The decline in wild salmon stocks in Scotland’s rivers was said to be down to a range of factors

Fisheries experts are calling for salmon conservation to be treated as a national priority as the species approaches “crisis point”.

Environmental change and the impact of humans in the northern hemisphere has put salmon at risk across their natural range, it is claimed.

Conservationists will meet politicians at the Scottish parliament today to discuss what can be done to reverse the trend. The event will include a roundtable discussion and evening reception, sponsored by Michelle Ballantyne MSP.

Dr Alan Wells, chief executive of Fisheries Management Scotland, said: “Salmon catches in Scotland have reached the lowest levels ever recorded and nature is sending us some urgent signals about what could happen next.

“This iconic species is now approaching crisis point . . . Scotland’s government and