Development of salinity tolerance in underyearling smolts of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reared under different photoperiods

Abstract

Groups of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), first fed in mid-February 1989, were reared under continuous light (LL) at 12–15 °C until late June. One group remained on LL, while the FEB, MAR, and MAY groups were subjected to segments of a simulated naturally increasing photoperiod (61°N), with initial daylength corresponding to February 1, March 15, and May 1, respectively. The MAR and FEB groups developed important smolt characters (increase in gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, hypoosmoregulatory ability, and salinity tolerance) during the experiment whereas LL and MAY groups showed only incomplete changes in smolt status. The combination of continuous light during first feeding and early parr stages with a subsequent reduction to short daylength followed by a segment of simulated natural photoperiod allow important parts of the parr–smolt transformation to be completed. The period of exposure to short photoperiod is critical for the synchronization of smolt characters in underyearling Atlantic salmon.