The Reintroduction of Atlantic Salmon into Tributary Streams of Lake Ontario

Abstract

Abstract Experimental plantings of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry were made in Duffin Creek, Ontario County, each year from 1944 to 1948. From 1945 to 1947 a large part of the creek was planted uniformly at a density of one fry per yard, regardless of local stream conditions. Each of these uniform plantings was followed by a study of the survival and distribution of the salmon during life in the creek. Populations were estimated by the use of a one-man hand seine. Each of the three uniform plantings resulted in the same pattern of survival over the stream system and showed the comparative suitability of various stream types for rearing salmon. Unsedimented gravelly riffles were found to be necessary for a high survival of newly planted fry. Subsequent survival to the smolt stage in areas not characterized by lethal summer temperatures was largely dependent on suitable habitats to accommodate the fish as they become larger. Capture of smolts during the spring of 1948 showed that at least 2 percent of th...