– In surveyed rivers that were open to salmon fishing all summer, 72 percent of the amount of salmon caught last year, which was also a very weak year, was caught, says Environment Directorate director Ellen Hambro in a press release.
The preliminary figures from the salmon fishery, which the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is responsible for on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, are bleak.
In particular, it seems that very few salmon over three kilos came to the rivers from Vestland to the Trondheimsfjord.
Closed salmon rivers
This summer, the directorate decided to close fishing in 33 large salmon rivers from southern Norway and north to Trøndelag. 17 of the rivers remained closed throughout the summer, while 16 were reopened for limited fishing after just under three weeks.
The reason for the closures was that there were very few salmon weighing more than three kilos, which in these rivers are extra important to ensure that there are enough young salmon to make it safe to fish.
In two of the rivers that remained closed for the rest of the summer, in Glomma and Uskedalselva, it seems that somewhat more salmon have arrived than feared.
– When the salmon are as stressed as they are now, it may also be necessary in the future to stop fishing when it appears that too few salmon are coming to the rivers, explains Hambro.
New strategy next year
The director of the environment adds that from next year there will be a “precautionary strategy” in the most vulnerable rivers.
Then the Norwegian Environment Agency will be restrictive at the start of the season, and then rather open up more later if it turns out that enough salmon will arrive.
In the preliminary figures, NINA has summarized catches from four wedge seine stations, and reported catch figures and fish counts from just over 100 salmon rivers throughout the country. 53 of the rivers were open for salmon fishing throughout the season.
salmon fishing
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**Interview with Ellen Hambro, Director of the Environment Directorate**
*Date: [Insert Date]
Location: [Insert Location]
Interviewer: [Insert Name]*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Ellen. Recent reports suggest that salmon catches in rivers open to fishing all summer reached 72 percent of last year’s harvest despite it being a weak year. Can you explain what this means for the salmon population and fisheries?
**Ellen Hambro:** Thank you for having me. The preliminary figures we’ve gathered indicate that while last year was indeed challenging for salmon populations, there’s a slight improvement in this year’s catches. This means that even in an environment that’s been tough for many species, there is still a degree of resilience. However, we must remember that 72 percent of a weak year still doesn’t indicate a robust recovery.
**Interviewer:** What factors are contributing to this situation? Are there external pressures affecting salmon populations?
**Ellen Hambro:** Absolutely. Salmon populations are influenced by various factors, including water temperature, habitat health, and fishing practices. Climate change continues to put pressure on these ecosystems, and we’re seeing altered migration patterns. Additionally, overfishing in certain areas and habitat degradation from human activities can also play significant roles.
**Interviewer:** With these challenges in mind, what actions are being taken to support salmon populations in Norway?
**Ellen Hambro:** The Environment Directorate is actively involved in implementing sustainable fishing practices and habitat restoration projects. We’re working to monitor fish populations closely and collaborating with local communities to promote responsible fishing. Our goal is to ensure the long-term survival of the salmon and the health of our aquatic ecosystems.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what message do you want to convey to anglers and the general public about salmon fishing in Norway?
**Ellen Hambro:** I emphasize the importance of sustainable practices. Anglers can play a crucial role in protecting salmon populations by following regulations and being mindful of their impact on the environment. We all share the responsibility to preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ellen, for your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your efforts in preserving Norway’s salmon populations.
**Ellen Hambro:** Thank you for having me, and for highlighting this important topic.
—
*End of Interview*
