Research Document - 2012/170

Recovery Potential Assessment for Atlantic Salmon Anticosti Island Population : Habitat and Threats

By S. Dubé

Abstract

In November 2010, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) designated the Anticosti Island Atlantic salmon population as endangered. A Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) process was initiated by DFO's Science sector to provide the necessary information and scientific advice to meet the various requirements of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). This document provides general information on this population's habitat and potential threats.

As an anadromous species, the Atlantic salmon can adapt to various habitats and conditions. During its growth, its needs change in terms of habitat and specific properties are crucial at different stages of its life. The connectivity of the various types of habitats used by the salmon throughout its life cycle is essential. In freshwater, Atlantic salmon need a habitat for the first stages of its growth and a suitable habitat for upstream migration and spawning. Throughout the entire Anticosti Island Designatable Unit, 24 streams are recognized as salmon rivers. The Anticosti Island productive freshwater habitat is assessed at 4 463 368 Production Units (PU). Over half (53%) of the Anticosti Island Atlantic salmon population is concentrated in the Jupiter (28%), De la Chaloupe (13%) and Aux Saumons (12%) rivers. The Anticosti rivers are rarely disturbed by human activities. However, the strong natural variations in the water level should be considered as a limiting factor. Moreover, there are concerns about the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration activities on the Island. The species' saltwater habitat needs are less well known because of a lack of detailed information on the migration paths and maritime distribution of the various salmon populations. A lower survival rate during the maritime phase may be one of the main causes of decline. The many general changes in the North Atlantic ecosystem, which are still not fully understood, remain a major concern.

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