SalmoSeine: Development and testing of purse seine for gentle and selective capture of pink salmon at sea

Pink salmon has increased sharply in Norwegian coastal and river systems in recent years and is considered a significant threat to native salmonids and local ecosystems. At the same time, no established fishery currently exists to handle large marine influxes of the species. The SalmoSeine project is therefore testing purse seining as a capture method, drawing on experiences from North America where similar gear is used effectively for pink salmon. The aim is to develop a method that provides reliable control of bycatch, functions well close to shore and in shallow waters, and can form the basis for a sustainable and profitable pink salmon fishery.

The pilot fishery is being carried out in close collaboration between gear manufacturers, fishers, receiving facilities, and researchers. The work is closely linked to ongoing projects mapping migration patterns and behaviour of pink salmon. The project will generate new knowledge on catch efficiency, safety, handling, and selectivity, and will contribute to the scientific foundation needed for potential future management of a targeted marine fishery for pink salmon.