Life history and movements of anadromous brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis, in the St-Jean River, Gaspé, Quebec

Abstract

A comparison between an anadromous and a freshwater lake population of brook charr showed that anadromous charr had a lower mean length at age 2+ and 3+, a greater longevity, a greater maximal length and a greater length and age at first maturity than the freshwater population. A biased sex ratio towards females occurred only in the anadromous population. The first 2 or 3 years in the life cycle of anadromous charr is spent in the river, followed by an intermediate period of a year in the salt wedge area and then by a 2- or 3-month period in salt water before returning to the river. Bigger charr started upstream migration earlier in the season than smaller charr. Migration peaks in 1979 were synchronized with the new moon. Fish movements in the estuary were greater during spring tides than neap tides. Diel activity was highest in the day in the estuary whereas the inverse situation occurred in the river. From tags returns, it was concluded that anadromous brook charr had a strong homing tendency.