Advocacy
Wild Salmon Crisis
The wild Atlantic salmon population in Great Britain is now endangered.
ADVOCACY
Position Papers – Where we stand on the big issues
As we evaluate the impact of known pressures on wild salmon, in 2025 the Trust began to publish updated position papers. These papers will be added to this page when published and reviewed annually in response to further scientific evidence, policy and regulatory changes.
To explore the research papers and publications which inform our advocacy, visit our Knowledge Hub.
Open Pen Salmon Farming
We remain opposed to open pen salmon farming due to its negative impact on wild salmon and sea trout.
We call for a moratorium on the expansion of open pen salmon farming in Scotland.
We advocate for a transition to zero emission production methods.
In light of the evidence and the Atlantic Salmon Trust’s position, we ask:
the Scottish Government to:
- enforce strong regulation for sea lice, escapes and disease from salmon farms immediately.
- adopt a moratorium on the expansion of open pen salmon farming.
- transition to zero emission production – no lice emission, no escapes and no disease transfer (such as closed containment).
We ask the Scottish Parliament Committee to reconsider supporting a moratorium.
To read our Position Paper in full click the download button below.