Research Document 1998/118

Status of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks in Labrador, 1997

By D.G. Reddin, C. Mullins, M.F. O'Connell, and N. Cochrane

Abstract

There were further reductions in commercial quotas in Labrador in 1997 with the complete closure of SFA 14B. In SFAs 1 & 2, the fishing season opened on 20 June similar to 1996 and quotas remained unchanged. The quota was caught only in SFA 2 in 1997. Labrador total number of recruits, particularly the large salmon component, continued to be low compared to the 1970s while the small component increased slightly over those of 1996. Management measures in recent years; however, have resulted in improved spawning escapements, with the potential for increased returns beginning in the year 1999. An analysis of salmon abundance based on sales slips indicated that salmon abundance did not decline substantially in Labrador in 1997 as it did in other areas of Atlantic Canada. It is recommended that fishing mortality not increase at this time. In spite of the commercial fishery closure in 1997 and the restrictions on retention of large salmon, the estimated spawning escapements of small and large salmon in SFA 14B were probably at or near their lowest level ever. A summary of the seal and salmon fishery questionnaire is provided. Fishers reported that seals remove many salmon from their nets and damage others which reduces their incomes and spawners returning to rivers.

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