Stock-Recruitment Relationship for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Newfoundland Rivers

Abstract

A stock-recruitment relationship was developed for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Western Arm Brook, a small Newfoundland river. Supportive evidence was also found on Indian and Little Codroy, two other Newfoundland rivers. On Western Arm Brook, year-class strength of smolts was correlated (P < 0.01) with egg deposition. On Little Codroy River, smolt year-class strength was correlated (P < 0.01) with potential egg deposition of adults counted as kelt. On Indian River egg to fry survival was correlated (P < 0.01) with winter temperature and discharge. On the basis of these findings, the current recommended egg deposition of 2.4 eggs∙m−2 of parr-rearing habitat was considered inadequate for Newfoundland rivers.Key words: stock-recruitment, Atlantic salmon