Downstream Movements and Estuarine Residence by Atlantic Salmon Parr (Salmo salar)

Abstract

Downstream migrations and estuarine residence by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr and smolts were studied in a small river on the northwest coast of Newfoundland in 1983 and in 1987. There were large downstream migrations in the spring and small downstream migrations in the fall. The major differences between the two types of migrant were that parr migrated about 1 wk before smolts and at a younger age compared with smolts and while parr remained in the estuary throughout the summer, smoits did not. Modal age and mean size were less for parr sampled in the estuary compared with those sampled at the counting-fence which suggested that the smallest parr were not captured by the fence. The estuarine population of parr represented a significant proportion of the river's total production of salmon. Parr were found throughout the estuary in salinities up to 24 parts per thousand but were most abundant near the river mouth. There was evidence that larger parr became smolts and eventually migrated to sea, but smaller parr probably returned to the river for overwintering. It is clear that estuaries should be included as habitat used for rearing Atlantic salmon.