Investigating freshwater habitat conditions of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and subsequent effects on growth, condition, and marine survival

The Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) is an iconic species for the people of Eastern Canada, holding extensive economic, cultural, and ecological value to Canadian people and First Nations communities. As Atlantic salmon occupy freshwater streams during their juvenile life stages, the condition of this habitat can greatly impact their development and survival. These linkages however are currently poorly understood. Through a collaborative partnership between the Nova Scotia Salmon Association, the Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council, and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, the connective aspect of freshwater habitats and their effects on Atlantic salmon will be investigated through three studies: 1) simulating past and future freshwater conditions of several Atlantic salmon habitat rivers through modelling, 2) connecting trends in biological characteristics of juvenile Atlantic salmon to historical freshwater conditions using 50 years of historical data, and 3) investigating the impacts of high water temperature events and thermal refuge availability in rivers on Atlantic salmon growth, condition and marine survival. The findings of these projects will directly impact future conservation projects and management strategies for Atlantic salmon habitats.

Faculty Supervisor:

Normand Bergeron;André St-Hilaire

Student:

Partner:

Nova Scotia Salmon Association;Gespe’gewa’gi Institute of Natural Understanding

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: