Research Document - 2003/120

Identification and exploration of some methods for designation of critical habitat for survival and recovery of inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

By Amiro, Peter G., Gibson, J. and Drinkwater, K.

Abstract

In this document, we examine the implications of survival and recovery strategies on the designation of critical habitat for populations of Atlantic salmon in the inner Bay of Fundy (iBoF). We review the literature about habitat requirements for Atlantic salmon by life stage, and describe an approach for estimating the productive capacity of freshwater habitat using remote- sensed data and historical distributions. Complications to the designation of critical habitat introduced by uncertainties in life-history strategies, and recovery targets are discussed. Within the marine environment, we use sea surface temperature (SST) as a measure of habitat preference, and use mean SST to delineate preferential areas within the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine on a month by month basis. Strategies to attain survival through supportive breeding and rearing to maturity have different habitat requirements from those based on recovery. Recovery strategies require designation of critical marine habitat as well as freshwater habitat. To date, population and physical habitat inventories have delineated 9 x106m2 of productive salmon habitat within 22 rivers within the iBoF. The marine habitat for iBoF salmon is thought to be more localized than for other Atlantic salmon populations. Based on historic tagging, thermal requirements of salmon at sea, and sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine, critical marine habitat for recovery of iBoF salmon is proposed.

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