Proceedings 2009/026

Proceeding of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region Salmonid Stock Assessment Meeting;
November 6-7, 2008

Chairperson: C. Bourgeois

Summary

The sixteenth annual Salmonid Stock Assessment Meeting (Regional Assessment Process (RAP)) for the Newfoundland and Labrador Region was held in St. John’s, NL, 6 - 7 November 2008. An update was provided on the status of Atlantic salmon stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, with specific assessments on 21 rivers monitored in 2008. Data were presented on the adult salmon returns and estimates of the percent of the conservation egg deposition achieved in 17 rivers in insular Newfoundland and four rivers in Labrador. Estimates of smolt production were provided for five rivers in Newfoundland and one in Labrador. Trends in smolt and adult salmon production, and at-sea survival were provided with comparisons to pre- and post- closure of the commercial salmon fisheries. Estimates of the harvest of salmon in the angling and food fisheries were presented. In general egg deposition increased in 2008 over 2007 in almost all rivers; the percent survival of the 2007 smolt-class to small salmon returns in 2008 was among the highest recorded. There was a discussion on the deficiencies of data on the biological characteristics for salmon populations in Bay St. George rivers; as well, as an update of the radio telemetry studies at Conne River and Little River. There was a presentation on the exploitation of salmon in the angling fishery, and on the compilation of a list of salmon rivers in Newfoundland and Labrador. There were three presentations related to brook trout.  One related to an angler characteristics and attitudinal survey pertaining to management preferences on the Avalon Peninsula; a second, provided an assessment of the brook trout stock in Jonathan’s Pond: and the third was a risk assessment and modelling response to exploitation in the recreational fisheries. A presentation was made on research being conducted on the distribution of brown trout in Newfoundland. The presentations were reviewed and discussed by participants from DFO, NL Provincial Department of Environment and Conservation, Parks Canada Agency, and stakeholder groups.

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