Research Document - 2012/164

Adaptive management strategies to protect Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under environmentally stressful conditions

By C. Breau and D. Caissie

Abstract

There is an overall concern for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) under stressful conditions associated with extreme climatic events. In-season management measures have been introduced to reduce the impact of recreational fishing on Atlantic salmon during periods of warm water and low water levels. Fisheries closures have occurred as a response to high temperatures but these were not based on pre-determined temperature triggers. The proposed threshold temperature for in-season fishery closures was established based on fish physiology. Water temperatures below 20°C are required for fish to recover physiologically from metabolic byproducts produced as a result of anaerobic metabolism associated with high water temperatures. A minimum water temperature threshold was set to establish criterion for fisheries closures and openings. If the minimum water temperatures (T_min) over two successive days exceed 20°C, a fishing closure is initiated. The condition for reopening consists of two successive days when the minimum water temperatures (T_min) are less than 20°C. The number of closures and the duration of closures based on the proposed criterion were assessed using historic water temperature data.

Complete document (PDF, 456 KB)

Accessibility Notice

This document is available in PDF format. If the document is not accessible to you, please contact the Secretariat to obtain another appropriate format, such as regular print, large print, Braille or audio version.