Salmon numbers in England and Wales last year were lowest on record

The decline of Atlantic salmon indicates that the waters in which it swims are not healthy, as the fish is sensitive to pollution. Photograph: Ann and Steve Toon/Alamy

Salmon numbers in England and Wales last year were the lowest on record, figures show, as pollution and climate breakdown are killing off the endangered fish.

A report from the Environment Agency and Cefas shows Atlantic salmon stocks in England and Wales have dropped to their lowest level since records began in 1997.