From endangered to sustainable: Multi‐faceted management in rivers and coasts improves Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in Denmark

Abstract

AbstractThe status of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., over the last decades has been of concern across its entire distribution area. Its anadromous nature exposes the species to human pressures in both freshwater and marine environments, and over long periods, thus exacerbating its decline. Given its value within the food industry, the recreational angling community as well as culturally, the status of Atlantic salmon is regarded as a matter of national and international conservation interest, providing great incentive for its management. The literature currently lacks specific examples of successful and unsuccessful management strategies and practices for Atlantic salmon populations at a broader scale. To address this, the present article describes how the multi‐faceted management approach taken for Danish Atlantic salmon, which included changes in legislation, stocking practices, habitat restoration, population genetics and barrier removals, successfully rehabilitated salmon populations in four major Danish rivers. Specific recommendations are provided for the successful management of Atlantic salmon elsewhere.