River flow regimes, climate change, and upstream water use drive Atlantic salmon survival, not just predation
Original framing: “Higher river discharge helps young salmon” — Phys.org
Recent telemetry and predation‑tag studies provide robust evidence that juvenile salmon mortality spikes under low‑flow conditions, yet the underlying hydrological drivers are linked to climate anomalies and anthropogenic water extraction. Integrated modelling that couples hydrology, climate projections, and predator dynamics offers a comprehensive scientific basis for management.
The decline of Atlantic salmon in the Dutch river system is not a simple predation problem but a symptom of altered hydrological regimes driven by climate change, upstream water abstraction, and historic damming.
Historical flow patterns, Indigenous stewardship practices, and scientific modelling converge to reveal that restoring natural flood pulses is essential for juvenile survival. By integrating adaptive flow management, co‑governance with marginalized communities, targeted predator control, and climate‑resilient infrastructure, policymakers can address the structural drivers while honoring cultural and ecological values. This systemic approach aligns economic, environmental, and social objectives, turning the river from a source of conflict into a conduit for regenerative resilience.