Underwater Sound Technology to Protect Salmon on the River Dee

Underwater speakers are to be installed on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire to help protect endangered Atlantic salmon from seals. The project, led by the University of St Andrews, will use targeted acoustic sounds to deter seals from moving upstream during the salmon migration. The system builds on earlier trials in the North Esk, where results have been encouraging. Salmon numbers on the Dee have fallen sharply in recent years, while seal populations have increased. Researchers hope the new technology will offer a more effective way to reduce predation and support salmon recovery.