Pink Salmon in the Great Lakes

Pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, were introduced into Lake Superior when, in 1956, about 21,000 fingerlings were released by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Mature pink salmon were first reported in the Minnesota waters of Lake Superior in 1959, and by 1971 they were reported as more abundant and widespread. Adult pink salmon were reported in Lake Huron by 1969 and in Lake Michigan by 1973. By 1979 pink salmon had descended into Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Pink salmon are now regarded as one of the established exotic fishes in the Great Lakes having not only expanded their distribution but also their numbers. Their spawning behavior, fish size, number in rivers, feeding habits, and experimental management are also reported.