Research Document 2021/065

Status of Atlantic Salmon Populations in Middle Barachois Brook and Robinsons River, Newfoundland in 2018

By Porter, R.

Abstract

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) stocks in Middle Barachois Brook and Robinsons River were assessed from visual counts by snorkelers, August 13-17, 2018. A raising factor, ranging from 1.0 to 1.2, was applied to the counts of salmon in each River Section to account for fish not counted (observer efficiency). The adjusted count for each river is an estimate of the total number of spawners. Egg depositions were calculated using mean weights, percent females and fecundity for small (<63 cm) and large (≥63 cm) salmon that had been updated from previous assessments. These updated biological characteristics were also applied to previous estimates of spawning escapements (1996-2008) to obtain revised estimates of egg deposition. The estimated numbers of spawners in Middle Barachois Brook in 2018 are 362 small salmon and 94 large salmon. Of these, 86% were located in seven pools. The total spawners (456) is the lowest number recorded in the 11 years that assessments were conducted (1996-2008), 14% lower than in 2008, and 49% below the average (1996-2008). The estimated egg deposition for Middle Barachois Brook was 39% of the lower Limit Reference Point (LRP) in 2018, the same as estimated for 2008, indicating a serious conservation issue. The estimated numbers of spawners for Robinsons River are 1,099 small salmon and 201 large salmon. Of these, 96% were found in 18 pools. The total number of spawners (1,300) is 36% lower than estimated in 2008, and 11% below the average (1996-2008). The egg deposition in 2018 is 70% of the LRP, and is 23% below the estimated % LPR in 2008. Applying the revised biological characteristics resulted in a 2-11% increase in the estimated egg deposition and % LRP for Middle Barachois Brook (1996-2008); but on Robinsons River the revised estimates resulted in 18-43% decrease in egg deposition and % LRP. The magnitude of these changes in % LRP highlights the importance of using river specific biological characteristics.

Research Document 2021/065 (PDF, 3,140 KB)

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