An examination of the use of angling data to estimate total returns of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, to two rivers in Newfoundland, Canada

Abstract

AbstractConservation spawning requirements (limits) for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., have been developed for a number of rivers in Newfoundland. Status of stocks is evaluated against these limits and scientific advice and recommendations on levels of recreational catch provided to resource managers. A critical factor in this process is the determination of total returns. This has been accomplished for 30–40% of the rivers in question over the years through the use of fish counting fences and traps installed in fishways. In Newfoundland, it is not logistically or financially possible to operate fish counting facilities in all of the approximately 200 Atlantic salmon rivers. Thus angling catch data have been used as an alternative means of estimating total returns to rivers without counting facilities. Estimates of total returns were three to four times higher than the actual values for one of the two rivers studied and deviated from the actual by as much as 60% for the other. Management implications of the approach are discussed.