kg. Behind this impressive appearance is a remarkable lifecycle – hatched in the gravel of a freshwater river, it journeys hundreds, even thousands of miles out to the ocean to bulk up before returning to its birthplace to breed and begin the cycle again. Romans called it ‘the leaper’, referring to its athletic ability to leap obstacles as it navigates from the sea back to its spawning grounds upriver."

Historically, Atlantic salmon were abundant in European rivers and were a vital resource for local communities. Over centuries, however, human activities such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and the construction of dams have posed significant threats to their populations. Pollution, climate change, and the proliferation of aquaculture have further exacerbated the challenges faced by these iconic fish. Despite conservation efforts and regulations to manage fishing, the Atlantic salmon in Europe remains a species under pressure. Ongoing initiatives focus on habitat restoration, sustainable fisheries management, and international cooperation to address the historical and contemporary threats and ensure the long-term survival of Atlantic salmon populations in European waters.

Ella Davies, "Saving the European salmon," BBC Earth.