Temporally stable population-specific differences in run timing of one-sea-winter Atlantic salmon returning to a large river system.

ABSTRACT: The understanding of migration patterns can significantly contribute to conservation and management. The spawning migrations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) cover thousands of kilometers from the feeding areas at sea to their natal rivers to reproduce. Migrating salmon are exposed to intensive harvest, but little is known of the population-specific differences in migration behavior. In this study, timing of return migration was investigated among one-sea-winter Atlantic salmon within a river system. By utilizing knowledge of the genetic population structure, population of origin was reliably identified for c. 1500 fish caught in mixed stock fisheries after adopting an approach to minimize the complications arising from potential nonsampled populations. Results demonstrated significant and

SUBMITTER: Vaha JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3352515 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature