A debate has been established in Neuquén due to the appearance of a exotic fish that arrived from the Atlantic to the Limay RiverChinook salmon (also known as king salmon). The emergence of this large species excites part of the fishing community, but at the same time turns on environmental alerts due to its possible effects on native fauna.
The first sustained detections have been recorded for some years in areas such as Arroyito and Senillosa. Specimens have been observed that generally weigh between 7 and 15 kilos, with very marked behavior during spawning season. Provincial authorities describe the phenomenon as significant. y they ask for caution while the impact on the ecosystem is assessed.
How and why it reached Limay from the Atlantic
Chinook salmon is a species anadromous: born in freshwater, migrates to the sea to grow, and returns to rivers to reproduce. During this cycle, detours (known as "straying") occur, which explains how some individuals enter new basins that are not those of their origin.
In the South Atlantic, populations have been consolidated since historical escapes and liberations in the extreme south, and its movement towards the north would have been favored by the Falklands Current, which provides cold and productive waters. This combination makes it easier for Chinooks to find conditions to feed and then enter the Patagonian river systems.
Once on the Buenos Aires and Patagonian shelf, these salmon can enter through the mouth of the Negro River basin and go upstream until it connects with the Limay. In the current season, reports in Neuquén are concentrated in the area of Brook, with records also close to Senillosa.
According to the Fauna area, the Chinook remains at sea for several years (usually four) before returning to the rivers, where they lay their eggs and dies after spawning, as is the case with other species of the genus Oncorhynchus.
Environmental impact and official actions
From the Provincial Directorate of Fauna they point out that the Chinook is territorial and competitive, features that can alter the dynamics de peces Autochthonous. Its interaction with other species is studied, as well as possible trophic effects in environments of high ecological value.
Another point under observation is the health risk: The transfer of pathogens and marine spores to inland basins is a hypothesis that technicians do not rule out, so They recommend strengthening biosecurity measures when moving between environments.
The Interjurisdictional Basin Authority (AIC), in coordination with the provinces and the fishing sector, promotes a monitoring program which requests that those who capture specimens send samples (scales, tissue) for studies of age, origin and population dynamics.
In parallel, the fishing regulations will include sections for fishermen learn to recognize the Chinook, record their catches and know which organizations to report to. The goal is consolidate comparable data throughout the season and make evidence-based management decisions.
How to identify Chinook salmon?
The Chinook has a body robust and elongated, with a conical head. The snout is elongated and the inside of the oral cavity tends to the pitch blackIn mature males, the lower jaw is often hooked.
His teeth are large and prominent, especially in male specimens during the reproductive period. During spawning, fins with exposed spokes by digging laying beds.
The coloration changes with the life cycle: in the sea the predominant color is silver with a greenish-blue back, while in fresh water becomes darker y reddish brown, especially in males ready to reproduce.
In Patagonia, common sizes are observed. 7 to 15 kilos, with reports of specimens exceeding one meter in length in exceptional cases. It is the largest of the Pacific salmon introduced into the region.
- Key features: dark inside of mouth, marked teeth, males with curved lower jaw.
- Silhouette: fusiform body, powerful, with a wide tail to support itself in currents.
- Colour: from marine silver to reddish brown in the river, depending on the stage.
Sport fishing: techniques and recommendations
Those who have made captures agree that the key is in comb deep puddles and slides with moderate flow, especially downstream of the Arroyito Dam and in the field of Ballester dam in summer periods of uplift.
An effective strategy is to allow the lure or fly to sinks well before beginning recovery. Many guides recommend count about 20 seconds after the cast to reach the strip where the Chinook holds its position.
Hooks work doubles or triples and patterns in tones black, silver, violet or fluorescent green, which fire territorial attacks. In teams, they are recommended fast sinking lines and robust rods/reels appropriate to the size of the fish.
- Team: Powerful rods, strong leaders and reels with good brakes.
- Security: controlled wading in currents; use of pliers to manipulate hooks.
- Managerial Accounting: check the current regulations and report catches to the indicated organizations.
The presence of Chinook salmon in the Limay represents both a technical opportunity for sport fishing and a conservation challenge. The balance between enjoyment and care of the resource will depend on monitoring data, good practices and the active collaboration of the sector.
With finer monitoring of its distribution, clear protocols for the reporting and sampling, and education to the fisherman to recognize the species, the province seeks to understand how this is being inserted exotic fish from the Atlantic and minimize their risks to the biodiversity of the Limay River.
