Research Document 1997/37

The status of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stock of the Humber River, Newfoundland, 1996

By C.C. Mullins, T.R. Porter, and J.B. Dempson

Abstract

This is the seventh assessment of the Atlantic salmon stock of the Humber River. Indices of abundance are mark and recapture estimates of run size, angling catch and effort data and public consultations. Returns of small salmon in 1996 were the highest and large salmon were the second highest in seven years of assessment which included two pre-moratorium years (1990 and 1991). The conservation egg deposition requirement was exceeded on the Humber River in 1996. Assuming that freshwater and marine survival to the adult stage remains the same and recreational fishing mortality does not increase, it is anticipated that total returns to the river and spawning escapements in 1997 will be higher than in 1996. Approximately 50% of small salmon returns in 1997 will be produced from spawners in the first year of the commercial salmon moratorium in 1992.

Estimates of the total population size of salmon in pre-moratorium years, based on an assumed commercial exploitation rate, indicate a significant decline in the Humber River stock since 1979. With the exception of 1995 and 1996, the total population size during moratorium years was among the lowest recorded. Spawners on the Humber River replaced themselves in four out of five moratorium years compared to only four out of 12 pre-moratorium years since 1980.

The experience of anglers in 1996 was that salmon were abundant on the river in comparison to previous years. The angling catch of small salmon was greater than the 1992-95 and pre-moratorium means. Catches in moratorium years have been relatively stable compared to pre-moratorium years as a result of fisheries management restrictions.

The run of large salmon to the Lower Humber River consists of 2SW and 3SW salmon, and previous spawners. The assessment suggests that there was an overall increase in average population size of large salmon to the Lower Humber River in 1994-96 compared to previous years. However, the population of large salmon in the Lower Humber River appears to be low, probably less that 600 salmon, the 3SW component would probably be less than 200 salmon. The 3SW component is unique to Newfoundland and should be given special protection to minimize and to prevent any increase in fishing mortality.

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