UW Alumni Publishes Study on Pink Salmon in Iceland

A new research article, "Invasive species management: The case of pink salmon in Iceland"  has been published in the journal Marine Policy. This collaborative study, authored by Hjörleifur Finnsson, Catherine Chambers, and Guðni Guðbergsson (Marine and Freshwater Research Institute), investigates strategies for managing the presence and impact of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) in Icelandic waters.

Pink salmon was first recorded in Iceland in 1960, but their numbers have grown significantly since 2017. Using document analysis and interviews with stakeholders in angling tourism, nature conservation, and policymaking, the researchers highlight the urgent need for effective management of this species to protect Iceland's biodiversity.

The research builds on Hjörleifur Finnsson's master’s thesis, "Hnúðlax á Íslandi - Vágestur eða velkominn?"  (Pink Salmon in Iceland – Invader or Welcome Guest? ), completed during his studies in the Coastal and Marine Management masster's program at the University Centre of the Westfjords in 2021. Catherine Chambers, the University Centre’s research manager, supervised the thesis and co-authored the article.

Hnúðlax (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)

This collaborative project involved contributions from the University Centre of the Westfjords, Vestfjarðastofa (Westfjords Regional Development Office), the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, and the Stefansson Arctic Institute. This work not only showcases the importance of addressing invasive species but also highlights the impactful contributions of University Centre alumni in tackling critical marine and coastal challenges.