Salmon

the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the most important predatory fish in the ecosystem. This magnificent fish is also highly sought after as both a food and for recreational fishing – espesially in traditional salmon rivers where fishing is exclusive and attracts many Swedish and international anglers.
In Sweden, there are three main populations of salmon: Baltic salmon, Atlantic salmon and Vänerlax (Gullspångslax).

Salmon stocks have been severely affected by hydropower development

From river to sea
Salmon spawn in rivers and larger streams with suitable conditions. After hatching, they spend their first years as fry (young fish) in the river. After about two to five years, they transform into smolts and migrate to the sea, where they grow rapidly by feeding on schooling fish such as herring and sprat. They return to their natal river to spawn, usually from October to January. A female can lay around 10,000 eggs, which hatch in April-May. Many salmon die after spawning, but some may spawn several times.

Wild salmon under threat
Salmon populations have been significantly affected by hydropower development, which has destroyed many natural spawning grounds and blockedaccess to spawning areas. Large-scale fishing in both the sea and rivers has also reduced wild populations of salmon. To compensate for this, large numbers of hatchery reared salmon are released annually. Hatchery salmon are fin clipped to distinguish them from wild salmon, but there is a risk that interbreeding may weaken the wild population genetically.

Free migration routes benefit salmon
The Improve Aquatic LIFE project has a places special focus on migratory species such as salmon as the situation for the species is considered serious. By removing migration barriers and creating fishways in rivers, as well as increasing connectivity, i.e. ensuring  a free connection between rivers and lakes and the sea, salmon and many other species will benefit.