Life history variation across four decades in a diverse population complex of Atlantic salmon in a large subarctic river

Abstract

We used over 154 000 scale samples collected from salmon fisheries in the large River Teno system over a 40-year period to quantify life history diversity and long-term trends. We identified 120 different life history strategies, including combinations of smolt (2–8) and sea ages (1–5) and previous spawning events. Most strategies were rare; 60% of individuals matured after 1 year at sea following 3–5 years in fresh water. Age at maturity changed with an increase in two-sea-winter salmon and previous spawners and a decline in three-sea-winter fish. Smolt age distribution showed a decreasing proportion of age-3 smolts, while that of age-5 smolts increased. Fishing gear and fishing season times selected for fish differing in life history strategies. Temporal variation in life histories reflected changes in both fisheries and the changing environment. There was an inverse relationship between years spent in fresh water and sea age. Biocomplexity was manifested by the multiple year classes (6–11) present in annual runs, which increased with years, reflecting an increase both in previous spawners and sampling effort. The high number of cohorts spawning simultaneously each year indicates strong generational overlap, which has been suggested to maintain genetic diversity and thereby resilience via the portfolio effect.