Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (North Atlantic): Atlantic Salmon

Species profiles are literature summaries on the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are intended to assist in environmental impact assessment. Atlantic salmon are a highly prized sport fish and their flesh is gourmet table fare....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Danie,D S, Trial,J G, Stanley,J G
Other Authors: GEORGIA COOPERATIVE FISHERY RESEARCH UNIT ATHENS
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: 1984
Subjects:
Anatomy and Physiology
*FISHES
COASTAL REGIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
FRESH WATER
RIVERS
LIFE(BIOLOGY)
EMBRYOS
STREAMS
ESTUARIES
Salmon
Greenland
Atlantic salmon
North Atlantic
Online Access:http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA151190
http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA151190
Description
Summary:Species profiles are literature summaries on the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are intended to assist in environmental impact assessment. Atlantic salmon are a highly prized sport fish and their flesh is gourmet table fare. Once abundant in New England's coastal rivers, they are only now being restored to portions of their original habitat. Populatons declined following development of industries along rivers and commercial fisheries in estuaries. Atlantic salmon are anadromous. Spawning, embryo development and growth of young fish occur in freshwater streams and rivers. Juvenile survival is highest in clear, cool (27 C), well oxygenated (dissolved oxygen 5 mg/l) streams. Flowing smoltification, a physiological change enabling entry into salt water, fish migrate downstream and then to oceanic feeding grounds near Greenland, where they grow rapidly. Sexually mature fish return to their natural rivers to spawn. Migration into estuaries and lower reaches of river begins 7 months before the October-November spawning period. Migrating adults require dissolved oxygen concentrations greater than 6 mg/l for successful upstream movement. Because juveniles migrate through the coastal zone in spring and adults in summer and fall the species is especially vulnerable to the consequences of coastal development.

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