Migration of hatchery reared juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., down a release ladder. 2. Effect of fish developmental strategy on speed and pattern of movement

Abstract

The behaviour of different types of Atlantic salmon smolt migrating down a release ladder were compared. Immature S2 smolts were faster through a release ladder, and their journey times less variable than S1 and mature male S2 fish. Journey time variability was less among stripped than among unstripped mature male smolts. The mean residence time of passive objects (oranges) in each pool of the ladder was correlated with pool surface area, whilst that of fish was correlated with pool volume. The general pattern of movement of smolts through the ladder was consistent with the hypothesis of non-directed passive displacement of fish near the water surface. In fact, fish spent most of their time nearer the bottom of the pools with the result that their migration speed was slower than that of passive objects. Pools towards the top of the ladder had the highest volume and surface area and therefore offered the greatest hindrance to passive displacement. Immature S2 smolts may have been more active in seeking a passage through this barrier. In 1986 and 1987 no significant change in ladder travel time or fish condition factor was detected over the period May to July. In 1986 fish condition factors and variance in ladder travel time increased significantly in August. Immature S2 smolt migration may have been less nocturnal. Mature male smolts were affected more by high daytime water temperatures than immature S2 and S1 smolts.