Research and analysis

Assessment of salmon stocks in England and Wales in 2025

These annual reports on the status of salmon stocks and fisheries in England and Wales have been produced since 1997.

• From: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales
• Published: 15 September 2026
• Last updated: 29 September 2026
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  1. 29 September 2026

     Justified text in the 'Key changes since the last publication' and 'Tell us what you think' sections; Figure 4 (updated version); and the associated text on the preceding page: Updated text: “The numbers of salmon rod licences issued since 1994 show variable patterns (Figure 4). Short-term (one-day and eight-day) licence numbers have progressively declined over the period, from a 5-year mean of 11,228 at the start of the period to a 5-year mean of 4,373 recently. In 2025, the number of short-term licences sold (4,332) was the third lowest in the time-series. In contrast, there has been greater variation in the number of annual licences issued. Annual licence numbers decreased sharply from 26,641 in 1994 to 14,916 in 2001. Sales of annual licences increased again after this date, reflecting Environment Agency efforts to promote angling and to reduce levels of licence evasion through targeted enforcement. Licence sales in the period 2009 to 2012 were around 26,000 but declined again after this. In 2017, new 365-day “annual” licences (valid from day of purchase) were introduced, primarily to allow greater flexibility for coarse fish anglers. Annual licence sales in 2025 decreased by 4% compared to 2024 and were the second lowest in the time series.”

  2. 29 September 2026

     Justified text in the 'Key changes since the last publication' and 'Tell us what you think' sections; Figure 4 (updated version); and the associated text on the preceding page:“The numbers of salmon rod licences issued since 1994 show variable patterns (Figure 4). Short-term (one-day and eight-day) licence numbers have progressively declined over the period, from a 5-year mean of 11,228 at the start of the period to a 5-year mean of 4,373 recently. In 2025, the number of short-term licences sold (4,332) was the third lowest in the time-series. In contrast, there has been greater variation in the number of annual licences issued. Annual licence numbers decreased sharply from 26,641 in 1994 to 14,916 in 2001. Sales of annual licences increased again after this date, reflecting Environment Agency efforts to promote angling and to reduce levels of licence evasion through targeted enforcement. Licence sales in the period 2009 to 2012 were around 26,000 but declined again after this. In 2017, new 365-day “annual” licences (valid from day of purchase) were introduced, primarily to allow greater flexibility for coarse fish anglers. Annual licence sales in 2025 decreased by 4% compared to 2024 and were the second lowest in the time series.”

  3. 16 September 2026

     change attachment as there were errors

  4. 15 September 2026

     First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Assessment of salmon stocks in England and Wales in 2025

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Details

The 2025 Assessment of Salmon Stocks and Fisheries in England and Wales report.