Mature Parr Research Articles

Experimental comparison of changes in relative survival and fitness-related traits of wild, farm, and hybrid Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in nature

Farming of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar has resulted in highly domesticated individuals, with notable genetic and phenotypic differences from their wild counterparts. Understanding how interbreeding with aquaculture escapees affects wild, often at-risk populations is increasingly essential to conservation efforts. Here, we used an experimental release of wild, farm, and reciprocal F1 hybrid fry at 3 sites in the Garnish River in Newfoundland, Canada, to evaluate family and cross-specific patterns of recapture/survival, size, sex ratio, and precocial male maturation over a 28 mo period. Trends in cross type recapture changed over the study period, with the highest recapture at 3 mo in parr with wild mothers and between 15 and 28 mo in aquaculture offspring. Size trends among crosses and sites remained consistent over the study duration, with pure farm and wild-mother hybrids being consistently larger than wild individuals and 1 site displaying elevated sizes in all crosses. Rates of parr maturation differed by sex and cross type, and family-based analysis indicated family representation and size also remained consistent through time. These results indicate there is a difference in vital rates such as survival and precocial maturation between farm and wild Atlantic salmon during the freshwater early life history period, and this difference can change significantly over time. As such, an improved understanding of genetic and ecological interactions which takes this ontogenetic variation into account is likely essential to fully understand how hybridization and introgression with farm escapees are affecting wild populations.

Sexual maturity increases mobility and heterogeneity in individual space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr.

We assessed the effects of sexual maturity on space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr as facultative early maturation enables us to work on individuals belonging to the same cohort. We monitored the space use of 40 1-year-old males in natura throughout a breeding season. First, mature individuals covered longer distances (absolute and upstream) and located within broader home ranges than immature parr. Second, sexual maturity also generated a higher interindividual variability in space use. Finally, mature individuals exhibited a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites on average. However, some mature individuals experienced a lower probability than immature individuals, suggesting that the space use of some mature individuals may not be optimal. Moreover, mature parr exploiting a broader home range or covering longer upstream distances had a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites. Covering longer upstream distances may therefore increase the reproductive success of mature parr, while involving higher energetic costs and a greater risk of predation.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of the common anxiolytic pharmaceutical oxazepam do not have acute effect on spawning behavior in mature male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr

Low concentrations of psychiatric drugs are commonly found in surface waters around the world, and their ability to alter behaviors in aquatic fauna has raised concerns about ecological effects. One critical effect that contamination can have in aquatic systems is modifications of reproductive behaviors. In this study, we hypothesized that oxazepam, a common anxiolytic drug and aquatic contaminant previously shown to induce anti-anxiety behavior in salmonids, also affects the reproductive behavior of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). To test this hypothesis, small sexually mature Atlantic salmon males (mature parr) were exposed to concentrations of oxazepam comparable to that of effluent water (1.9 µg/L). After 5 days of exposure, their reproductive behavior was compared with that of unexposed control individuals. Behavior was monitored in a large-scale flume aquarium that also contained a large male and a female to mimic natural spawning conditions for Atlantic salmon. Three behaviors were quantified for the mature parr; (a) amount of courting behavior towards female, (b) proximity to female, and (c) amount of attacks received from the large male. In contrast to our hypothesis, no difference in either courting behavior, proximity to female, or received aggression could be found between exposed and control male parr. Hence, our results indicate that there is no acute effect of the highest levels of oxazepam concentration reported for urban environments on spawning behavior of mature male parr, although chronic effects could not be ruled out.

Genetic architecture of threshold reaction norms for male alternative reproductive tactics in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Alternative mating tactics have important ecological and evolutionary implications and are determined by complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Here, we study the genetic effect and architecture of the variability in reproductive tactics among Atlantic salmon males which can either mature sexually early in life in freshwater or more commonly only after completing a migration at sea. We applied the latent environmental threshold model (LETM), which provides a conceptual framework linking individual status to a threshold controlling the decision to develop alternative traits, in an innovative experimental design using a semi-natural river which allowed for ecologically relevant phenotypic expression. Early male parr maturation rates varied greatly across families (10 to 93%) which translated into 90% [64–100%] of the phenotypic variation explained by genetic variation. Three significant QTLs were found for the maturation status, however only one collocated with a highly significant QTL explaining 20.6% of the variability of the maturation threshold located on chromosome 25 and encompassing a locus previously shown to be linked to sea age at maturity in anadromous Atlantic salmon. These results provide new empirical illustration of the relevance of the LETM for a better understanding of alternative mating tactics evolution in natural populations.

The influence of hybridization with domesticated conspecifics on alternative reproductive phenotypes in male Atlantic salmon in multiple temperature regimes

Alternative reproductive phenotypes represent adaptive life-history responses to local environments. Hybridization with domesticated conspecifics exposed to selection against one of the phenotypes could affect the plasticity and incidence of alternative reproductive phenotypes within wild populations, potentially influencing individual fitness and population viability. We addressed this hypothesis by undertaking a common-garden experiment on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), a species in which males mature either as large, migratory anadromous individuals or as small, generally nonmigratory parr. Comparing one wild population and two domesticated–wild hybrids (F1, wild backcrosses), we evaluated the incidence of parr maturity at three different temperatures. Parr maturation probability exhibited a significant quadratic relationship with body mass. Early maturation was absent in the coldest temperature treatment. Body-size maturation thresholds were higher in the warmest temperature treatment relative to the intermediate temperature treatment, resulting in a similar incidence of maturation in both treatments despite increased growth in the warmest temperature treatment. Although body-size thresholds for parr maturity did not differ between crosses, F1 hybrids and backcrosses exhibited a lower incidence of maturity relative to wild fish (4.8%, 9.3%, and 30.1%, respectively). Changes in the incidence of alternative maturation phenotypes resulting from temperature and domesticated–wild hybridization could have negative fitness consequences for wild populations.

Effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early maturation and smolt development in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar.

The effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early male parr maturation and development of smolt characteristics were studied in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The fish were subjected to two levels of feed rations and two levels of lipid content from first feeding until release in May of their second year. Salmo salar fed high rations, regardless of lipid content, grew the most and those fed low lipid feed with low rations grew the least. In addition, fish fed low lipid feed had lower body lipid levels than fish fed high lipid feed. Salmo salar from all treatments showed some reduction in condition factor (K) and lipid levels during their second spring. Smolt status was evaluated using both physiological and morphological variables. These results, based on gill Na(+) , K(+) -ATPase (NKA) enzyme activity, saltwater tolerance challenges and visual assessments, were consistent with each other, showing that S. salar from all treatments, except the treatment in which the fish were fed low rations with low lipid content, exhibited characteristics associated with smolting at 2 years of age. Sexually mature male parr from the high ration, high lipid content treatment were also subjected to saltwater challenge tests, and were found to be unable to regulate plasma sodium levels. The proportion of sexually mature male parr was reduced when the fish were fed low feed rations, but was not affected by the lipid content of the feed. Salmo salar fed low rations with low lipid content exhibited the highest degree of severe fin erosion.

Effects of domestication on parr maturity, growth, and vulnerability to predation in Atlantic salmon

Domestication can change fitness-related traits. We investigated domestication-induced changes in fitness-related traits in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under naturally enriched laboratory conditions with and without threat of predation. Selection in two strains for rapid growth for three and five generations resulted in two and three times larger sizes of under-yearling parr relative to their wild ancestor. An initially larger size and ability to outgrow prey size more rapidly resulted in lower size-selective predation mortality for domesticated individuals. Growth under threat of predation was only reduced for wild individuals, suggesting that domestication co-selects for predator-related stress resistance. Size-adjusted male parr maturation probability was 34% in the wild strain, but significantly reduced to 10% and 7% after three and five generations of domestication, respectively. Together, freshwater-stage-specific survival for individuals with a domesticated background relative to individuals with a wild genetic background might be higher in the presence of gape-limited predators preferring small individuals, but male reproductive success might be lower for domesticated individuals as their reproduction potential during the freshwater phase is reduced.

Quantitative trait loci for precocious parr maturation, early smoltification, and adult maturation in double-backcrossed trans-Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for age at smoltification and adult maturation have been mapped in several salmonid species but less is known about precocious male parr maturity. Phenotypic information on length at age, precocious male parr maturation (paedogenesis), early smoltification, and adult sexual maturation was recorded for four double-backcross families of F1 European/North American trans-Atlantic salmon that had been genotyped for 320 (family A) or 121 (families B, C and D) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The locations of QTL for early smoltification and for precocious parr and adult maturation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were identified and then compared with QTL in homologous chromosomal arms of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Novel QTL for precocious male parr maturation on Ssa05, Ssa07, Ssa09, Ssa10, Ssa12, Ssa16 and Ssa20 were significant at the genome-wide level as were QTL for early smolting detected on chromosomes Ssa05, Ssa08, Ssa13, and Ssa23. As predicted, precocious male parr were significantly less likely to become early smolts. Two QTL for adult sexual maturation on chromosomes Ssa21 and Ssa23 were significant at the chromosome-wide level as were QTL for adult length on Ssa05 and Ssa24. Separate analysis of family A resulted in novel QTL being detected on Ssa01q for early smolting, Ssa17 and Ssa22 for precocious maturation, and on Ssa03 and Ssa20 for length at the early smolt measuring period. The two chromosomes (Ssa21 and Ssa23) that contained QTL for adult maturation were homologous to two chromosomes (Omy22 and Omy4) that contain QTL for adult maturation in rainbow trout.

Contrasting effects of climate change in continental vs. oceanic environments on population persistence and microevolution of Atlantic salmon

Facing climate change (CC), species are prone to multiple modifications in their environment that can lead to extinction, migration or adaptation. Identifying the role and interplay of different potential stressors becomes a key question. Anadromous fishes will be exposed to both river and oceanic habitat changes. For Atlantic salmon, the river water temperature, river flow and oceanic growth conditions appear as three main stressing factors. They could act on population dynamics or as selective forces on life-history pathways. Using an individual-based demo-genetic model, we assessed the effects of these factors (1) to compare risks of extinction resulting from CC in river and ocean, and (2) to assess CC effects on life-history pathways including the evolution of underlying genetic control of phenotypic plasticity. We focused on Atlantic salmon populations from Southern Europe for a time horizon of three decades. We showed that CC in river alone should not lead to extinction of Southern European salmon populations. In contrast, the reduced oceanic growth appeared as a significant threat for population persistence. An increase in river flow amplitude increased the risk of local extinction in synergy with the oceanic effects, but river temperature rise reduced this risk. In terms of life-history modifications, the reduced oceanic growth increased the age of return of individuals through plastic and genetic responses. The river temperature rise increased the proportion of sexually mature parr, but the genetic evolution of the maturation threshold lowered the maturation rate of male parr. This was identified as a case of environmentally driven plastic response that masked an underlying evolutionary response of plasticity going in the opposite direction. We concluded that to counteract oceanic effects, river flow management represented the sole potential force to reduce the extinction probability of Atlantic salmon populations in Southern Europe, although this might not impede changes in migration life history.

Defining Life Histories of Precocious Male Parr, Minijack, and Jack Chinook Salmon Using Scale Patterns

AbstractMale Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha have multiple life history strategies tied to smolting, age, and size at maturation. Precocious strategies include mature parr, minjacks, and jacks; however, there are conflicting definitions of what constitutes a minijack. We describe the variety of growth and life history patterns in precocious spring–summer Chinook salmon in the Snake River basin as inferred from scale patterns. We found six repeatable patterns on the scales collected that differed in average number of freshwater and saltwater circuli and average spacing of circuli during the period of fastest growth. This represented four life histories with two variations. These life histories were differentiated by length distribution: mature headwater parr that never left their natal stream (8–15‐cm fork length), mature river parr (17–24 cm), minijacks that spent 3–4 months in the estuary or ocean (24–37 cm), and jacks that spent one winter in the ocean (≥36 cm). Thus, male Chinook salmon have a continuum of life history strategies. Mature parr spend their entire life in freshwater, mature headwater parr have parr marks, and the mature river parr are more silver in appearance. Neither of these stages have scale resorption. Some parr stay in headwater streams while others make short‐distance migrations to larger rivers. Minijacks make long‐distance migrations to the estuary or ocean but only stay a few months before returning to the spawning grounds. Jacks spend 1 year in the ocean and have many saltwater circuli. Minijacks and jacks are spotted similar to full‐size spawning adults and have scale resorption consistent with a long spawning migration. Finally, our data demonstrate that minijacks are capable of successfully traveling from Idaho to the Columbia River estuary and back (a minimum of 2,600 river kilometers from the Pahsimeroi River) within approximately 4 months.

Reproductive performance of alternative male phenotypes of growth hormone transgenic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Growth hormone (GH) transgenic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the first transgenic animals being considered for commercial farming, yet ecological and genetic concerns remain should they enter the wild and interact reproductively with wild fish. Here, we provide the first empirical data reporting on the breeding performance of GH transgenic Atlantic salmon males, including that of an alternative male reproductive phenotype (i.e. small, precocially mature parr), in pair-wise competitive trials within a naturalised stream mesocosm. Wild anadromous (i.e. large, migratory) males outperformed captively reared transgenic counterparts in terms of nest fidelity, quivering frequency and spawn participation. Similarly, despite displaying less aggression, captively reared nontransgenic mature parr were superior competitors to their transgenic counterparts in terms of nest fidelity and spawn participation. Moreover, nontransgenic parr had higher overall fertilisation success than transgenic parr, and their offspring were represented in more spawning trials. Although transgenic males displayed reduced breeding performance relative to nontransgenics, both male reproductive phenotypes demonstrated the ability to participate in natural spawning events and thus have the potential to contribute genes to subsequent generations.

Effects of marine survival, precocity and other life history traits on the cost-benefit of stocking salmon in the Baltic Sea

Cost-benefit analysis was applied to estimate the economic consequences of precocious maturation among hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) sea-ranched in the Baltic Sea. Data on the rearing and release costs, fishing costs, catch benefits, catch size, catch age and survival of previously immature and mature salmon in Carlin-tagged groups released into the Gulf of Finland in 1981–2005 were used in the analysis. Previously immature and precociously mature salmon differed in their marine growth, survival, sea age at maturity and migration behaviour. Precocity reduced the net present value (NPV) of the releases due to the lower catch age and marine survival of the previously mature compared to the immature salmon. Assuming that all the salmon were harvested by professional fishermen, the estimated NPV for the whole study period 1981–2005 was positive at a discount rate of 0.04 and a producer price of 5.2 euros/kg or over. During the period of lower survival in the late 1990s and later, the NPV was, however, negative for all assumed producer prices of capture salmon in the professional fishery, i.e. prices between 4.2 and 9.2 euros/kg. The NPV only turned positive if the value of the catch was assumed to be the estimated value of the recreational fishery catch, i.e. 21 euros/kg. The results suggest that if the catch age and marine survival of salmon do not markedly increase from their present low levels, there will be practically no potential to render the NPV positive in the professional fishery by introducing novel breeding practices capable of reducing parr maturation rates. A shift in the fishery from commercial to recreational fishing could to some extent increase the NPV of salmon releases.

Relationship between metabolism, sex and reproductive tactics in young Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.)

Atlantic salmon can differ markedly in their growth and in the timing of reproductive maturation, leading to the dramatic contrast between the large anadromous adults and the diminutive mature male parr. This study examined the growth rates, anatomical and physiological characteristics of parr during the adoption of their discrete life histories to ascertain whether these properties can explain tactic choice. To minimise the impact of habitat differences upon these attributes, salmon were reared in the laboratory until 1.5 years of age, when the “decisions” to undergo smoltification or to mature as parr had been taken. At 1.5 years, both males and females showed bimodal size-frequency distributions. Neither the population of origin nor the paternal reproductive tactic influenced the “decision” to mature or the growth trajectories. Growth rate (% mass day − 1 during their final 10 months) and the % male and female offspring in the upper modal group were strongly correlated and varied markedly among families. Mean growth rate per family was negatively correlated with mean metabolic rate per family at emergence. Growth rate decreased as a function of parr size in January and the growth rates of upper modal fish were displaced upwards relative to those of lower modal fish. Most males in the smaller size mode matured, whereas all other fish began smoltification. Mature male parr did not differ from similarly sized female pre-smolt in routine metabolic rate, but these smaller fish had higher metabolic rates than larger male and female pre-smolts. However, mature parr differed markedly from similarly sized females and from larger male and female pre-smolts in possessing higher oxidative and lower glycolytic capacities in muscle. Overall, these data are consistent with the interpretation that growth rates dictate the distribution of parr between upper and lower modal groups. Individuals from faster growing families would be more likely to pass the threshold for smoltification and to accelerate growth, whereas those from slower growing families would remain in the lower mode. The use of metabolic capacities, e.g. metabolic rate, was linked with modal group, whereas muscle oxidative capacity was linked with male maturity. Mean family metabolic rate at emergence was negatively linked with mean growth during the subsequent year, suggesting that metabolic efficiency facilitates growth and eventually smoltification.

Methylation changes associated with early maturation stages in the Atlantic salmon

BackgroundEarly maturation in the Atlantic salmon is an interesting subject for numerous research lines. Prior to sea migration, parr can reach sexual maturation and successfully fertilize adult female eggs during the reproductive season. These individuals are known as precocious parr, mature parr or "sneakers". Reasons for early maturation are unknown and this transitory stage is usually considered to be a threshold trait. Here, we compare methylation patterns between mature and immature salmon parr from two different rivers in order to infer if such methylation differences may be related to their maturation condition. First we analyzed genetic differences between rivers by means of AFLPs. Then, we compared the DNA methylation differences between mature and immature parrs, using a Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP), which is a modification of the AFLPs method by making use of the differential sensitivity of a pair of restriction enzymes isoschizomeres to cytosine methylation. The tissues essayed included brain, liver and gonads.ResultsAFLPs statistical analysis showed that there was no significant differentiation between rivers or a significant differentiation between maturation states in each river. MSAP statistical analysis showed that among the three tissues sampled, the gonads had the highest number of significant single-locus variation among populations with 74 loci followed by brain with 70 and finally liver with only 12. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the MSAP profiles revealed different profiles among different tissues (liver, brain and testis) clearly separating maturation states in the testis tissue when compared to the liver.ConclusionsOur results reveal that genetically-similar mature and immature salmon parr present high levels of DNA methylation variation in two of the three analyzed tissues. We hypothesize that early maturation may be mostly mediated by epigenetic processes rather than by genetic differences between parrs. To our knowledge this is the first study that attempt to link phenotypic plasticity in salmonids and epigenetic changes.

Patterns in apparent survival of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr in relation to variable ice conditions throughout winter

Apparent within-site survival of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) parr, individually tagged with passive integrated transponders, was not constant throughout the winter period in a 3-year study (2003–2006) in Catamaran Brook, New Brunswick, Canada. Highest decline in apparent survival (19.4%–33.3% of the study population) occurred prior to any ice formation and coincided with early winter acclimatization period (dynamic temperature and discharge regime). Stream discharge and parr maturity were identified to be relevant factors explaining emigration prior to ice formation. Apparent survival was improved during the period affected by subsurface ice and considerably better when surface ice was prevailing, with a decline in population size between 0% and 15.4%. Overall, observed within-site winter mortality was low (4.4%), and the majority of the loss of tagged salmon parr occurred because of emigration. On average, the within-site population of tagged salmon parr declined by 31.7% over the whole winter (November–April). Our data suggest that anthropogenic impacts, like climate change or river regulation, are likely to affect the apparent survival rate and distribution of juvenile Atlantic salmon because of their effects on natural ice regime in streams.

Latitudinal variation in the growth and maturation of masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) parr

We examined latitudinal variation in riverine growth and parr maturation of an endemic Asian salmonid, masu salmon ( Oncorhynchus masou ), in 12 rivers located between 36.6°N and 45.4°N. Masu salmon parr showed considerable variation in growth and maturation patterns among populations. Body sizes were generally larger, and parr maturation was common at southern latitudes. Male parr matured at smaller sizes at more southern latitudes. Latitudinal variation in riverine growth and maturation of masu salmon parr was largely attributed to latitudinal changes in temperature and population density. Parr size at age increased with increasing temperature and decreased with population density. Riverine growth conditions were an important environmental factor determining parr maturation for both males and females; however, the occurrence of mature female parr required extremely favorable growth conditions. Water temperature in May, approximately four months before maturation, was the most important environmental factor affecting the maturation of male parr. Our study supports the hypothesis that freshwater residency was promoted by favorable growth conditions at southern latitudes.

Testes and brain gene expression in precocious male and adult maturing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

BackgroundThe male Atlantic salmon generally matures in fresh water upon returning after one or several years at sea. Some fast-growing male parr develop an alternative life strategy where they sexually mature before migrating to the oceans. These so called 'precocious' parr or 'sneakers' can successfully fertilise adult female eggs and so perpetuate their line. We have used a custom-built cDNA microarray to investigate gene expression changes occurring in the salmon gonad and brain associated with precocious maturation. The microarray has been populated with genes selected specifically for involvement in sexual maturation (precocious and adult) and in the parr-smolt transformation.ResultsImmature and mature parr collected from a hatchery-reared stock in January were significantly different in weight, length and condition factor. Changes in brain expression were small - never more than 2-fold on the microarray, and down-regulation of genes was much more pronounced than up-regulation. Significantly changing genes included isotocin, vasotocin, cathepsin D, anamorsin and apolipoprotein E. Much greater changes in expression were seen in the testes. Among those genes in the testis with the most significant changes in expression were anti-Mullerian hormone, collagen 1A, and zinc finger protein (Zic1), which were down-regulated in precocity and apolipoproteins E and C-1, lipoprotein lipase and anti-leukoproteinase precursor which were up-regulated in precocity. Expression changes of several genes were confirmed in individual fish by quantitative PCR and several genes (anti-Mullerian hormone, collagen 1A, beta-globin and guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) beta polypeptide 2-like 1 (GNB2L1) were also examined in adult maturing testes. Down-regulation of anti-Mullerian hormone was judged to be greater than 160-fold for precocious males and greater than 230-fold for November adult testes in comparison to July testes by this method. For anti-Mullerian hormone and guanine nucleotide binding protein beta polypeptide 2-like 1 expression changes in precocious males mirrored mature adults (November) but for collagen 1A and beta-globin the pattern was more complex.ConclusionsExpression changes in the fish brain during the process of precocious sexual maturation were small compared to those in the testes. Microarray analysis suggested down-regulation of housekeeping functions and up-regulation of a small number of specific processes. Transcriptional changes in the testes were much more pronounced with anti-Mullerian hormone playing a major role. Expression profiles for mature parr and maturing adult testes indicate subtle differences in gene expression between these two related groups.

Age Structure, Changing Demography and Effective Population Size in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Effective population size (N(e)) is a central evolutionary concept, but its genetic estimation can be significantly complicated by age structure. Here we investigate N(e) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations that have undergone changes in demography and population dynamics, applying four different genetic estimators. For this purpose we use genetic data (14 microsatellite markers) from archived scale samples collected between 1951 and 2004. Through life table simulations we assess the genetic consequences of life history variation on N(e). Although variation in reproductive contribution by mature parr affects age structure, we find that its effect on N(e) estimation may be relatively minor. A comparison of estimator models suggests that even low iteroparity may upwardly bias N(e) estimates when ignored (semelparity assumed) and should thus empirically be accounted for. Our results indicate that N(e) may have changed over time in relatively small populations, but otherwise remained stable. Our ability to detect changes in N(e) in larger populations was, however, likely hindered by sampling limitations. An evaluation of N(e) estimates in a demographic context suggests that life history diversity, density-dependent factors, and metapopulation dynamics may all affect the genetic stability of these populations.

Impact of precocious male parr on the effective size of a wild population of Atlantic salmon

Summary1. There is growing evidence that sexually mature but morphologically juvenile males of Atlantic salmon (precocious or mature male parr) actively participate in reproduction and, therefore, in the genetic composition of the populations of this species. The impact of mature male parr on the effective population size (Ne) of such populations has been previously studied under experimental settings, but no studies have been performed directly on natural populations.2. Continuous monitoring and sampling of all sea returns is possible in the Lérez River (northwest of Spain). From demographic data on variances of reproductive success and genetic data from six microsatellite marker loci we carried out parentage assignment and assessed the impact of male parr on demographic and genetic estimates of Ne in two consecutive years.3. Our results reveal that: (i) approximately 60% of the total sire paternity is attributable to mature parr; (ii) mature parr decrease the variance of reproductive success of males by a threefold factor and increase the effective population size of males by a 10‐fold factor; (iii) however, they do not substantially affect the variance of reproductive success and the effective size of females; (iv) mature parr increase two‐to threefold the overall effective size of the population but the ratio Ne/N, where N is the population size including or not mature parr in each case, is not affected.

The morphological plastic response to water current velocity varies with age and sexual state in juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Summary1. Salmonids, like many other fish species, exhibit morphological plasticity to variations in water current velocity. However, little is known about how this response varies with age and alternative sexual tactics that usually coexist in the same area. We therefore sampled immature 1‐ and 2‐year‐old and sexually mature Salmo salar parr to determine how the morphological response to slow and rapid water currents varies across these groups.2. Both 1‐ and 2‐year‐old immature parr in rapid habitats can be distinguished from individuals in slow habitats using a combination of fin measurements. In contrast, body shape measurements were useful only to distinguish 2‐year‐old individuals in the different habitat types. We also showed that mature parr are notably robust, irrespective of habitat type. For these individuals, only their body length differed between slow and rapid water currents, being bigger in slow water currents.3. Our results imply that fins are the first structures to respond to water current velocity, followed by changes in body shape as individuals grow bigger. The robust phenotype observed for mature parr is likely to pose extra limitations on movement due to an increase in drag forces, thus contributing to their smaller size in rapid water currents.