Used to occur in the German North (Ref. 173) and Baltic Seas (Ref. 36252) and its associated rivers and streams in high abundances. Already rare in the Neckar in 1850, "because of the steam boats" (Ref 10013). Wild populations have disappeared in Germany and occurrences today are the result of stocking programmes (Refs. 88172, 89462).

The status of the Atlantic salmon assessed according to the latest national report for the habitats directive reporting period 2000-2006 was “unfavourable / bad” for both the Atlantic biogeographic region (German North Sea) and the continental biogeographic region (German Baltic Sea) (Refs. 88151, 88160).

Endangered in the Baltic Sea (Ref. 88159).

Critically endangered in Schleswig-Holstein (Ref. 88198).

Data deficient (visitor to the area) in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Ref. 88199).

Critically endangered in Lower Saxony (Ref. 88200).

Threats for Atlantic salmon in the North and Baltic Seas due to human activities: obstructions in rivers, fisheries, aquaculture, restocking, chemical pollution, sediment removal, eutrophication (Ref. 88171).