Danny introduces motion to protect chalk stream salmon

Danny Chambers MP has introduced a motion in Parliament highlighting the dramatic decline of Atlantic salmon in Hampshire’s chalk streams, the River Test and the River Itchen.

The motion follows analysis by conservation group Project White Hart, which found that only 187 adult salmon returned to the River Itchen in 2024 – less than 20 per cent of the population needed to sustain the species. Atlantic salmon were formally classified as an endangered species in Great Britain in December 2023, with English chalk stream salmon recognised as genetically unique.

The motion warns that salmon depend on cold, clean water free from disease, pollution and sewage, and that ongoing river pollution, combined with risks such as droughts or major pollution incidents, could push the population beyond recovery.

Danny is calling on the Government to replace Ofwat with a new, stronger water regulator capable of tackling sewage pollution, echoing recommendations from the Independent Water Commission.

Full text of the motion: 

That this House notes with concern the dwindling number of the Atlantic Salmon in the chalk streams of the River Test and the River Itchen; notes that Atlantic Salmon were named as an endangered species in Great Britain in December 2023; is concerned that analysis by Project White Hart found that just 187 adult salmon returned to the River Itchen in 2024, less than 20% of the conservation limit; notes the genetic uniqueness of English chalk stream salmon; notes that a thriving salmon population requires cold, clean water that is free from disease, pollution and sewage; is worried that a single major event, such as a severe drought or pollution spill, could push the Atlantic Salmon population in Hampshire’s chalk streams beyond recovery; welcomes the findings of the Independent Water Commission to replace Ofwat as the water regulator; urges the Government to introduce a new, stronger regulator with the ability to end the sewage scandal; and commends Winchester resident Jim Murray, Project White Hart, the Test and Itchen Association, the Wessex Rivers Trust and other conservation groups for the campaign to save this species from extinction.