Inland Fisheries issues alert over Pacific pink salmon in Irish rivers

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has issued an alert over the presence of Pacific pink salmon in Irish rivers this summer.

The 'humpback' salmon may return to Irish river this summer and poses a threat to native species, Inland Fisheries warned today.

Inland Fisheries is urging anglers to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon in Irish rivers this summer.

The fish appeared in unprecedented numbers in multiple river systems in Ireland’s west, northwest, and southwest in previous years.

The salmon species predominantly has a two-year lifecycle, and may reappear in rivers this year, and every second, so called 'odd', year thereafter.

Commenting, Dr Michael Millane, Senior Research Officer at IFI said: "The potential presence of large numbers of this non-native species pose a competitive and disruptive threat to the survival of native Atlantic salmon and sea trout.

"They also pose a threat to estuarine and coastal marine fish species - and the ecosystems they depend on.

"We are appealing to anglers, and other water users, to quickly contact us please regarding any encounters they have with pink salmon.

"As these fish die after spawning, some dead specimens could also be seen along our rivers."

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s guide to help identify pink salmon is available here.

Anglers, or the public, can report findings of pink salmon to IFI’s 24/7 phone number, 0818 34 74 24, or via info@fisheriesireland.ie. They are also asked to:

- photograph the fish;

- retain the salmon and don’t put it back into the water (even in rivers only open for catch-and-release angling);

- record the date and location of capture, and its length/weight, and;

- tag the fish and present it to IFI staff, and a new tag will be issued to replace the tag used.

The nearest local IFI staff will arrange collection of the fish for further examination.