The invasive pink salmon: distribution, reproductive potential and biodiversity threats in Sweden

The invasive pink salmon have been recorded in unprecedented numbers in 2021 throughout several rivers systems on the west coast of Sweden.

Although current observations and reports are relatively low in Sweden (compared to Norway for example), undoubtedly many pink salmon go unnoticed as no national monitoring is currently in place.

Their impacts upon the native salmonids and other fish species, as well as ecosystem functions, are currently unknown to science and management in Sweden.

They have a 2-year spawning cycle and the next upstream migration is expected 2023.This project aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of pink salmon spawner distribution using environmental DNA in 29 rivers along the Swedish west and southern coast together with observations such as cameras and sport fishing catches (WP1).

Using data from the WP1, 12 of the heavily invaded rivers will be monitored for reproductive success using innovative eDNA and electrofishing to detect young pink salmon (WP2).

This project will strive to increase public awareness and stakeholder involvement surrounding pink salmon, a vitally important task due to the traditional and societal value of Salmonid populations in this region (WP3).This knowledge of pink salmon is needed for early discussion-based ideas and research on applied solutions for mitigating the invasive pink salmon and for the sustainable management of salmonid fish and aquatic habitats in Sweden and the North Atlantic.