It's so sad to see what has been lost': The slow death of salmon fishing

A river guide in Aberdeenshire says wild Atlantic salmon fishing on Scotland’s River Dee has entered a steep decline, transforming once-reliable outings into rare sightings. Robert Harper, who has worked on the Dee for 50 seasons, describes a shift from pools “jumping with fish” to anglers struggling to even see salmon. Conservationists list the Atlantic salmon as endangered, while debate continues over causes including climate change, predation, pollution, parasites, and habitat damage. Harper highlights not only the loss of fish, but the collapse of the broader angling economy, estimated at £15 million per year, affecting estates, guides, tackle shops, hospitality and local transport. He cites a fall in rod-catch from about 9,300 annually to under 1,500 this year.