Asturias Bans Atlantic Salmon Fishing Starting in 2027

• The government of Asturias has implemented a total ban on Atlantic salmon fishing, effective 2027.
• The ban eliminates the "campanu," the traditional spring auction of the first caught salmon, which served as a major regional tourism draw.
• Asturias joins Navarre, the Basque Country, and Galicia in banning the practice; Cantabria remains the only region with a nominal salmon fishing season.

Population Decline

• The species, once abundant in Asturian rivers at the start of the 21st century, has reached a critical state.
• During the most recent season, only 108 salmon were caught, significantly below the authorized quota of 154.
• Threats to the population include the impacts of climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation due to physical barriers in the rivers.

Political Disagreements

• Activists and the scientific community are pushing for the salmon to be included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection (Lespre).
• The Asturian government opposes this inclusion, arguing that it would transfer management authority to the central state and restrict regional autonomy.
• Critics argue that a fishing ban is insufficient and that the government must prioritize the costly, long-term restoration of river ecosystems to truly aid the species' recovery.