South Island's wild salmon population plummets to new lows

Since the 90s, the South Island wild salmon population numbers have plummeted to record lows.

This weekend, Fish and Game held a forum in Ashburton to try and find a way to safe its fishery there before it's too late.

The forum brought together 120 experts and anglers to help brainstorm ways to protect the dwindling population numbers.

"Hypothetically, you could just stop dairy farming and you'd have pristine rivers," Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans biologist David Willis says. 

"However, that comes with a huge cost to the economy. It's not possible."

Fish and Game believes the solution to creating healthier rivers and ecosystems can be found in working alongside farmers. 

Steve Terry, of Fish and Game North Canterbury, says "key spawning streams" are being affected by the water quality, putting less fish in the rivers.

"The relationships with those land owners to look after those environments is very important".

It's hoped following the Ashburton forum, an action plan can he hatched that'll replenish stocks before losses become even more critical.