Feeding of young masu salmon <i>Oncorhynchus masou</i> in the base river of the Aniva hatchery (southern Sakhalin) after release of the hatchery juveniles

Abstract

Feeding of masu parr in the natural river habitat on 8-9 days after their release from hatchery is considered on the data obtained in the Lyutoga River tributaries in 2014-2015. No fish with empty stomach were found that indicated successful transition of artificially hatched fish to feeding in the natural environments. More than 40 species of prey were found in their stomachs, mostly terrestrial and aerial invertebrates and the river bottom dwellers as mayflies and chironomids. The diet corresponded to biotopes features. For better feeding (higher stomach filling) gradual releasing is recommended over wide areas by the parties no more than 4,000 ind. The juveniles should be transported in isothermic boxes to the lower or middle parts of streams and in packages with oxygen (for 600-1000 ind. each) to the upper streams. Involving of volunteers from fishermen to the releasing is desirable that attracts additional attention to the species protection.