Research Document 1997/118

Stock status of Atlantic salmon on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, Salmon Fishing Area 20, 1995

By O'Neil, S.

Abstract

The sport catch of Atlantic salmon on Salmon Fishing Area 20 (SFA 20) rivers, the eastern shore of Nova Scotia, in 1995, was considerably higher than in 1994. However, sport catch was low relative to the previous five-year and ten-year means.

The count of wild and hatchery grilse at Liscomb Falls on the Liscomb River in 1995 of 248 fish was similar to the previous low noted in 1994 of 253 fish. The rate of return for hatchery fish returning as grilse to the Liscomb River trap was only 0.34% - well below the previous low since 1984 of 0.42% which occurred in 1993. The return rate has been consistently low for the last four to five years and the lowest of any consecutive year period since the trap began operating in 1979, thus indicating a decrease in survival of smolts at sea.

Many rivers in SFA 20 are acid-stressed and continue to receive additional acid input through precipitation. It is difficult to determine optimum spawning requirements on the rivers where acidity affects the survival of salmon juveniles.

The return of salmon to East River, Sheet Harbour, is 90% or more of hatchery origin because of the hydroelectric dams on the system. Consequently there is not a conservation concern for the East River stock.

The salmon stock on West River, Sheet Harbour, is believed to be threatened because of the acidity of the water and the low number of juveniles detected there.

The number of salmon which returned to the Liscomb River in 1995 represented 12% of the nominal conservation requirement.

The only indicator of returns to the St. Mary's River in 1995 was the angling fishery; 691 fish were reported harvested or released. The estimated spawning escapement based on a 30% exploitation rate contributed 59% of the eggs needed to meet the conservation requirement.

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