Page 50 - Green knowledge 2024

Photo: Juho Vuolteenaho
Pink salmon: a resource if caught early
New projections indicate that pink salmon is likely to continue spreading to additional
rivers, suggesting we may not completely eradicate it. “We need to find better ways to
utilise this provisional resource while also protecting native Atlantic salmon,” says
researcher.
The presence of pink salmon in Norwegian rivers has
surged, raising concerns among fishermen and
researchers. As an introduced species, it poses a
threat to local species and ecosystems. In Alaska,
Canada, and Russia, pink salmon has long been a
valuable food fish when caught at sea.
“In the ocean, it closely resembles Atlantic salmon,
but once it ascends the rivers, the males turn grey-
brown and develop a hump,” explains Dr Simo
Maduna at NIBIO Svanhovd.
now a core area for spread, but rivers across Norway
have suitable climates for the species. Over time, new
core areas may emerge, also beyond Norway.
“Pink salmon has been recorded in the UK and Ice-
land and could spread further south in Europe,
depending on climate change,” says Dr Maduna.
He is doubtful that we can entirely eradicate pink
salmon.
Dr Maduna and his colleagues have modelled how
pink salmon spreads, and which environmental fac-
tors affect this process. Temperature and precipita-
tion are the key factors, and the study shows that
lower elevation rivers are particularly vulnerable.
The models used, known as species distribution
models, predict areas of dispersion based on known
occurrences and environmental data. Finnmark is
“Perhaps we should explore how the species can
serve as a provisional resource while beginning to
formulate a more sustainable management strategy.”
The researchers have also developed a genetic
method to study pink salmon in foreign environ-
ments. Dr Maduna hopes this research will aid in
improving the management of pink salmon in
Norway and appreciates the local support that has
enabled the work.
Purpose: Funding: Contact: To determine where pink salmon may expand in the coming years, so that measures can be
implemented to prevent it from establishing itself in new areas.
Ministry of Climate and Environment, The Research Council of Norway and NIBIO
Research Scientist Simo Maduna, Division of Environment and Natural Resources.
Email: simo.maduna@nibio.no | Phone: +47 902 89 810
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