Research Document 1998/106

Status of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stock Of Humber River, Newfoundland, 1997

By C.C. Mullins and D. Caines

Abstract

This is the eighth assessment of the Atlantic salmon stock of the Humber River. A mark-recapture estimate of the run size in 1997 indicated that the number of small salmon was 51% less than in 1996 and that the number of large salmon was 3% less than in 1996. The number of small salmon was the second lowest since 1992 but the number of large salmon was among the highest. The proportion of large salmon recorded at the tagging traps was the highest recorded in the period of assessment. The percentage of the spawning requirement achieved in 1997 was 115% (95% CI = 91% - 169%). The conservation requirement would not have been achieved if the proportion of large salmon had not increased from 1992-96 levels. Given the unexpected decrease in returns of small salmon in 1997, compared to 1996, any anticipation of returns in 1998 should be made with caution. Recreational harvests in 1998 should be closely monitored to avoid overexploiting the stock if the run size is below conservation requirements.

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