. A new working group aimed at improving humpback salmon control is one of several measures taken after this year's major invasion of the unwanted species.
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A new invasion of humpback whale salmon is expected in 2023. | Photo: Jarl Koksvik
It is important to learn from this so that we can start working effectively at the right time
- We are concerned that humpback whale salmon will overtake wild salmon and weaken biodiversity. This year, humpback whale salmon appeared in the rivers before spawning, which meant that efforts to combat it started somewhat late. It is important to learn from this so that we can start effective action in good time for the next major invasion, which is expected in two years, says Ellen Hambro, director of the Norwegian Environment Agency.
A great effort by local volunteers, which resulted in the capture of 72 humpback whale salmon
"The significant catch is reducing the spawning stock, and we hope this means there will be fewer humpback whale salmon in two years," says Environment Director Ellen Hambro.
Especially in East Finnmark this summer came earlier than expected. Almost 40 humpback whales were caught in the three rivers Vestreelva, Vestre Jakobselv and Munkelva. Some humpback whale salmon further south were also observed and caught.
“Thanks to state funding and enormous efforts from local landowners, organizations and residents, they managed to catch a lot of humpback whale salmon and use most of the catch, says Ellen Hambro.
The season evaluation has started. It is important to learn about the best fishing methods
The evaluation of this year's season has started. The state administrator in Troms and Finnmark has sent a request to all teams and associations that are licensed to fish for humpback whale salmon how much they have caught, what experience they have had with this year's activity, and what they propose as improvements by 2023.
`` It is important to gain knowledge of the best fishing methods and other information that can contribute to an even better organization of fishing measures in order to gain another important insight into the humpback whale salmon expected in 2023, says Ellen Hambro.
At the request of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Norwegian Environment Agency is in the process of establishing a working group to coordinate and improve the control of humpback whale salmon. The working group will ensure that the catch of the humpback whale salmon in the various rivers is based on general experience from across the country. Important tasks for the group will be the preparation of regional humpback whale catching plans, recommending what equipment to use, informing locally about the humpback whale fight, drawing up a plan for good handling of caught salmon. It is important to review catches and systematize knowledge.
Norwegian Agency environment she proposed purchase and testing of the necessary fishing equipment for fishing in 2022.
In the action plan to combat humpback whale salmon Norwegian Agency environment she proposed purchase and test the necessary fishing equipment in 2022 to know it will be operational when the next humpback whale invasion is expected in 2023.On September 7, the Ministry of Climate and Environment announced that it will allocate NOK 2022 million in 15,3 for new traps. Traps are used to catch humpbacked salmon far away in watercourses to prevent them from entering rivers for spawning.
- This allows us to test the equipment in 2022 so we can be ready for action in due course, says Hambro.
It is important to monitor the extent to which humpback whales have produced viable young this year
Another measure proposed by the Norwegian Environment Agency is to monitor the extent to which humpback whales have produced viable young this year. With the humpback whale salmon arrived earlier than expected this year, it will be important to track how early the spawn hatch. The Norwegian Environment Agency also proposes to allocate in the future annual funds to research on the harmful effects of the humpback whale on the environment and biodiversity and on effective fishing methods.
Among other things, we need more knowledge about the extent to which large amounts of humpback whale salmon are displacing wild salmon, sea trout and sea trout from their spawning areas, says Hambro.
