Research Document - 1999/099
Status of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stock of Harry's River/Pinchgut Brook, Newfoundland, 1998
By C.C. Mullins, D. Caines, and S.L. Lowe
Abstract
Counts of small and large salmon and the proportion of large salmon at the Pinchgut Brook counting fence in 1998 were within 10% of those in 1997. The proportion of large salmon in 1997 was the highest recorded. Spawning surveys conducted in the fall of 1995-97 indicated that 33-41% of the spawning on Harry's River system is in the Pinchgut Brook tributary. The total spawning escapement estimated for 1998 was 1,596 small and 177 large salmon. Potential egg depositions from these spawners represented 49% of the conservation requirement. The Harry's River stock has been at most 52% of the conservation requirement in the last seven years. This is alarming considering the recreational fishery has been restricted to catch and release angling since 1996 and the commercial fishery was closed in 1992. There is still reason to be concerned for the conservation of this stock and the protection of spawning and rearing areas. Increasing juvenile densities indicate that there is a potential for improvement in the status of the stock in the long term but the low water levels and high water temperatures in 1998 create continued uncertainty in the short term.
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