Norway is no stranger to protecting its natural landscapes, but now the country faces a battle not on land, but in its rivers.
The culprit? An invasive fish that locals have nicknamed a “swimming weapon.”
To protect their ecosystems, the government has poured massive resources into tackling the growing problem, blending technology with community action.
A ‘Swimming Weapon’ Threatening Salmon
The Russian humpback salmon—often called pink salmon—has become an ecological nightmare in Norway’s rivers.
Locals describe it as so unappealing that nobody wants to buy or eat it, with most of the catch ending up as dog food.
Worse, its aggressive spread is threatening the survival of the prized Atlantic salmon, a species deeply tied to Norway’s culture and economy.
This year alone, authorities managed to remove an astonishing 154,000 tons of the invasive fish.
But despite those efforts, the risk remains high.
High-Tech Traps and Artificial Intelligence
To separate the unwanted salmon from native fish, Norwegian scientists have stepped in with an innovative solution.
They’ve developed traps fitted with artificial intelligence that can tell the difference between humpback salmon and local species.
These AI-powered devices are now installed in 50 rivers across the country, helping filter out the invaders before they can spread further.
Funding the Battle and Mobilizing Volunteers
The scale of the campaign is immense. Norway has allocated half a billion rubles to the effort, covering not just the cost of advanced traps and AI technology, but also the wages of volunteers and workers who are part of the project.
Many of these workers receive close to 300,000 rubles each month for their participation.
Local officials describe the mission in urgent terms: the Russian humpback salmon isn’t just a nuisance, they say—it’s an ecological invader that must be contained.
How the Invasion Began
The story of how Russian humpback salmon ended up in Norway’s rivers goes back decades.
Originally introduced in Russia’s Far East during the Soviet era as part of aquaculture projects, the species spread westward over time through northern seas.
With its rapid reproduction cycle and adaptability, the fish eventually reached rivers in Norway, Finland, and beyond.
Now, it competes aggressively with native Atlantic salmon for spawning grounds, putting centuries-old ecosystems at risk.
What Comes Next
Norway’s fight is far from over. While technology and funding are helping to keep the problem under control, the invasive salmon’s persistence means this will likely be a long-term battle.
Protecting the Atlantic salmon, and the rivers that sustain it, has become both an ecological mission and a cultural responsibility for the country.
