News Animals

Invasion of the salmon

Chinook are rapidly spreading into the rivers of Chile and Argentina.

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

Hard to believe it’s the same species. But the chinook salmon, conservation heartbreak of the U.S. West Coast, is invading and thriving in South America.

SALMON SPREAD Chinook salmon, introduced in South America for aquaculture, have now started self-sustaining populations in the wild. The species has expanded its range rapidly at the southern end of the continent (dark watersheds starting from left), and could easily spread to more river systems (right panel, shaded area).