UK on invasive pink salmon alert

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Anglers around the UK are being urged to report any catches or sightings of a salmon species which is threatening native populations.

In 2019 and 2021 there were numerous sightings of invasive Pacific pink salmon in UK waters and, with the breed having a two-year life cycle, it is highly likely they will appear again in rivers this year.

Pacific pink salmon

Source: Environment Agency

There are concerns that Pacific pink salmon will threaten native populations such as Atlantic wild salmon

The Environment Agency is concerned particularly about the threat posed to wild Atlantic salmon, whose numbers are falling dramatically.

“Environment Agency teams are working hard to contain and control invasive non-native species so that native fish, ecosystems and other wildlife are reduced from the damage they pose,” said Simon Toms, National Fisheries Management team leader at the Environment Agency.

“That is why it is crucial that the public understand this immediate risk and report the capture or sightings of all pink salmon to us, whether that be through our new reporting tool or to the EA’s national hotline.”

Pink salmon (Onchorhyncus gorbuscha) originate from the northern Pacific Ocean. They can be identified by large black oval spots on their tail, a very dark mouth and tongue and they have much smaller scales than the Atlantic salmon.

Fisheries managers, anglers, net fishers and members of the public are requested to report any sightings or catches to the EA’s national hotline - 0800 80 70 60 – or use the new reporting tool.