Programmed acoustic tags reveal novel information on late-phase marine life in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

• Published in: Journal of Fish Biology
• Main Authors: Kennedy, Richard, Rosell, Robert, Hunter, Ewan, del Villar-Guerra, Diego
• Other Authors: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2022
• Subjects: anadromy; marine survival; telemetry; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12518/510; https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15292

Publication history: Accepted - 20 December 2022; Published online - 30 December 2022. This pilot study used programmed acoustic tags implanted into Salmo salar smolts, in conjunction with an extensive offshore marine receiver array, to investigate latestage migratory behaviour and survival of returning adult salmon. A total of 100 smolts were tagged in 2020, and a number of individuals were successfully detected as returning adults in 2021. After detection efficiency was accounted for, 5–9 adults were estimated to have returned to the offshore array c. 45 km from the river mouth. A total of three fish were subsequently detected in the river. Losses of between 40% and 66% were evident during the final stages of ocean migration, and one tagged fish provided direct evidence of a predation event. Seamonitor, Grant/Award Number: INTERREG-VA