Dams and pollution are hazards for the Atlantic salmon on its run to the spawning beds. However, an older and far more serious problem has been high-seas fishing, which was not subject to management regulation for sustaining yields. In 1966, when reduced stocks caused concern on both sides of the Atlantic, Canada, the United States and Spain banned high seas salmon fishing, although other countries did not join the ban until ten years later.

Atlantic salmon are found in the Atlantic Ocean near the north-eastern coast of North America, and near Greenland, Iceland and the western coast of Europe. Adults migrate up rivers and streams to spawn. There are also landlocked populations.

The landlocked variety is usually smaller than sea-run Atlantic salmon. Sea-run Atlantic salmon range from 2.3 to 9.1 kg (5 to 20 lb.). In general, Atlantic salmon usually reach 45 cm (18 in.), although they can reach 150 cm (60 in.) in length.