Research Document - 1999/086

Status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Gander River, Notre Dame Bay (SFA 4), Newfoundland, 1998.

By M.F O'Connell and A. Walsh

Abstract

The status of Atlantic salmon in Gander River in 1998 was determined using counts of small and large salmon from a counting fence located on the main stem just above head of tide, recreational fishery data, and biological characteristics information. Total returns of small salmon in 1998 increased by 77 % over the number recorded in 1997. Total returns in 1997 were the lowest since the implementation of the commercial salmon fishery moratorium in 1992. Run timing of small salmon in 1998 was the earliest of the moratorium years. Returns of large salmon in 1998 increased by 95% over 1997 and were the second highest of the moratorium years. The proportion of large salmon (0.163) in 1998 was also the second highest of the moratorium years. In contrast to 1997, when conservation egg requirement was not achieved (63%), requirement was exceeded in 1998 (113%). A study showed that counting fence operations did not affect the timing and availability of small salmon to anglers in Gander River. A number of stomachs of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) was examined in 1998 for evidence of predation on Atlantic salmon smolts. Sampling was conducted off Main Point, Gander Bay, during the period of out-migration of smolts. Of 125 cod stomachs examined, 2 (1.6%) contained smolts. Eight rock cod (Gadus ogac Richardson) were encountered, none of which showed evidence of preying on smolts.

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