Undertake research on post-smolt and adult Atlantic salmon migration routes around Scottish coastal areas, and the use of estuarine and coastal habitats by other diadromous fish species.
Objective 4: Protect and support the recovery of vulnerable and important species and habitats
Priority Action 23. Implement measures to protect and recover Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon and migratory fish populations.
Research on Atlantic salmon migration and use of coastal and estuarine habitats is underway through Scottish Government, Marine Directorate Science, and partner research programmes, including tracking and modelling studies of post-smolt movements and marine survival.
Published materials linked to the Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy and its implementation plan identify marine migration routes, early marine survival, and estuarine habitat use as key evidence gaps, and confirm that research programmes are ongoing to improve understanding of these areas.
However, there is no single published synthesis or completed national dataset on migration routes around Scotland or on the use of estuarine and coastal habitats by diadromous fish species. Evidence remains fragmented across research projects, and outputs are still developing.
The Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy and supporting evidence identify marine survival and migration pathways as critical uncertainties affecting salmon population decline, highlighting the need for improved understanding of post-smolt movements and coastal habitat use.
Research programmes contribute to building this evidence base, which is necessary to inform future management measures such as spatial protection, fisheries controls, and aquaculture regulation.
However, ecological benefits depend on translation of research into management action. As outputs are still emerging and not yet consolidated into policy or implemented measures, ecological contribution remains evidence-building rather than outcome delivery.
Scottish Government – Wild Salmon Strategy
Scottish Government – Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan (2023–2028)
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