Evidence of potential establishment of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in Scotland

In spring 2022, pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha smolts were recorded in the UK. Fish were caught in the Rivers Thurso and Oykel in Scotland between 13 and 17 March. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first observation of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe outside the Scandinavian and Kola peninsulas, including other tributaries of the White and Barents Seas. It also provides evidence of successful spawning in 2021 and completion of the freshwater phase of the life cycle, and indicates the possibility for potential establishment of an O. gorbuscha population in Great Britain.

Automated summary

In spring 2022, pink salmon smolts were found in the UK, specifically in the Rivers Thurso and Oykel in Scotland. This marks the first observation of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe outside of Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula, suggesting the potential for the establishment of a pink salmon population in Great Britain.