Saving the Irish Salmon - Annual Conference Salmon Watch Ireland 2025

Atlantic salmon stocks in Ireland are now at an exceptionally poor and deeply alarming level. In response to this crisis, Salmon Watch Ireland is hosting a national conference to bring together leading voices from science, policy, conservation, and community action. The aim is to energise a coordinated national effort and drive forward the urgent reforms outlined in the Salmon Watch Policy Document 2025.

With the exception of a small number of well-managed fisheries, management of our salmon resource remains fragmented and inconsistent—far short of what is needed to restore the full potential of our rivers. This conference will explore practical, evidence-based solutions and identify the actions that can make a real difference.

Speakers & Discussion Points:

• Elvira De Eyto – Marine Institute: An examination of long term data at Burishoole to track Atlantic salmon survival and changes over a long term period
• Ken Whelan – Fisheries Scientist: Exploring the drivers behind stock collapse and potential pathways to recovery.
• Dr. Paddy Gargan – Formerly of Inland Fisheries Ireland: Long-term review of the impact of sea lice from salmon aquaculture on salmon survival.
• John Murphy – Salmon Watch Ireland: Overview of the Salmon Watch Policy Document – strategies to increase the production of healthier, stronger, and more resilient wild smolts.
• Dr. Sarah McLean – Loughs Agency: The role of scientific research in guiding salmon conservation and management.
• Emma Armshaw – Sustainable Water Network: The implications of salmon aquaculture for meeting Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive objectives.
• Maura Brennan – Nore River Trust: Why local action by angling groups, communities, and river trusts is essential to conservation success.
• Film Screening: The Ghosts of Waterville’s Past – Salmon Watch Ireland & Currane Fisheries: Lessons from history on what is lost when salmon populations collapse.
• Presentation of the Salmon Hero Award – Chair, Salmon Watch Ireland.

This event will combine hard science, practical experience, and policy debate to create a united call for action. The survival of Ireland’s wild Atlantic salmon depends on decisions made now—this conference will help shape them.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Sheraton Athlone Hotel, Gleeson Street, Athlone, Ireland