Exotic Alert: Atlantic Salmon in B.C.

These fish are raised commercially in pens in the marine waters of B.C. and Washington State. They are distinguished from the Pacific salmon species by 2 to 3 large black spots on the gill cover, and cross-hatched spots along their body, above the lateral line. They have large scales and the tail fin is usually unspotted, and some may have eroded tails and/or dorsal fins. Federal and provincial biologists are interested in verifying these Atlantic salmon recoveries. Please note the date and location of the catch, keep the whole fish cool (do not clean) and freeze it, if possible, to prevent deterioration of the tissues. Contact the Atlantic Salmon Watch Program : 1-800-811-6010.

Atlantic salmon can be identified by:

• 8-11 anal fin rays (Pacific salmon have 11-13 rays)
• very noticeable, large, black spots on the gill cover (not common on native salmon)
• may have very noticeably eroded or worn fins from containment in net-pens

Visit Atlantic Salmon Watch Program for more information.