Differences in Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar, from North America and Europe

Abstract

Differences in electropherograms produced by serum proteins and liver esterases were used to identify North American and European Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) caught at sea. Division of salmon according to continent of origin was supported by mean river age, mean fork length, and abundance of the two parasites Anisakis simplex and Eubothrium crassum. Consistent differences in electrophoretic behaviour of serum proteins and liver esterases in salmon from the two continents support the suggestion that salmon from North America and Europe represent different subspecies.