Counting Salmon: The Science Behind Species Survival

Claire Riseley

Salmon are one of the UK’s most iconic species — and one of the most closely watched. But how do we actually know whether their numbers are rising, falling, or holding steady?

In this engaging talk, Claire Riseley from the Environment Agency explains the intricate world of salmon stock assessment: how fish populations are monitored, what counts as a “healthy” stock, and why the resulting statistics often spark debate among scientists, anglers, policymakers, and environmental groups.

Claire will uncover the practical challenges of gathering reliable data in our rivers, the scientific methods used to interpret it, and what the latest trends tell us about the future of salmon in the UK.
A must-hear for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, river ecology, or how evidence informs environmental decisions.

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