North America's population of large salmon is at its lowest point in history. Declining numbers and loss of whole stocks in some rivers are causing increasing concern. Habitat destruction, denial of access to spawning grounds by dams and other obstructions, overfishing (including high-seas fishing and poaching), pollution, and especially acid rain are taking their toll. Cooperation and compromise by the major groups harvesting Atlantic salmon are essential if native stocks are to be saved. Scientific research has led to the creation of artificial spawning channels which provide a significant supplement to the production of salmon from natural streams. The Atlantic Salmon Federation is the largest, most effective organization devoted to the conservation of the Atlantic salmon and its habitat. This group has been successful in reducing commercial salmon fishing and some salmon streams have reported encouraging increases in the number of returning sea run fish as a result (Scott and Crossman, 1973; Atlantic Salmon Federation, 1996). Atlantic salmon are listed as lower risk by the IUCN, and they are considered an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

US Federal List: endangered

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: lower risk - least concern