Invasive Pink salmon caught on River Spey as anglers warned to be “vigilant”
A VIGILANCE warning has been issued after an invasive fish was caught in the River Spey.
The warning was issued by the Spey Fishery Board after a local angler caught a male Pink salmon on July 11 at Macallan in what has been described as a “rare event”.
The board believes it is one of the first catches of its kind in Scotland this year having since discussed the incident with other boards across the country.
The salmon was removed by biologists for storage and further testing.
Pink salmon are an invasive non-native species which are considered a threat to the native Atlantic salmon.
The species is likely to have strayed from rivers in Norway or Russia.
On their website, Fisheries Management Scotland say they are working to assess the impact of these non-native fish.
But in the meantime, the Spey Fishery Board is urging anglers to “stay vigilant” and to report any Pink salmon they may catch.
The board suggests that anglers dispatch and retain the fish, report the catch to the board and then use the Fisheries Management Scotland app or website to report it again.
Pink salmon can be distinguished from their Atlantic cousins through oval spots on their tail fin, black gums and tongue and their smaller scales.
Maturing Pink salmon also develop a humped back.
