Production of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in fresh water and at sea at hgh and low densities

Abstract

AbstractA basic management objective is to identify the production capacity of Atlantic salmon in both freshwater and marine environments. Production in the biological sense is the total elaboration of fish biomass over time, and it is a function of fish abundance, growth and survival. In this article, we consider the factors that affect production at low and high stock levels. Using data from New Brunswick (Miramichi and Restigouche Rivers) and Newfoundland (Western Arm Brook), we consider freshwater and marine production of salmon at low and high stock levels. For all life stages, freshwater and marine production are related to initial biomass of the year‐class: thus, it is important to maintain adequate egg deposition. Production at high stock levels is stock‐dependent and mortality is extremely variable, particularly in the marine environment.