Known from the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne basin (Ref. 51442). Originally, the Atlantic salmon frequented the rivers on the Atlantic coast, in Manche and on the North Sea coast; its area of distribution has regressed somewhat compared to what it was in the middle of the 18th century. It has completely disappeared from certain basins: Rhine, Moselle, Meuse, Somme, Seine, Rance, tributaries of the middle Loire, upper Loire, tributaries of the Garonne and the Dordogne. The construction of dams for navigational purposes, for hydroelectric production, for water suppy of the cities and the nuclear power stations block the fishes' access to the spawning grounds. The absence of dams on the coastal rivers of Brittany explains why this area has the best preserved rivers for salmon, more so because the spawning grounds are often close to the estuary. The general degradation of the environment, brought about by man's activities, affects the remaining spawning grounds. Stocks are heavily exploited where commercial fishing is significant. Protected in the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne basin (Ref. 51442). This species is included in Annex III of the Bern Convention and Annex II and V of the Directive Habitats Faune-Flore (Ref. 11941). Also Refs. 173, 2163, 30578, 40476.

Status of threat: Vulnerable (Ref. 74334).