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Up North Lowdown

What do rising pink salmon populations mean for the Great Lakes?

By Ellie Katz
Published May 11, 2026 at 9:44 AM EDT
A pink salmon caught in a Norwegian river. Norway and other Nordic nations are trying to reduce invasive pink salmon populations, which have exploded in the last decade. European researchers are looking to the Great Lakes for answers, where pink salmon have made major adaptations to survive after being accidentally introduced to Lake Superior 70 years ago. (Courtesy: Eva Thorstad / Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)
Eva Thorstad
/
Norwegian Institute for Nature Reseach
A pink salmon caught in a Norwegian river. Norway and other Nordic nations are trying to reduce invasive pink salmon populations, which have exploded in the last decade. European researchers are looking to the Great Lakes for answers, where pink salmon have made major adaptations to survive after being accidentally introduced to Lake Superior 70 years ago. (Courtesy: Eva Thorstad / Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)

The pink salmon first entered the Great Lakes when a small number were discarded into a sewer. They eventually made their way into Lake Superior.

That was 70 years ago. The population is increasing in numbers worldwide. Ellie Katz discusses possible Great Lakes implications.

Also, a popular local restaurant is hoping to open a cafe and bakery in a vacant space in downtown Traverse City.

Producer: Austin Rowlader
Editing: Steve Junker
Music: Blue Dot Sessions

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Ellie Katz
Ellie Katz reports on science, conservation and the environment. She also produces stories for Points North.
See stories by Ellie Katz