Habitat loss and degradation: Salmon require specific habitats for spawning, rearing, and migration. The loss and degradation of these habitats due to human activities, such as dam construction, logging, and urbanization, pose significant challenges for salmon survival.
Pollution: Salmon are sensitive to water quality, and pollution from sources such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and sewage can harm their health and survival.
Climate change: Rising water temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification due to climate change can disrupt salmon migration patterns, affect their food sources, and increase their vulnerability to diseases.
Disease and parasites: Salmon can be affected by various diseases and parasites that can impact their health and survival. Some of these diseases and parasites are naturally occurring, while others have been introduced through human activities.
Competition and predation: Salmon face competition from other fish species, such as invasive species, for food and habitat. They also face predation from other animals, including birds, seals, and sea lions.
Bycatch: Salmon can be unintentionally caught as bycatch in fishing operations targeting other species. Bycatch can result in significant mortality of salmon and can hinder their conservation efforts.
These are just a few of the major problems that salmon face today. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure the long-term survival and conservation of salmon populations.