Research led by the University of Southampton has revealed that an abrupt change in climate conditions in the North Atlantic around 800 years ago played a role in a decline in Atlantic salmon populations returning to rivers.
Research led by the University of Southampton has revealed that an abrupt change in climate conditions in the North Atlantic around 800 years ago played a role in a decline in Atlantic salmon populations returning to rivers. Subsequent human exploitation of salmon combined to reduce their populations still further.
Findings point to large-scale changes in the marine habitat, brought on by a transition from a warm to a cold climate and what is now known as the Little Ice Age (approx. 1300–1850), corresponding with a decline in salmon in the River Spey, Scotland.
Lead author, Professor David Sear of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton said: “These results can help us understand some of the controls on salmon populations prior to and during major human exploitation.
“Our study shows that historically, beavers – common in Scotland hundreds of years ago – do not appear to have significantly impacted salmon numbers. This is very relevant today, as the animals are being reintroduced to UK rivers and a debate continues about their potential impact on migratory species like salmon.”
Read more at University of Southampton
Image: Loch Insh in Scotland where the study took place. (Credit: University of Southampton)
