Research Document - 2015/043

Status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks in rivers of Nova Scotia flowing into the Gulf of St. Lawrence (SFA 18), 2012-2013

By Biron, M., and Breau, C.

Abstract

This document provides an assessment of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks of Salmon Fishing Area 18 (SFA 18) of Gulf Nova Scotia. The information includes estimates of fisheries catches and harvests of salmon, estimates of returns and spawning escapements and indices of juvenile abundance. 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 2012 and 2013 were among the lowest of the time series. The estimated return of large salmon to the Margaree River was 1,276 fish with 95% probability that 1,001 fish returned in 2012, the lowest value for the assessment series beginning in 1987, and 1,715 fish with 95% probability that 1,345 fish returned in 2013. The estimated return of small salmon to the Margaree River was 269 with 95% probability that 183 small salmon returned in 2012, and 363 with 95% probability that 263 small salmon returned in 2013. 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. Following the peak values observed in 2011, catches of large salmon and small salmon per rod day decreased in 2012 and 2013 in River Philip, East River (Pictou) and West River (Antigonish) compared to the previous 5-year average.

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