A new underwater sound system is set to be installed on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire in an effort to protect critically endangered Atlantic salmon from growing seal predation. The University of St Andrews has secured £160,000 to develop a “detect and deter” speaker system that emits noise designed to keep seals from swimming upstream to hunt salmon.
Previous deterrents, including water-scooter sound devices, proved ineffective. However, similar technology tested on the North Esk has shown promising early results, raising hopes that it can be adapted for larger rivers like the Dee, where sonar tracking is more challenging.
The Dee District Salmon Fishery Board reported a 40% drop in salmon numbers this year, while grey seal populations continue to rise. Debbie Cooper from DDSFB said they have tried many methods without success, but stressed the urgency:
“We are in a race against time now… because they are endangered we have to do everything we can.”
If successful, the sound-based system could offer a crucial boost in protecting salmon during their vulnerable upstream migration.
