DNA and scale reading to identify repeat spawning in Atlantic salmon: Unique insights into patterns of iteroparity.

ABSTRACT: Iteroparity represents an important but often overlooked component of life history in anadromous Atlantic salmon. Here, we combined individual DNA profiling and scale reading to identify repeat spawners among ~8000 adult salmon captured in a fish trap in the river Etne, Norway, in the period 2015-2019. Additionally, 171 outward migrating kelts were captured in the spring of 2018-2020 and identified using molecular methods to estimate weight loss since ascending the river to spawn. The overall frequency of repeat spawners identified using molecular methods and scale reading combined was 7% in females and 3% in males (5% in total). Most of these (83%) spent one full year reconditioning at sea before returning for their second spawning, with a larger body size compared with their size at firs

SUBMITTER: Kaland H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10739089 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature