Computer simulations of homeward‐migrating Fraser River sockeye salmon: is compass orientation a sufficient direction‐finding mechanism in the north‐east Pacific Ocean?

Abstract

ABSTRACTComputer simulations were used to investigate whether compass orientation is a sufficient guidance mechanism for sockeye salmon migrating to the Fraser River from their ocean foraging grounds in the north‐east Pacific Ocean. Daily surface ocean currents, simulated by the ocean surface current simulations (OSCURS) model, were used to test the influence of currents on the return oceanic migration of Fraser River sockeye salmon. High seas tagging and coastal recover data of Fraser River sockeye salmon were used for the migration simulations. Surface currents were shown to increase the speed of the homeward‐migrating sockeye salmon, as well as to deflect the fish in a north‐eastward direction. In spite of ocean currents, all Fraser River sockeye salmon were able to reach their destination with a fixed direction and bioenergetically efficient swimming speed when migration was delayed until the last month at sea. Compass orientation alone was shown to be a sufficient direction‐finding mechanism for Fraser River sockeye salmon.