Evidence of natural reproduction of aquaculture-escaped Atlantic salmon a coastal British Columbia River

Abstract

We present evidence of the first successful natural spawning of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) documented on the Pacific coast of North America. Twelve juvenile Atlantic salmon composed of two year classes were captured in the Tsitika River, British Columbia. We analyzed restriction-length polymorphisms of PCR-amplified 5S rDNA and mtDNA to confirm that these individuals were Atlantic salmon. Scale analysis strongly suggested they were the products of natural spawning by feral adults. The gut contents, size, and condition of these individuals suggest that Atlantic salmon are successfully maturing in the Tsitika River, British Columbia. This event has raised concerns that the presence and possible establishment of feral Atlantic salmon may further jeopardize the continued persistence of already fragile native Pacific salmonids through competition for resources and occupation of niches that are currently underutilized.