Language selection

Search

Research Document - 2006/023

Stock Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) from rivers of the Gulf Region, SFA 15 to 18

By Chaput, G., P. Cameron, D. Moore, D. Cairns, and P. LeBlanc

Abstract

The document summarizes the stock status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) for Gulf Region rivers. Status is assessed based on measures of adult salmon, juvenile and smolt abundance. Most (64%) of the 75 rivers in this region are of relatively small size with conservation requirements of less than one million eggs for Atlantic salmon. Adult salmon abundance in the Gulf Region rivers was most important in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Salmon abundance has declined from those highs in all rivers and are generally showing a modest annual increase from the low returns of 1998 and 1999. With a few exceptions, the returns of salmon are almost at or above the river-specific conservation requirements. Juvenile abundance remains at record high levels in most of the monitored rivers and smolt production is at a moderate but lower than expected level based on juvenile salmon indices. Losses to fisheries are not considered to be a major factor limiting adult abundance. Environmental conditions, particularly warmer fresh water temperatures, are potentially negatively impacting both juvenile and adult salmon. Density dependent factors in fresh water are a possible mechanism resulting in lower than expected smolt production from at least one monitored river and acting in concert with reduced marine survival as noted in other stocks from eastern Canada may be constraining adult abundance in these rivers.

Accessibility Notice

This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.

Date modified: