The Salmon The Extraordinary Story of the King of Fish

About this book

A fascinating journey into the extraordinary world of the king of fish: the salmon. This beautiful book explores the natural history of this most mysterious of fishes.

Michael Wigan explores the life cycle of the salmon, weaving his own experiences and stories into an evocative narrative. Crucially, he addresses the pressing matter of conservation issues and human management, which in the past has led to fast decreasing populations. History suggests it is the pressure of human development which has narrowed down the survival zone of the salmon, and the author questions whether we can go on altering natural systems and freshwater rivers in order to make space for human populations, and do so in sync with fish needs.

In his unique and passionate voice, the author transports us to another world – his writing is beautifully evocative and his excitement for the salmon palpable throughout.

Contents

- The Journey   1
- The Culture   63
- No Admission   105
- The Passion   165
- The Pressure   211
- Extinction Vortex   227
- Survive or be Damned   315

Further Reading   343
Acknowledgements   345
Index   351
 

Customer Reviews

Biography

Michael Wigan is a father of five, journalist and writer, living with his wife in the north Scottish Highlands. One-time film critic, art critic and travel writer, he has reported and commented on countryside and field sports issues in assorted newspapers and magazines for 35 years, which has allowed him to cover his favourite interests: fly-fishing, deer stalking, oil paintings and literature. His previous books include The Last of the Hunter Gatherers: Fisheries Crisis at Sea (1998) and Grimersta: The Story of A Great Fishery (2000). He is presently the manager of the fishery board on Sutherland’s River Helmsdale.