Where the Rivers Run Pink

Non-native pink salmon have swarmed Norway’s rivers, prompting a relentless—and potentially fruitless—fight to beat back the invaders.

Published on Hakaimagazine.com. October 2024. Where the Rivers Run Pink

Written by Jude Isabella. Visuals by Katrina Pyne.

During Russia’s Soviet-era, scientists introduced Pacific pink salmon to rivers that flow into the White Sea. The Grense Jakobselv borders Russia and Norway—and Russians have no interest in stemming the onslaught of pinks. What happens with fish on the river may foreshadow the future.

Paul Aspholm has a number of research projects on pink salmon in Norwegian rivers for the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research. Snorkeling in salmon rivers in the Varangerfjord, he’s witnessed behavior of pink salmon that’s unusual in their native habitat in rivers that drain into the Pacific Ocean.

All media part of the original full story published in Hakai Magazine: Where the Rivers Run Pink.