Research Document 1998/108

Status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Indian Bay Brook, Middle Brook, and Terra Nova River (SFA 5), Northeast Brook, Trepassey (SFA 9), and Northeast River, Placentia (SFA 10), Newfoundland, 1997

By M.F O'Connell, E.G.M. Ash, and A. Walsh

Abstract

The status of Atlantic salmon stocks was determined for Indian Bay Brook, Middle Brook, and Terra Nova River in Salmon Fishing Area (SFA) 5, Northeast Brook, Trepassey in SFA 9, and Northeast River, Placentia in SFA 10. Total returns of small salmon to Indian Bay Brook and Middle Brook in 1997 decreased by 54% and 39% from 1996 and were the lowest since the commercial salmon fishery moratorium was implemented in 1992. Total returns of small salmon to Terra Nova River decreased by 44% and were the second lowest of the moratorium years. Declines in returns of small salmon were also recorded for Northeast Brook, Trepassey (32%) and Northeast River, Placentia (49%); returns for the former were the lowest of the moratorium years and second lowest for the latter. Record high returns of large salmon occurred in Middle Brook and Northeast River, Placentia in 1997 while for Terra Nova River returns were the second highestded. Returns of large salmon to Northeast Brook, Trepassey in 1997 were among the lowest of the moratorium years. Conservation egg requirement was recor achieved in all rivers except Terra Nova River. However, it should be noted that accessible rearing habitat above the lower Terra Nova River fishway more than doubled with the opening of the area above Mollyguajeck Falls in 1985. Smolt-to-adult survival for Northeast Brook, Trepassey in 1997 (adult year) was 2.9%; a record high of 9.2% occurred in 1996. The survival value for 1997 was the lowest of the moratorium years and the second lowest of the entire time series

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