Research Document - 1999/101

Status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) stocks of three selected rivers in Salmon Fishing Area 4A, 1998.

By C.C. Mullins, D. Caines, and S.L. Lowe

Abstract

Returns of small salmon to Lomond River in 1998 were 45% less than in 1997 and 28% less than the 1992-96 mean. Returns of large salmon were the second highest on record and 66% higher than in 1997. Returns of small salmon to Torrent River were 30% higher than in 1997. Returns of large salmon in 1998 were the highest on record and twice the 1992-96 mean. Returns of small salmon to Western Arm Brook were the highest and large salmon were the second highest on record. Sea-survival of returning 1SW salmon to Western Arm Brook was 6.6% in 1998, more than twice that in 1997 which was the lowest since 1992. Conservation requirements were exceeded on all three rivers in 1998. On the basis of the smolt production at Western Arm Brook in 1998 returns of 1SW salmon in 1999 are expected to be less than in 1998 but higher than the 1992-96 mean provided sea survival remains the same. Spawning escapements are expected to exceed conservation requirements on all three rivers in 1999. Given the effectiveness of other catch and effort controls in place in 1998 and current levels of returns, it is suggested that conservation would still be achieved in 1999 if the quota restriction on Lomond River and the hook and release fishery on Torrent River were removed. Expansion of fisheries above the counting facilities on all three selected rivers is not recommended unless there can be an accurate accounting of catches. Based on observations of bird predation in the estuary of Western Arm Brook, incidence of feeding on smolts was low in 1998.

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