Proceedings 2010/009

Proceedings of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region Salmonid Stock Assessment Meeting; November 5-6, 2009

Chairperson: C. Bourgeois
Rapporteur: T.R. Porter

Summary

The seventeenth annual Salmonid Stock Assessment Meeting (Regional Assessment Process (RAP)) for the Newfoundland and Labrador Region was held in St. John’s, NL, 5-6 November 2009. An update was provided on the status of Atlantic salmon stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, with specific assessments on 17 rivers monitored in 2009. Data were presented on the estimates of adult salmon returns and the percentage of the conservation egg deposition achieved in 13 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 Atlantic salmon in the angling and food fisheries in 2008 were provided. The overall abundance of salmon declined in 2009 from levels observed in 2008; although increases were observed in some rivers particularly on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. The declines in large salmon are particularly concerning..The low survival of Atlantic salmon at sea, which has been experienced since the late 1980’s, continues to be a significant factor contributing to the overall low abundance of salmon experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador. A review was conducted on the definition of conservation and biological reference levels as it applies to Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador..There was a discussion on the available biological characteristics data for salmon populations in Bay St. George rivers; as well, as a preliminary evaluation of common trends and patterns in Atlantic salmon abundance in relation to oceanographic temperatures and the North Atlantic Oscillation Index. An updated list of rivers in Newfoundland and Labrador that contained populations of Atlantic salmon was presented. A presentation was made on changes in Atlantic salmon angler dynamics in Newfoundland and Labrador. A review of data on the “Mystery fish” in Southwest Pond, Bonavista Bay confirmed that the species was an anadromous Atlantic salmon. Two presentations were made on research studies being conducted on salmonids in Renews River. Information was presented on the research vessel cruise conducted in 2009. The presentations were reviewed and discussed by participants from DFO, Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Department of Environment and Conservation, Parks Canada Agency, and various stakeholder groups.

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