Research Document - 2012/147

Status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks in rivers of Nova Scotia flowing into the Gulf of St. Lawrence (SFA 18)

By C. Breau

Abstract

This document provides an assessment of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks of Salmon Fishing Area 18 of Gulf Nova Scotia. The information includes estimates of fisheries catches and harvests of salmon, estimates of returns and spawning escapements, indices of juvenile abundance, and an analysis of impacts of various fisheries on the Atlantic salmon stocks. The annual trends in abundance of Atlantic salmon populations in SFA 18 are assessed in relation to past years and to conservation requirements. Returns of Atlantic salmon to SFA 18 in 2011 were among the highest of the past two decades. In 2011 the estimated return of large salmon to the Margaree River was 5,200 fish with 95% probability that 4,300 fish returned, the highest value for the assessment series beginning in 1987. The estimated return of small salmon to the Margaree River in 2011 was 1,120 with 95% probability that 850 small salmon returned. After accounting for removals, conservation requirements for the Margaree River, the largest river of SFA 18, have been met every year since 1987. There were no adult salmon counts in rivers of mainland Nova Scotia (SFA 18A). Catch per unit effort from the recreational fishery is used as an index of adult returns. Catches of large salmon and small salmon per rod day increased in River Philip and West River (Ant.) during 2011 compared to the previous 5-year average whereas catches of large salmon and small salmon per rod day on East River (Pictou) were similar to the previous 5-year average. Potential hook and release spring recreational fisheries on kelts in River Philip and West River (Ant.) are expected to have minimal impact to conservation of these stocks.

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