Wild salmon strategy implementation plan: annual progress report 2024

Conclusion

This second annual progress report demonstrates that meaningful progress is being made in the delivery of the Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan. Now two years into the five-year implementation period, action has been taken across all six strategic themes, with many of the identified actions initiated and some already completed.

Tangible outcomes are beginning to emerge. Regulatory and policy tools—such as the SEPA Sea Lice Risk Assessment Framework and enhanced forestry guidance—are now in place and influencing decision-making. Habitat restoration projects are delivering direct ecological benefits, including improved fish passage and wider benefits to biodiversity. Investment in new counters and AI tools has been made that will expand the monitoring of salmon populations.

The third year of implementation will be a pivotal period with a continued focus on delivery, measuring ecological impact, and ensuring sustainable resourcing. With three years of implementation remaining, the foundations are in place. The priority now is to continue to work collaboratively to build on this momentum and secure a resilient future for Scotland’s wild salmon.

To date, action has been taken across all six strategic themes, with all but one of the identified actions initiated, some are already complete and the remaining ongoing. The Appendix details the current status of each of the actions.