Atlantic salmon have never successfully established populations outside of their native range, anywhere in the world.

While this has been seen in other species such as Brown Trout introduced to the Cowichan River, or Chinook Salmon introduced to the Great Lakes, Atlantic salmon have never successfully colonized environments (established self sustaining populations) outside of their native range (North Atlantic), anywhere in the world, despite many introduction attempts. This is true even in the absence of other salmonid species. Atlantic salmon appear to be very specific in their range and rather poor competitors, if other salmonid species are present. While Atlantic salmon have been farmed in B.C. for 25 years and escaped salmon are sometimes found in fresh water, there is no evidence of colonization of B.C. river systems by Atlantic salmon.

To view a timeline of Atlantic salmon introductions to the Pacific coast of North America, click here.