Establishing river by river, ecologically meaningful temperature triggers for behavioural thermoregulation in juvenile Atlantic salmon

It is well understood that Atlantic salmon will seek thermal refuge once certain temperature thresholds are exceeded, and these thresholds differ with age – this behaviour is termed ‘thermoregulation’. However, the temperatures that induces behavioural thermoregulation are not homogeneous across the range of Atlantic salmon. As our understanding of these processes has grown, it is now evident that (a) we cannot apply a spatially homogenous threshold for behavioural thermoregulation across the range of Atlantic salmon, and (b) even if different thresholds are defined for individual rivers, these are not static; rather they will flux throughout a summer. This project will link hydrological settings to the temperatures that induce this behaviour. This project asks a scientific question, its overarching aim is to guide the development of ecologically meaningful management plans. Ultimately, this new knowledge sets the stage for a reach specific management of the fragile Atlantic salmon populations that remain in eastern Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tommi Linnansaari;Antóin O’Sullivan

Student:

Partner:

Miramichi Salmon Association

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: