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Research Document - 2001/039

Status of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) stocks of Lomond River, Torrent River, and Western Arm Brook, Newfoundland, 2000

By Mullins, C.C., D. Caines and S.L. Lowe

Abstract

Returns of small salmon to Lomond River were 21% less than in 1999 and 10% less than the 1992-99 mean. Returns of large salmon were 33% less than in 1999. Returns of small salmon to Torrent River were 10% less than in 1999 and 14% lower than the 1992-99 mean. Returns of large salmon in 2000 were 43% higher than in 1999 and 28% higher than the 1992-99 mean. Returns of small salmon to Western Arm Brook were 43% and 55% higher than in 1999 and the 1992-99 mean, respectively. Returns of large salmon were the second highest since 1992 and were well above the returns in 1999 and the 1992-99 mean. Returns of both small and large salmon to all three rivers were higher than the 1984-91 means indicating improvements in the stocks since the commercial salmon fishery moratorium. The proportion of large salmon was higher than the 1984-91 mean on all three rivers. It is highly unlikely that the conservation requirement was not achieved on any of the three rivers in 2000. On the basis of the smolt production at Western Arm Brook in 2000, returns of 1SW salmon in 2001 are expected to be lower than in 2000 but higher than the 1992-99 mean provided marine survival remains the same. Marine survival of smolts to returning 1SW salmon at Western Arm Brook was 11.0% in 2000. If marine survival is actually closer to the 1992-99 mean (7.0%), returns of small salmon in 2001 will be about 40% lower than in 2000. Spawning escapements are expected to exceed conservation requirements on all three rivers in 2001 assuming marine survival remains the same as in 2000. A decline in marine survival similar to the decline observed in 1997, would mean that conservation requirements would likely not be achieved on Western Arm Brook in 2001. Due to overall improvements in stocks and the added control afforded by the river classification system, there may be opportunities on these rivers for increased harvests below counting facilities. However, given the uncertainty in annual marine survival observed for Western Arm Brook it is cautioned that harvests on this river should not be permitted until the conservation requirement (300 salmon) has been achieved. Expansion of fisheries above counting facilities on all three selected rivers is not recommended unless angling catches can be an accurately determined.

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