Publication Abstract

Managing Atlantic salmon in the mixed stock environment: Challenges and considerations

W.W. Crozier, P-J. Schon, G. Chaput, E.C. E. Potter, N. O’Maoileidigh, J. MacLean

Atlantic salmon, as a result of their population structure and behavior, are potentially subject to a complex array of fisheries, ranging from coastal fisheries harvesting few to several stocks, to distant water mixed stock fisheries that harvest fish from different continents, stock complexes and countries. In addition, estuarine and in-river fisheries may take fish from more than one sub-population or stock component, where these are present. One of the main challenges therefore in managing salmon across this range of fsiheries is to take account of the differing status of stocks with respect to safe biological limits, noting that stocks of differing productivity may require different harvest strategies. Also the existence of sequential harvest in different fisheries provides unique challenges, as decisions in an individual fishery cannot be made in isolation of the impacts of other fishing on those stocks. We illustrate the uncertainties and complexities involved in managing mixed stocks of salmon, whether in homewaters or in distant water fisheries and examples are given to illustrate how science and management is, or should be, developing to face these challenges.

Reference:

W.W. Crozier, P-J. Schon, G. Chaput, E.C. E. Potter, N. O’Maoileidigh, J. MacLean, 2003. Managing Atlantic salmon in the mixed stock environment: Challenges and considerations. ICES CM 2003/V: 17. 34pp. ICES Copenhagen.