Survival and Growth of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Fry Stocked at Varying Densities in the White River, Vermont

Abstract

Survival and growth of unfed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry stocked at varying densities (12, 25, 50, and 75 fry∙100 m−2) was evaluated in the White River, a tributary of the Connecticut River in Vermont, using a randomized complete block design. Fry to age-0 parr survival was inversely related to fry stocking density and, in most sampling sections, no significant increases in age-0 parr density were attained by stocking at rates ≥50 fry∙100 m−2. Most age-0 parr ranged in length between 65 and 80 mm; no significant differences in mean age-0 parr length were detected among stocking densities. Greatest age-0 parr production efficiency may be attained by stocking at densities <50 fry∙100 m−2. However, the density of age-0 parr produced from stocking at 12 fry∙100 m−2 may be insufficient to achieve carrying capacity of age-1 parr.