Exploitation and Migration of Salmon in Faroese Waters

Abstract

During the period of the salmon fishery at Faroes (1969 onwards) the area fished has changed to the north. This has resulted in a change from a fishery on mainly one-sea-winter fish (1969-78) to a fishery on mainly multi-sea-winter fish. Catch per unit of effort data have shown a variation in availability within and between seasons. These data also show a high degree of geographical homogeneity indicating an even distribution of salmon over larger areas of the Norwegian Sea. Recaptures of salmon tagged as smolts in the major European smolt-producing countries have shown that salmon from all countries are found well mixed within the Faroes area. During the period of the salmon fishery at Faroes (1969 onwards) the area fished has changed to the north. This has resulted in a change from a fishery on mainly one-sea-winter fish (1969-78) to a fishery on mainly multi-sea-winter fish. Catch per unit of effort data have shown a variation in availability within and between seasons. These data also show a high degree of geographical homogeneity indicating an even distribution of salmon over larger areas of the Norwegian Sea. Recaptures of salmon tagged as smolts in the major European smolt-producing countries have shown that salmon from all countries are found well mixed within the Faroes area