Sea Trout

Brown Trout -   Scientific name - Salmo trutta

Conservation status

Sea Trout is the common name given to Brown Trout who have similar characteristics to salmon in that they spawn in rivers and streams, before migrating to the sea as they grow up. They return back to their freshwater origins to spawn themselves.

The IUCN classify them as Least Concern on the Red List. However they point out the negative impact of pollution and barriers that hamper access to traditional spawning grounds. They also warn that climate change will be a huge threat in the future.

The closing statement of a 2023 Institute of Fisheries Management Symposium stated: ‘The evidence is clear: over the last decade, sea trout numbers have plummeted in rivers throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Barriers to migration, poor water quality, predation, marine exploitation, and climate change were identified as the main causes.’

Sea Trout are fish farmed as well as caught in the wild.

Overview

Sea Trout and Brown Trout are the same species. The fresh water brown trout is a golden-brown fish with a dark back and creamy-yellow belly. Its back and sides display dark, reddish spots with pale borders. When found in the sea they take on a more silvery colour. It is much smaller than the Atlantic salmon.  Adult brown trout are between 35 and 60 cm long, and can weigh from 0.5 to 2.4 kg.

Anadromous brown trout are widely distributed in Europe along the Atlantic and Baltic coasts, the United Kingdom and the coasts of Iceland.

They mostly live close to coasts, not very far from estuaries and their natal river.

At sea and in lakes, they feed on small fish and large crustaceans. In lakes, aquatic and terrestrial insects may form an important part of the diet. 

Sea Trout have a number of predators. Large predatory fish like pike, walleye, and other trout are common predators, especially of juvenile sea trout. Birds like eagles and gulls, as well as mammals like otters and mink, also prey on sea trout, particularly when they are smaller or migrating.

Sea Trout are a popular fish to eat in the UK - They have a mild, delicate flavour and are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Sources

IUCN - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19861/58301467

Wildlife Trust - https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/freshwater-fish/brown-trout

Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_trout

Wildfish https://wildfish.org/latest-news/sea-trout-what-we-know-and-the-challenges-to-conservation/

Wild Trout trust - https://www.wildtrout.org/