Atlantic Fisheries Research Document 1996/043

Status of Atlantic salmon in the Boutouche River in 1995

By G. Atkinson; G. Chaput

Abstract

Angling effort on the Bouctouche River is low and in most years insufficient to estimate catches: estimates by the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources for 1995 were not available at the time of publication. A telephone survey of anglers indicated that at least 8 small salmon were retained. First Nation catches were 15 small salmon. Unrecorded catch (poaching) was estimated at 26 large and 24 small salmon. A mark-recapture experiment was the basis for estimating returns: tags were applied at two estuary trapnets and recovered at the upper trapnet and a counting fence in freshwater, providing two independent estimates. From estuary recaptures large salmon total returns were estimated at 108 and small salmon total returns at 83. Respective spawning escapements were 101 and 52. Total egg deposition was 40% of target. From recaptures in freshwater large salmon total returns were estimated at 154 and small salmon total returns at 98. Respective spawning escapements were 147 and 67. Total egg deposition was 58% of target. These results represent a decline of 14% to 32% in egg target met, relative to 1994. As in 1994, juvenile densities at the sites surveyed were well below optimum, confirming that spawning in recent years has been inadequate. At present, sufficient information on stock status has not been accumulated to forecast returns, but with three consecutive years well below target spawning it is unlikely that target will be met on the Bouctouche River in 1996, or that there will be a harvestable surplus.

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