Anglers are being warned to look out for sightings of Pacific pink salmon which was previously found in Donegal.
Concerns about their presence in Irish waters has been raised after an explosive growth in their stocks was observed in northernmost Norwegian rivers in 2021.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has issued an alert for reports of any sightings of Pacific pink salmon which was previously found in Donegal.
At the recently held North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) meeting, serious concerns were raised that pink salmon may spread to and establish in rivers throughout the wider Atlantic region, after explosive growth in their stocks was observed in northernmost Norwegian rivers in 2021.
Pink Salmon, which originated in Russian commercial net fisheries, is a threat to native salmon species in Ireland as it competes with the native salmon for food.
Francis O’Donnell, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland says the organisation is appealing to anglers and the general public to remain vigilant and report the presence of any Pacific pink salmon encountered in Irish river systems.
If a pink salmon is discovered, anglers are advised to keep the fish and do not release it back into the water, record the date and location of capture, and the length and weight of the fish.
Report it to any IFI office or via the 24-hour confidential hotline number – 0818 34 74 24 or 0818 FISH 24
