Who We Are
Putting wild salmon first
The wild salmon population is in drastic decline. In the mid 1980s, there were between 8 and 10 million salmon leaping around the Atlantic. That number has now plummeted to between 2 and 3 million, revealing a dramatic population free-fall that shows no signs of levelling out. So much so, that the wild Atlantic salmon could become an endangered species in 10 years’ time, disappearing from our seas and rivers altogether in just 20 or 30 years. This is a warning we simply cannot ignore.
The Atlantic Salmon Trust exists solely for the protection of wild salmon and sea trout. It is our aim to create a positive future for these at-risk species; using scientific research to understand their decline, and using the generous donations from our supporters to put evidence-based solutions into practice.
Wild Atlantic salmon are an iconic species with a remarkable history. They are uniquely placed to inform us of the quality of our waters, and form an incredibly important part of the ecosystem of our rivers. We cannot afford to lose them—and that’s why everything we do at the Trust is designed to put #WildSalmonFirst.
Finding solutions
The key to halting and reversing this ongoing decline is information, which allows us to make informed decisions to bring about positive changes. Current projects—such as the Moray Firth Tracking Project and the West Coast Tracking Project—are investigating what happens on the salmon’s journey from river to sea, and identifying steps we can take to increase the rate of survival. But to continue this vital work, we need your support.
Your donations turn plans into action
There are plenty of ways in which you can support our salmon:
- By making a general donation, or donating to a specific research project.
- By joining our community of supporters, The Salmon Club.
- By becoming a major donor of the Trust and joining The President’s Club.
In doing so, you will be making a significant contribution towards securing a sustainable future for wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout.