Invasive pink salmon named as threat to UK rivers as anglers told to stay alert.
Britain’s rivers could be facing a fresh wave of invasive Pacific pink salmon this season, with the Environment Agency urging anglers to remain vigilant as the fish are expected to appear in increasing numbers.
The warning was first issued at the end of July, ahead of the peak summer run. Now, as spawning season gets underway, fisheries managers are on alert for sightings in English rivers.
Pink salmon, originally introduced to Russian rivers in the 1960s, have since spread across northern Europe, establishing strong populations in Norway. In recent years they have begun turning up in the UK in odd-numbered years – with dozens of confirmed catches in 2017 and 2021, and isolated cases in 2019 and 2023.
Unlike the threatened Atlantic salmon, which has seen numbers collapse in British rivers, Pacific pink salmon are prolific breeders and aggressive competitors. Officials warn they may also carry parasites or diseases and that large die-offs after spawning can damage water quality.
Simon Toms, the Environment Agency’s national fisheries management team leader, said:
“We need anglers and the public to understand the risks posed by this species and to report any captures or sightings to us. This information helps us track their spread and protect native fish.”
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) are identifiable by black oval spots on the tail, a dark mouth and tongue, and smaller scales than Atlantic salmon. Males develop a distinct hump during spawning, earning them the nickname “humpies.”
Reports can be made via the Environment Agency’s national hotline (0800 80 70 60) or through its new online reporting tool, developed in collaboration with Fisheries Management Scotland and Natural Resources Wales.
