Pink Salmon eDNA and Management Project

Location: National Project
Year: 2023
Status: Completed
Project Topics: Invasive Non-Native Species
Type: Evidence-based Management, Innovation, Monitoring, Science and Research
Workstream: Evidence-based Management

Summary

This project involved a programme of eDNA sampling conducted in late summer 2023 across various Scottish rivers to detect the presence of invasive, non-native Pink salmon. The sampling effort was part of a larger collaborative initiative involving several key organisations. The project also tested the effectiveness of a new trap design on the River Thurso with a view to preventing pink salmon from spawning in Scotland’s rivers.

Outputs

eDNA analysis successfully detected the presence of Pink salmon in 10 out of 32 rivers studied, confirming their presence in these waters. In five additional rivers, the presence of Pink salmon was suspected based on consistent eDNA detection across repeated water samples. The study covered rivers from Scotland’s east, west, and north coasts. The full findings of the programme will be published and shared soon.

Funding

This project was funded primarily funded through Marine Fund Scotland as well as contributions of staff time and resources from SEPA to support the eDNA sampling programme and the associated research.

Partners

The project was a collaboration between multiple organisations, including Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS) and its members, River Thurso Ltd, the Scottish Government Marine Directorate, NatureScot, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

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