Distribution of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) postsmolts of different origins in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine and evaluation of factors affecting migration, growth, and survival

Abstract

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) postsmolts surveyed by surface trawling in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine during 2001–2003 were aggregated in several areas in the Bay of Fundy and dispersed over a broader area in the Gulf of Maine. Postsmolt distribution reflected the major surface-current vectors and was independent of origin (wild vs. hatchery, inner vs. outer Bay of Fundy). Migration proceeded without disruption, and marked wild postsmolts from both the inner and outer Bay of Fundy were recaptured in the outer Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine, where their distribution overlapped the commercial fishery for Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). Marked postsmolts of wild origin were recaptured more frequently than those of hatchery origin but the overall density was low, and no schools of postsmolts were encountered that could offer protection from predators. Temperature and salinity in postsmolt habitat were favourable for growth and survival. Postsmolts were in excellent condition and had no bacterial or viral pathogens or salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). They were feeding on pelagic prey (amphipods, euphausiids, and fish larvae) and the period of accelerated marine growth had started, indicating that environmental conditions and food supply were not limiting growth and survival.