Anglers across the country are being asked to report any catches of Pacific pink salmon following the first reported catch in Ireland this year from the Ridge Pool, Moy Fishery, Co Mayo, last weekend.
Also known as humpback, pink salmon were very rare in Irish waters until 2017 and are believed to have originated from stocking programmes in Russia. Scientists are concerned that if large numbers of the non-native species enter Irish rivers, this may have negative impacts on salmon and trout populations in the future.
The following is a short list to follow if one of these species is caught: a) do not release back into the water, (b) record date and location, length and weight, (c) take a photograph, tag and report findings.
Paddy Gargan with Inland Fisheries Ireland, said: “Pink salmon display aggressive behaviour towards native fish and a large invasion could push out Atlantic salmon and trout from holding pools into smaller channels.”