Wales Freshwater Ecosystems at Risk as Salmon Could Face Local Extinction by 2030, New Report Warns

A recent report published by Natural Resources Wales has shed light on the impact pollution, climate change, and other factors, such as invasive species, are having on freshwater ecosystems in Wales.

Titled 'State of Natural Resources Report 2025,' the report found that species such as salmon are continuing to decline, and that freshwater ecosystems have not improved in resilience since 2020.

The study concludes that species such as Salmon may become extinct in some local rivers by 2030 under the current trajectory.

It has also been found that increases in temperature and flooding, which destroy habitats and impact species resilience, have not helped matters.

Nevertheless, it rules that restoration of freshwater ecosystems, such as creating wooded river corridors and placing logs in rivers, is having an impact, helping to preserve key freshwater ecosystems.

This report underscores the continued importance of freshwater restoration projects that seek to restore habitats and biodiversity by protecting key rivers and waterways.

For more information, the full report is available to read online here.