The Atlantic salmon in Aberdeenshire faces increasing threats due to climate change, impacting populations in the River Dee. Rising temperatures have led to a significant decline in spring salmon numbers, as warmer waters affect their spawning habitats. Third, the river operations manager, notes that over 300 km of streams in the area are vulnerable to these temperature increases, with salmon suffering stress levels at temperatures above 23°C. Changes in river flow patterns and winter floods further exacerbate the situation, putting the survival of one of Scotland's celebrated species at risk.
The changing climate threatens the survival of spring salmon in the Dee's Special Area of Conservation, where populations have declined steeply due to rising temperatures and changes in river flow.
Temperature rises on the upper tributaries, the birthplace of the spring salmon, and altered flow patterns caused by increasing winter floods are linked to a massive decline in spring salmon populations.
Spring salmon are renowned for their athleticism, migrating thousands of kilometres to west Greenland and back, leaping up waterfalls to return to their natal streams to spawn.
We have over 300km of streams classified as vulnerable to warming water temperatures; salmon feel stress at anything over 23C.
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