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Research Document - 2006/024

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) overview for eastern Cape Breton, Eastern Shore, Southwest Nova Scotia and inner Bay of Fundy rivers (SFA 19 to 22) in 2005

By Amiro, P.G., A.J.F. Gibson and H.D. Bowlby

Abstract

The status of Atlantic salmon populations in rivers in Eastern Cape Breton Island (SFA 19), along the Nova Scotia Eastern Shore (SFA 20), in Southwest Nova Scotia (SFA 21) and in part of the inner Bay of Fundy (SFA 22) is presented in this document. In eastern Cape Breton, both the number of salmon returning to the rivers and the spawning escapements were generally below the conservation requirements in 2005. However, the number of returning adults in 2005 was slightly higher than both the number of returns in 2004 and the previous 5-year mean. Overall, population status in this region is better than in rivers on mainland Nova Scotia’s Atlantic Coast and the Bay of Fundy. Returns and escapements to the Southern Uplands region (SFA 20 and 21) were insufficient to meet conservation requirements in 2005. Wild salmon populations are currently at critically low abundance levels, especially in rivers with medium to high acidity. Population enhancement projects have been terminated as of 2005, and management has shifted focus to protecting remnant wild populations in ways that maintain their genetic fitness. Inner Bay of Fundy salmon populations are designated as "Endangered" by COSEWIC. Populations in SFA 22 are presently not viable and remnant populations are being maintained through the Live Gene Bank program.

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