The status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): populations and habitats

Abstract

The important decline of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) across its range during the past three decades, despite numerous management and conservation programmes, is an alarming index of the vulnerability of this species. The following series of papers was produced to summarize current knowledge on specific interactions between biotic and abiotic variables that may contribute to determine the survival of Atlantic salmon. Evaluation of the challenges encountered in spawning grounds (siltation, oxygenation), nursery habitats (substrate, trophic interactions), overwintering habitats (flow conditions, winter feeding opportunities), and coastal and oceanic environments (water temperature, predators, parasites) suggest that all habitats required by Atlantic salmon and all processes that occur in each habitat represent a critical link that allows this species to persist. Management practices employed during artificial fish selection, incubation, and stocking also affect the success of restoration efforts. Because limiting factors may change in time and because our ability to intervene in specific habitats may be minimal, the only strategy within our reach may be to continue gathering information about processes that determine the fragility of Atlantic salmon and, in the light of our findings, to implement scientifically sound actions where and when possible.