Anglers in Wales are being urged to report any sightings of Pacific pink salmon in Welsh rivers.

Although rare, an increase in pink salmon in UK waters has raised concerns about potential impacts on native species.

Natural Resources Wales is asking for sightings to be reported and for captured pink salmon to be dispatched and reported for further analysis.

David Mee, Specialist Fisheries Advisor for NRW, said: “It is quite unusual to find pink salmon in our waters however a sudden increase in pink salmon stocks in northern Norway in 2019, 2021 and 2023 and increased reporting of this non-native species in other parts of the UK rivers especially in Scotland in recent years is of particular concern.

“If large numbers of pink salmon were to be found in Welsh rivers it could negatively impact some of our native species such as Atlantic salmon and sea trout as well as estuarine and coastal marine fish species and their associated ecosystems.“

The potential impact of pink salmon is unclear at present; however, these fish may introduce parasites and disease which are not present in native salmonid fish.

David added: “We only have limited information on the threat posed by pink salmon; however, we do know that climatic and environmental conditions in Wales are ideal for the  potential establishment of pink salmon populations in our river systems.

“NRW is working with fisheries management organisations across the UK and is sharing information and advice to ensure that any appearance of pink salmon in Wales can be monitored and managed appropriately.

“Data on sightings is vital to determine any potential impact on the local environment and species so I’d urge netsmen and anglers to contact us if they see any non-native salmon in the waters, with a date, location and, if possible a photograph, which would really help us identify them and build up a picture of where they may be.”

Anglers and netsman who catch pink salmon are asked not to return it to the water, instead to dispatch it humanely, record capture date, length and weight and make the fish available to NRW for further analysis.

Report the catch on NRW’s 24-hour incident hotline number 03000 65 3000 or online at Natural Resources Wales / Report an incident