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Research Document - 2003/105

Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Stocks of Insular Newfoundland (SFAs 3-14A), 2003

By O'Connell, M. F., J. B. Dempson, C. C. Mullins,
D. G. Reddin, C. E. Bourgeois, T. R. Porter,
N. M. Cochrane, and D. Caines

Abstract

The commercial Atlantic salmon fishery moratorium, implemented in insular Newfoundland in 1992, entered its 12th year in 2003. Returns of small and large salmon in 2003 improved over 2002 (a below average year) for most rivers. However, in relation to the moratorium means, many rivers declined or remained similar. Increased recruitment of small salmon for most rivers on the northeast, east, and northwest coasts, corresponding to greatly increased spawning escapements in 1992-1996 as a result of the closure of the commercial fishery, have not materialized. The proportion of large salmon in total returns in 2003 decreased from 2002 and the moratorium means in most cases. Conservation egg requirements were met or exceeded in only ten out of 24 rivers or sections of rivers in 2003. Virtually all rivers in insular Newfoundland were closed to angling for varying periods (mainly in August) in 2003, due to low water levels and high water temperatures. Recreational fishery catches of small and large salmon, effort expenditure, and catch rate for insular Newfoundland overall in 2003 were below average. Sea survival increased over 2002 for Campbellton River, Rocky River, and Western Arm Brook while decreases were noted for Northeast Brook, Trepassey and Conne River. In the case of Conne River, survival in 2003 was the lowest on record. Smolt production in 2003 decreased from 2002 in four out of five rivers, the exception being Campbellton River. When smolt production decreases, returns of small salmon are expected to be lower in the following year, unless correspondingly there are increases in marine survival that offset decreased numbers of smolts. The converse holds when there are increases in smolt production.

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