The Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) has announced plans to impose stricter regulations on salmon fishing starting from the 2025 season, particularly in rivers that have experienced low salmon returns in recent years.
Following record low salmon numbers and catches early in this year’s season, the agency halted fishing in 33 rivers and adjacent marine areas in southern Norway. Based on these trends, the agency plans a more cautious approach, limiting fishing at the beginning of the season and potentially opening for more if salmon returns improve.
Ellen Hambro, director of the Norwegian Environment Agency, stated that the declining number of salmon returning to spawn necessitates a precautionary strategy to safeguard the species, which is red-listed by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre. Hambro added that the agency aims to provide predictability for river owners and fishers while ensuring salmon stocks are protected.
The agency will also implement stricter local fishing regulations and engage river-owner associations in planning sustainable fishing practices. The 2025 fishing season is expected to reflect a balance between ecological sustainability and maintaining traditional fishing activities.
