Fundamental research problems in the management of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

There are two fundamental types of research problems facing the management of Atlantic salmon in Atlantic Canada. First, there are problems associated with assessment of individual and mixed stocks: these can be divided into estimating optimal spawning requirements, estimating current spawning escapements, and forecasting available harvests at least one year in advance. Second, there are problems related to the large number of Atlantic salmon stocks, at least 350, and the small number of biological staff. One solution to many of these problems is to focus research efforts on small index rivers where upstream and downstream fish migrations are counted and randomly sampled. These rivers can be used to estimate optimal yield and to forecast harvest in distinct geographical areas. They also provide base‐line data to examine phenomena such as fluctuations in ocean survival, density‐dependent growth and mortality, or even large‐scale environmental perturbations.