Pink salmon in Sweden

The project aims to map the distribution and spawning success of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) along the Swedish west coast using environmental DNA (eDNA). By analyzing eDNA traces in the water, researchers can identify the presence of spawning pink salmon and assess whether their offspring survive and establish themselves in the rivers where spawning has occurred. This method enables high-precision monitoring, which is crucial for understanding dispersal patterns and potential ecosystem impacts.

The project is funded by FORMAS and will be conducted during 2023–2024 as a collaboration between leading research and environmental organizations, including MIX Research Sweden, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the County Administrative Boards of Halland, Västra Götaland, and Skåne, as well as the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). This interdisciplinary approach ensures a scientifically grounded and long-term strategy for monitoring and managing the spread of pink salmon in Swedish waterways.

The study’s findings will contribute to improved decision-making for management and conservation efforts and can help develop strategies for addressing invasive species in sensitive ecosystems. By combining eDNA with advanced ecological analysis, the project represents a groundbreaking initiative to understand and manage biodiversity in Nordic aquatic systems.

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