Returns of transplanted adult, escaped, cultured Atlantic salmon to the Magaguadavic River, New Brunswick

Abstract

We transplanted escaped Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) attempting to enter the Magaguadavic River, New Brunswick, distances of up to 50 km away from the river, to investigate if these fish showed any tendency to return. A single fish returned to the river in 1997 (n=78) and also in 1999 (n=34). By contrast, in 1998, 31 of 144 transplanted salmon were recaptured in the river following transplantation. The returnees were moved a second, and in some cases a third, time to see if the pattern would continue. The numbers returning fell with each additional displacement. However, the percentages of the large salmon (>63 cm) coming back stayed the same in successive transplants. By contrast, the fraction of small salmon returning increased. The results document a tendency on the part of escaped cultured Atlantic salmon to return to a specific river system at spawning time. However, the pattern of returns of the transplants was highly variable and unpredictable among years. © 2001 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.