Environment Agency warns of Pacific pink salmon in Norfolk

The warning comes as Pacific pink salmon are expected to appear again in UK waters as their two-year lifecycle sees fresh spawn grow to maturity. 

The invasive fish was last seen in 2019 and 2021, conducive to its spawn cycle, and is "highly likely" to be seen this summer as eggs hatch. 

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According to the agency, the arrival of pink salmon raises concerns for native species such as wild Atlantic salmon which are already under threat, their numbers dwindling.

In response, the agency has urged anglers to report catches or sightings of the salmon in a bid to track their spread and minimise potential damage. 

Pacific pink salmon can be identified by black or brown spots and smaller scales (Image: Totti/Creative Commons)

Pink salmon originate from the northern Pacific Ocean and can be identified by large black oval spots on their tail, a very dark mouth and tongue, with smaller scales than the Atlantic salmon.

A spokeswoman said: "Although we are not aware of any previous reports of Pacific pink salmon yet in Norfolk, they could still occur in Norfolk rivers and estuaries, with North Norfolk being more likely.

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"We advise anyone who captures a pink salmon or finds a fresh, dead specimen, to please contact the Environment Agency as this will enable the fish to be formally recorded."

Simon Toms, fisheries management leader at the Environment Agency, said: "Our teams are working hard to contain and control invasive non-native species so that native fish, ecosystems and other wildlife are reduced from the damage they pose.

"That is why it is crucial that the public understand this immediate risk and report the capture or sightings of all pink salmon to us, whether that be through our new reporting tool or to the EA's national hotline."