UK fisheries warned of spike in invasive pink salmon

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a warning over the rise of invasive pink salmon in UK waters, which poses a threat to other native species.

Pink salmon, which originates from the northern Pacific Ocean, are identified by large black oval spots on their tail, a dark mouth and tongue, and scales much smaller than those on Atlantic salmon.

The invasive species breeds in two-year life cycles, generally spawning in the summer.

Sightings were reported to have spiked in 2019 and 2021.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said: "It is concerning that [the species] seems very good at adapting to different environments and could pose competition for some of the other species in our fisheries."

Simon Toms, national fisheries management team leader at the Environment Agency, added: "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."

He has urged fisheries managers, anglers, and net fishers to report any sightings or catches to the EA's national hotline: 0800 80 70 60.