Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Factors affecting the within-river spawning migration of Atlantic salmon, with emphasis on human impacts

  • Research Paper
  • Published:
Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We review factors affecting the within-river spawning migration of Atlantic salmon. With populations declining across the entire distribution range, it is important that spawners survive in the last phase of the spawning migration. Knowledge on the factors affecting migration is essential for the protection of populations, and to increase the success of reintroduction programmes. A number of studies have documented that the upstream migration may be delayed for many weeks at man-made obstacles such as power station outlets, residual flow stretches, dams, weirs and fishways. The fish may also be delayed at natural migration barriers. Often, the magnitude of delay is not predictable; fish may be considerably delayed at barriers that appear to humans to be easily passable, or they may quickly pass barriers that appear difficult. Stressful events like catch-and-release angling may affect upstream migration. Impacts of human activities may also cause altered migration patterns, affect the within-river distribution of the spawning population, and severe barriers may result in displacement of the spawning population to other rivers. Factors documented to affect within-river migration include previous experience, water discharge, water temperature, water velocity, required jump heights, fish size, fish acclimatisation, light, water quality/pollution, time of the season, and catch and handling stress. How each of these factors affects the upstream migration is to a varying extent understood; however, the effects may differ among different river sections and sites. There are likely a number of additional important factors, and the relationship between different factors is complex. The understanding of general mechanisms stimulating fish within-river migration are still lacking, and it cannot be reliably predicted under which conditions a fish will pass a given migration barrier or which conditions are needed to stimulate migration at different sites. The strong focus on the effects of water discharge in past work may have hampered consideration of other factors. Exploration of the influence of these other factors in future studies could improve our understanding of what controls the upstream migration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aarestrup K, Jepsen N, Rasmussen G, Økland F, Thorstad EB, Holdensgaard G (2000) Prespawning migratory behaviour and spawning success of sea-ranched Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. in the River Gudenaa, Denmark. Fish Manage Ecol 7:387–400

    Google Scholar 

  • Alabaster JS (1970) River flow and upstream movement and catch of migratory salmonids. J Fish Biol 2:1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Alabaster JS (1990) The temperature requirements of adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., during their upstream migration in the River Dee. J Fish Biol 37:659–661

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson WG, Booth R, Beddow TA, McKinley RS, Finstad B, Økland F, Scruton D (1998) Remote monitoring of heart rate as a measure of recovery in angled Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. Hydrobiologia 371/372:233–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous (1999) Til laks åt alle kan ingen gjera? Om årsaker til nedgangen i de norske villaksbestandene og forslag til strategier og tiltak for å bedre situasjonen. NOU 1999:9 (In Norwegian with English abstract)

  • Arlinghaus R, Cooke SJ, Lyman J, Policansky D, Schwab A, Suski C, Sutton SG, Thorstad EB (2007) Understanding the complexity of catch-and-release in recreational fishing: an integrative synthesis of global knowledge from historical, ethical, social, and biological perspectives. Rev Fish Sci 15:75–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Atchison GJ, Henry MG, Sandheinrich MB (1987) Effects of metals on fish behaviour: a review. Env Biol Fish 18:11–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Åtland Å (1998) Behavioural responses of brown trout, Salmo trutta, juveniles in concentration gradients of pH and Al: a laboratory study. Env Biol Fish 53:331–345

    Google Scholar 

  • Baglinière J-L, Maisse G, Nihouarn A (1990) Migratory and reproductive behaviour of female adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in a spawning stream. J Fish Biol 36:511–520

    Google Scholar 

  • Baglinière J-L, Maisse G, Nihouarn A (1991) Radio-tracking of male adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., during the last phase of spawning migration in a spawning stream (Brittany, France). Aquat Living Resour 4:161–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Bainbridge R (1958) The speed of swimming fish as related to size and to the frequency and amplitude of the tail beat. J Exp Biol 37:109–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Bainbridge R (1960) Speed and stamina in three fish. J Exp Biol 39:129–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Banks JW (1969) A review of the literature on the upstream migration of adult salmonids. J Fish Biol 1:85–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Baxter G (1961) River utilization and the preservation of migratory fish life. Proc Instn civ Engrs 18:225–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Beach MH (1984) Fish pass design - criteria for the design and approval of fish passes and other structures to facilitate the passage of migratory fish in rivers. Fish Res Tech Rep 78:1–46. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Directorate of Fisheries Research, Lowestoft

  • Beamish FWH (1978) Swimming capacity. In: Hoar WS, Randall DJ (eds) Fish physiology, vol VII. Academic Press, London, pp 101–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth RK (1998) Swimming performance of anadromous Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., during their spawning migration in the Exploits River, Newfoundland, Canada. Doctor of Philosophy thesis, University of Waterloo, Ontario

  • Booth R, McKinley RS, Økland F, Sisak MM (1996) In situ measurement of swimming performance in wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), using radio transmitted electromyogram (EMG) signals. In: Baras E, Philippart JC (eds) Underwater biotelemetry. Proceedings of the First Conference and Workshop on Fish Telemetry in Europe. University of Liège, pp 129–136

  • Booth R, McKinley RS, Ballantyne JS (1999) Plasma non-esterified fatty acid profiles in wild Atlantic salmon during their freshwater migration and spawning. J Fish Biol 55:260–273

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brayshaw JD (1967) The effects of river discharge on inland fisheries. In: Isaac PG (eds) River management. MacLaren, London, pp 102–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridger CJ, Booth RK (2003) The effects of biotelemetry transmitter presence and attachment procedures on fish physiology and behaviour. Rev Fish Sci 11:13–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler JRA, Cunningham PD, Starr K (2005) The prevalence of escaped farmed salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Ewe, western Scotland, with notes on their ages, weights and spawning distribution. Fish Manage Ecol 12:149–159

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr JW, Anderson JM, Whoriskey FG, Dilworth T (1997a) The occurrence and spawning of cultured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in a Canadian river. ICES J Mar Sci 54:1064–1073

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr JW, Lacroix GL, Anderson JM, Dilworth T (1997b) Movements of non-maturing cultured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in a Canadian river. ICES J Mar Sci 54:1082–1085

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr JW, Whoriskey F, O’Reilly PO (2004) Efficacy of releasing captive reared broodstock into an imperilled wild Atlantic salmon population as a recovery strategy. J Fish Biol 65(Suppl. A):38–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Chanseau M, Larinier M (1998) The behaviour of returning adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the vicinity of a hydroelectric plant on the Gave de Pau river (France) as determined by radiotelemetry. In: Jungwirth M, Schmutz S, Weiss S (eds) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing New Books, Oxford, pp 257–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Chanseau M, Larinier M (1999) Étude du comportement du saumon atlantique (Salmo salar L.) au niveau de l’aménagement hydroélectrique de Baigts (gave de Pau) lors de sa migration anadrome. Bull Fr Pêche Piscic 353/354:239–262

    Google Scholar 

  • Chanseau M, Croze O, Larinier M (1999) Impact des aménagements sur la migration anadrome du saumon atlantique (Salmo salar L.) sur le gave de Pau (France). Bull Fr Pêche Piscic 353/354:211–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke D, Purvis WK, Mee D (1991) Use of telemetric tracking to examine environmental influence on catch effort indices. A case study of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the River Tywi, South Wales. In: Cowx IG (ed) Catch effort sampling strategies: their application in freshwater fisheries management. Blackwell, London, pp 33–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Colavecchia M, Katopodis C, Goosney R, Scruton DA, McKinley RS (1998) Measurement of burst swimming performance in wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) using digital telemetry. Reg Riv Res Mgmt 14:41–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Collen P, Gibson RJ (2001) The general ecology of beavers (Castor spp.), as related to their influence on stream ecosystems and riparian habitats, and the subsequent effects on fish - a review. Rev Fish Biol Fish 10:439–461

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke SJ, Thorstad EB, Hinch SG (2004) Activity and energetics of free-swimming fish: insights from electromyogram telemetry. Fish Fish 5:21–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke SJ, Niezgoda GH, Hanson KC, Suski CD, Phelan FJS, Tinline R, Philipp DP (2005) Use of CDMA acoustic telemetry to document 3-D positions of fish: relevance to the design and monitoring of aquatic protected areas. Mar Technol Soc J 39:31–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Croze O (2005) Radio-tracking: a useful tool for the Aulne Atlantic salmon rehabilitation programme. In: Spedicato MT, Lembo G, Marmulla G (eds) Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe, Ustica, Italy, 9–13 June 2003. FAO/COISPA, Rome, pp 13–24

  • Dahl J, Dannewitz J, Karlsson L, Petersson E, Löf A, Ragnarsson B (2004) The timing of spawning migration: implications of environmental variation, life history, and sex. Can J Zool 82:1864–1870

    Google Scholar 

  • de Gaudemar B, Beall E (1998) Effects of overripening on spawning behaviour and reproductive success of Atlantic salmon females spawning in a controlled flow channel. J Fish Biol 53:434–446

    Google Scholar 

  • Dempson B, Furey G, Bloom M (2002) Effects of catch and release angling on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., of the Conne River, Newfoundland. Fish Manage Ecol 9:139–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Doucett RR, Booth RK, Power G, McKinley RS (1999) Effects of the spawning migration on the nutritional status of anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): insights from stable-isotope analysis. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 56:2172–2180

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunkley DA, Shearer WM (1982) An assessment of the performance of a resistivity fish counter. J Fish Biol 20:717–737

    Google Scholar 

  • Einum S, Nislow KH (2005) Local-scale density-dependent survival of mobile organisms in continuous habitats: an experimental test using Atlantic salmon. Oecologia 142:203–210

    Google Scholar 

  • Erkinaro J, Økland F, Moen K, Niemelä E, Rahiala M (1999) Return migration of Atlantic salmon in the River Tana: the role of environmental factors. J Fish Biol 55:506–516

    Google Scholar 

  • Finstad AG, Økland F, Thorstad EB, Heggberget TG (2005) Comparing upriver spawning migration of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and sea trout Salmo trutta. J Fish Biol 67:919–930

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiske P, Lund RA, Hansen LP (2001) Rømt oppdrettslaks i sjø- og elvefiskeriet i årene 1989–2000. NINA Oppdragsmelding 704:1–26 (In Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiske P, Lund RA, Hansen LP (2005) Identifying fish farm escapees. In: Cadrin SX, Friedland KD, Waldman JD (eds) Stock identification methods. Elsevier Academic Press, Amsterdam, pp 659–680

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming IA (1996) Reproductive strategies of Atlantic salmon: ecology and evolution. Rev Fish Biol Fish 6:379–416

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming IA, Jonsson B, Gross MR, Lamberg A (1996) An experimental study of the reproductive behaviour and success of farmed and wild salmon (Salmo salar). J Appl Ecol 33:893–905

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming IA, Hindar K, Mjølnerød IB, Jonsson B, Balstad T, Lamberg A (2000) Lifetime success and interactions of farm salmon invading a native population. Proc R Soc Lond B 267:1517–1523

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia de Leaniz C, Fleming IA, Einum S, Verspoor E, Jordan WC, Consuegra S, Aubin-Horth N, Lajus D, Letcher BH, Youngson AF, Webb JH, Vøllestad LA, Villanueva B, Ferguson A, Quinn TP (2007) A critical review of adaptive genetic variation in Atlantic salmon: implications for conservation. Biol Rev 82:173–211

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gerlier M, Roche P (1998) A radio telemetry study of the migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and sea trout (Salmo trutta trutta L.) in the upper Rhine. Hydrobiologia 371/372:283–293

    Google Scholar 

  • Gowans ARD, Armstrong JD, Priede IG (1999a) Movements of adult Atlantic salmon through a reservoir above a hydroelectric dam: Loch Faskally. J Fish Biol 54:727–740

    Google Scholar 

  • Gowans ARD, Armstrong JD, Priede IG (1999b) Movements of Atlantic salmon in relation to a hydroelectric dam and fish ladder. J Fish Biol 54:713–726

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray RH (1983) Behavioural response of fish to altered water quality: a review of selected examples with emphasis on salmonids. Environ Impact Assess Rev 4:84–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray RH (1990) Fish behaviour and environmental assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 9:53–67

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen LP, Jonsson B (1991) Evidence of a genetic component in the seasonal return pattern of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. J Fish Biol 38:251–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen LP, Jonsson B (1994) Homing of Atlantic salmon: effects of juvenile learning on transplanted post-spawners. Animl Behav 47:220–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen LP, Quinn TP (1998) The marine phase of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) life cycle, with comparisons to Pacific salmon. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 55(Suppl. 1):104–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen LP, Døving KB, Jonsson B (1987) Migration of farmed adult Atlantic salmon with and without olfactory sense, released on the Norwegian coast. J Fish Biol 30:713–721

    Google Scholar 

  • Harden Jones FR (1968) Fish migration. Edward Arnold Ltd, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasler AD (1966) Underwater guideposts; homing of salmon. University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, WI

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins AD (1989) Factors affecting the timing of entry and upstream movement of Atlantic salmon in the Aberdeenshire Dee. In: Brannon E, Jonsson B (eds) Proceedings of the salmonid migration and distribution symposium. University of Washington, Seattle, pp 101–105

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins AD, Smith GW (1986) Radio-tracking observations on Atlantic salmon ascending the Aberdeenshire Dee. Scott Fish Res Rep 36:1–24

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes FR (1953) Artificial freshets and other factors controlling the ascent and population of Atlantic salmon in the La Have river, Nova Scotia. Bull Fish Res Bd Can 99:1–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Heggberget TG, Lund RA, Ryman N, Ståhl G (1986) Growth and genetic variation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from different sections of the River Alta, North Norway. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 43:1828–1835

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heggberget TG, Hansen LP, Næsje TF (1988) Within-river spawning migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Can J Fish Aquat Sci 45:1691–1698

    Google Scholar 

  • Heggberget TG, Økland F, Ugedal O (1993a) Distribution and migratory behaviour of adult wild and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during return migration. Aquaculture 118:73–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Heggberget TG, Johnsen BO, Hindar K, Jonsson B, Hansen LP, Hvidsten NA, Jensen AJ (1993b) Interactions between wild and cultured Atlantic salmon: a review of the Norwegian experience. Fish Res 18:123–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Heggberget TG, Økland F, Ugedal O (1996) Prespawning migratory behaviour of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in a north Norwegian river. Aquacult Res 27:313–322

    Google Scholar 

  • Hellawell JM, Leatham H, Williams GI (1974) The upstream migratory behaviour of salmonids in the River Frome, Dorset. J Fish Biol 6:729–744

    Google Scholar 

  • Huntsman AG (1948) Freshets and fish. Trans Am Fish Soc 75:257–266

    Google Scholar 

  • ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) (2006) Report of the working group on North Atlantic salmon. ICES CM 2006/ACFM:23

  • Jensen AJ, Heggberget TG, Johnsen BO (1986) Upstream migration of adult Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the River Vefsna, northern Norway. J Fish Biol 29:459–465

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen AJ, Hvidsten NA, Johnsen BO (1998) Effects of temperature and flow on the upstream migration of adult Atlantic salmon in two Norwegian Rivers. In: Jungwirth M, Schmutz S, Weiss S (eds) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing New Books, Oxford, pp 45–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Jepsen N, Thorstad EB, Baras E, Koed A (2002) Surgical implantation of telemetry transmitters in fish: how much have we learned? Hydrobiologia 483:239–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Jepsen N, Nielsen EE, Deacon M (2005a) Linking individual migratory behaviour of Atlantic salmon to their genetic origin. In: Spedicato MT, Lembo G, Marmulla G (eds) Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe, Ustica, Italy, 9–13 June 2003. FAO/COISPA, Rome, pp 45–51

  • Jepsen N, Schreck C, Clements S, Thorstad EB (2005b) A brief discussion on the 2% tag/bodyweight rule of thumb. In: Spedicato MT, Lembo G, Marmulla G (eds) Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe, Ustica, Italy, 9–13 June 2003. FAO/COISPA, Rome, pp 255–260

  • Johnsen BO, Jensen AJ (1994) The spread of furunculosis in salmonids in Norwegian rivers. J Fish Biol 45:47–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnsen BO, Jensen AJ, Økland F, Lamberg A, Thorstad EB (1998) The use of radiotelemetry for identifying migratory behaviour in wild and farmed Atlantic salmon ascending the Suldalslågen river in Southern Norway. In: Jungwirth M, Schmutz S, Weiss S (eds) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing New Books, Oxford, pp 55–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Jokikokko E (2002) Migration of wild and reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the river Simojoki, northern Finland. Fish Res 58:15–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N (1991) Influence of water flow, water temperature and light on fish migration in rivers. Nordic J Freshw Res 66:20–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson B, Jonsson N, Hansen LP (1990) Does juvenile experience affect migration and spawning of adult Atlantic salmon? Behav Ecol Sociobiol 26:225–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson B, Jonsson N, Hansen LP (1991a) Differences in life history and migratory behaviour between wild and hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon in nature. Aquaculture 98:69–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N, Hansen LP, Jonsson B (1991b) Variation in age, size and repeat spawning of adult Atlantic salmon in relation to river discharge. J Anim Ecol 60:937–947

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N, Jonsson B, Hansen LP (1991c) Energetic cost of spawning in male and female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). J Fish Biol 39:739–744

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N, Hansen LP, Jonsson B (1994) Juvenile experience influences timing of adult river ascent in Atlantic salmon. Anim Behav 48:740–742

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N, Jonsson B, Hansen LP (1997) Changes in proximate composition and estimates of energetic costs during upstream migration and spawning in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. J Anim Ecol 66:425–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Kacem A, Meunier FJ (2003) Halastatic demineralization in the vertebrae of Atlantic salmon, during their spawning migration. J Fish Biol 63:1122–1130

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadri S, Metcalfe NB, Huntingford FA, Thorpe JE (1995) What controls the onset of anorexia in maturing adult female Atlantic salmon? Funct Ecol 9:790–797

    Google Scholar 

  • Karlsson L, Karlström Ö (1994) The Baltic salmon (Salmo salar L.): its history, present situation and future. Dana 10:61–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Karppinen P, Mäkinen TS, Erkinaro J, Kostin VV, Sadkovskij RV, Laupandin AI, Kaukoranta M (2002) Migratory and route-seeking behaviour of ascending Atlantic salmon in the regulated River Tuloma. Hydrobiologia 483:23–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Karppinen P, Erkinaro J, Niemelä E, Moen K, Økland F (2004) Return migration of one-sea-winter Atlantic salmon in the River Tana. J Fish Biol 64:1179–1192

    Google Scholar 

  • Klemetsen A, Amundsen P-A, Dempson JB, Jonsson B, Jonsson N, O’Connell MF, Mortensen E (2003) Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L., brown trout Salmo trutta L. and Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.): a review of aspects of their life histories. Ecol Freshw Fish 12:1–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristinsson B, Alexandersdóttir M (1978) Design and calibration of a salmon counter. J Agr Res Icel 10:57–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Laine A, Jokivirta T, Katapodis C (2002) Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and sea trout, Salmo trutta L., passage in a regulated northern river - fishway efficiency, fish entrance and environmental factors. Fish Manage Ecol 9:65–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M (1998) Upstream and downstream fish passage experience in France. In: Jungwirth M, Schmutz S, Weiss S (eds) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing New Books, Oxford, pp 127–145

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M, Chanseau M, Bau F, Croze O (2005) The use of radio telemetry for optimizing fish passage design. In: Spedicato MT, Lembo G, Marmulla G (eds) Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe, Ustica, Italy, 9–13 June 2003. FAO/COISPA, Rome, pp 53–60

  • Laughton R (1989) The movements of adult salmon within the River Spey. Scott Fish Res Rep 41:1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Laughton R (1991) The movements of adult Atlantic salmon in the River Spey as determined by radio telemetry during 1988 and 1989. Scott Fish Res Rep 50:1–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Laughton R, Smith GW (1992) The relationship between date of river entry and the estimated spawning position of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in two major Scottish east coast rivers. In: Priede IG, Swift SM (eds) Wildlife telemetry: remote monitoring and tracking of animals. Ellis Horwood Ltd, New York, pp 423–433

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas M, Baras E (2001) Migration of freshwater fishes. Blackwell Science, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundqvist H, Rivinoja P, Leonardsson K, McKinnell S (2007) Upstream passage problems for wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in a flow controlled river and its effect on the population. Hydrobiologia (in press)

  • Lysenko LF (1997) On the population structure of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in the Varzuga River (Kola Peninsula). J Ichthyol 4:475–481

    Google Scholar 

  • Mäkinen TS, Niemelä E, Moen K, Lindström R (2000) Behaviour of gill-net and rod-captured Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) during upstream migration and following radio tagging. Fish Res 45:117–127

    Google Scholar 

  • McGinnity P, Stone C, Taggart JB, Cooke D, Cotter D, Hynes R, McCamley C, Cross T, Ferguson A (1997) Genetic impact of escaped farmed salmon (Salmo salar L.) on native populations: use of DNA profiling to assess freshwater performance of wild, farmed, and hybrid progeny in a natural river environment. ICES J Mar Sci 54:998–1008

    Google Scholar 

  • McGinnity P, Prodöhl P, Ferguson A, Hynes R, Ó Maoiléidigh N, Baker N, Cotter D, O’Hea B, Cooke D, Rogan G, Taggart J, Cross T (2003) Fitness reduction and potential extinction of wild populations of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, as a result of interactions with escaped farm salmon. Proc R Soc Lond B 270:2443–2450

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinnell S, Lundqvist H, Johansson H (1994) Biological characteristics of the upstream migration of naturally and hatchery-reared Baltic salmon, Salmo salar L. Aquacult Fish Manage 25(Suppl. 2):45–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills D (1991) Ecology and management of Atlantic salmon. Chapman and Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Naylor R, Hindar K, Fleming IA, Goldburg R, Williams S, Volpe J, Whoriskey F, Eagle J, Kelso D, Mangel M (2005) Fugitive salmon: assessing the risks of escaped fish from net-pen aquaculture. BioScience 55:427–437

    Google Scholar 

  • Northcote TG (1984) Mechanisms of fish migration in rivers. In: McCleave JD, Arnold GP, Dodson JJ, Neill WH (eds) Mechanisms of migration in fishes. Plenum, New York, pp 317–355

    Google Scholar 

  • Northcote TG (1998) Migratory behaviour of fish and its significance to movement through riverine fish passage facilities. In: Jungwirth M, Schmutz S, Weiss S (eds) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing New Books, Oxford, pp 1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • NRC (National Research Council) (2004) Atlantic salmon in maine. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Økland F, Heggberget TG, Jonsson B (1995) Migratory behaviour of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) during spawning. J Fish Biol 46:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Økland F, McKinley RS, Finstad B, Thorstad EB, Booth RK (1997) Radio transmitted electromyogram (EMG) signals as indicators of physical activity in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). J Fish Biol 51:476–488

    Google Scholar 

  • Økland F, Erkinaro J, Moen K, Niemelä E, Fiske P, McKinley RS, Thorstad EB (2001) Return migration of Atlantic salmon in the River Tana: phases of migratory behaviour. J Fish Biol 59:862–874

    Google Scholar 

  • Ostrom CW (1990) Time series analysis regression techniques. Sage University Paper Series on Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences, 07-009. Sage, London

  • Ovidio M, Philippart J-C (2002) The impact of small physical obstacles on upstream movements of six species of fish. Hydrobiologia 483:55–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Parrish DL, Behnke RJ, Gephard SR, McCormick S, Reeves GH (1998) Why aren’t there more Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)? Can J Fish Aquat Sci 55(Suppl. 1):281–287

    Google Scholar 

  • Persson P, Sundell K, Björnsson BT, Lundqvist H (1998) Calcium metabolism and osmoregulation during sexual maturation of river running Atlantic salmon. J Fish Biol 52:334–349

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Potter ECE, Russell IC (1994) Comparison of the distribution and homing of hatchery-reared and wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., from north-east England. Aquacult Fish Manage 25(Suppl. 2):31–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Power G (1981) Stock characteristics and catches of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador in relation to environmental variables. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 38:1601–1611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Power JH, McCleave JD (1980) Riverine movements of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) upon return as adults. Env Biol Fish 5:3–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Primmer CR, Veselov AJ, Zubchenko A, Poututkin A, Bakhmet I, Koskinen MT (2006) Isolation by distance within a river system: genetic population structuring of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, in tributaries of the Varzuga River in northwest Russia. Mol Ecol 15:653–666

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivinoja P, McKinnell S, Lundqvist H (2001) Hindrances to upstream migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in a northern Swedish river caused by a hydroelectric power-station. Reg Riv Res Mgmt 17:101–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivinoja P, Leonardsson K, Lundqvist H (2006) Migration success and migration time of gastrically radio-tagged v. PIT-tagged adult Atlantic salmon. J Fish Biol 69:304–311

    Google Scholar 

  • Roberge C, Einum S, Guderly H, Bernatchez L (2006) Rapid parallel evolutionary changes of gene transcription profiles in farmed Atlantic salmon. Mol Ecol 15:9–20

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saunders RL (1967) Seasonal pattern of return of Atlantic salmon in the Northwest Miramichi River, New Brunswick. J Fish Res Bd Can 24:21–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Saunders RL, Sprague JB (1967) Effects of coppper-zink mining pollution on a spawning migration of Atlantic salmon. Wat Res 1:419–432

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schreck CB, Olla BL, Davis MW (1997) Behavioural responses to stress. In: Iwama GK, Pickering AD, Sumpter JP, Schreck CB (eds) Fish stress and health in aquaculture. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 145–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Scruton DA, Booth RK, Pennell CJ, Cubitt F, McKinley RS, Clarke KD (2007) Conventional and EMG telemetry studies of upstream migration and tailrace attraction of adult Atlantic salmon at a hydroelectric installation on the Exploits River, Newfoundland, Canada. Hydrobiologia 582:67–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Skogheim OK, Rosseland BO, Sevaldrud IH (1984) Deaths of spawners of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in River Ogna, SW Norway, caused by acidified aluminium-reach water. Rep Inst Freshw Res Drottningholm 61:195–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith GW, Smith IP, Armstrong SM (1994) The relationship between river flow and entry to the Aberdeenshire Dee by returning adult Atlantic salmon. J Fish Biol 45:953–960

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith IP, Johnstone ADF, Smith GW (1997) Upstream migration of adult Atlantic salmon past a fish counter weir in the Aberdeenshire Dee, Scotland. J Fish Biol 51:266–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith GW, Campbell RNB, MacLaine JS (1998) Regurgitation rates of intragastric transmitters by adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) during riverine migration. Hydrobiologia 371/372:117–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon DJ, Sambrook HT (2004) Effects of hot dry summers on the loss of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from estuaries in South West England. Fish Manage Ecol 11:353–363

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon DJ, Sambrook HT, Broad KJ (1999) Salmon migration and river flow. Results of tracking radio tagged salmon in six rivers in South West England. Res Dev Publ 4:1–110 (Environment Agency, Bristol)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stabell OB (1984) Homing and olfaction in salmonids: a critical review with special reference to the Atlantic salmon. Biol Rev 59:333–388

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stuart TA (1962) The leaping behaviour of salmon and trout at falls and obstructions. Freshw Salmon Fish Res 28:1–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Summers DW (1996) Differences in the time of river entry of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., spawning in different parts of the River North Esk. Fish Manage Ecol 3:209–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor EB (1991) A review of local adaptation in Salmonidae, with particular reference to Pacific and Atlantic salmon. Aquaculture 98:185–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Heggberget TG (1998) Migration of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar); the effects of artificial freshets. Hydrobiologia 371/372:339–346

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Finstad B, McKinley RS, Økland F, Booth RK (1997) Endurance of farmed and sea-ranched Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) at spawning. Aquacult Res 28:635–640

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Heggberget TG, Økland F (1998) Migratory behaviour of adult wild and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., before, during and after spawning in a Norwegian river. Aquacult Res 29:419–428

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Økland F, Finstad B (2000a) Effects of telemetry transmitters on swimming performance of adult Atlantic salmon. J Fish Biol 57:531–535

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Økland F, Koed A, McKinley RS (2000b) Radio-transmitted electromyogram signals as indicators of swimming speed in lake trout and brown trout. J Fish Biol 57:547–561

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Økland F, Rowsell D, McKinley RS (2000c) A new system for automatic recording of fish tagged with coded acoustic transmitters. Fish Manage Ecol 7:281–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Økland F, Heggberget TG (2001) Are long term negative effects from external tags underestimated? - Fouling of an externally attached telemetry transmitter. J Fish Biol 59:1092–1094

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Næsje TF, Fiske P, Finstad B (2003a) Effects of catch and release on Atlantic salmon in the River Alta, northern Norway. Fish Res 60:293–307

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Økland F, Kroglund F, Jepsen N (2003b) Upstream migration of Atlantic salmon at a power station on the River Nidelva, Southern Norway. Fish Manage Ecol 10:139–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Forseth T, Aasestad I, Økland F, Johnsen BO (2005a) In situ avoidance response of adult Atlantic salmon to waste from the wood pulp industry. Water, Air Soil Pollut 165:187–194

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thorstad EB, Fiske P, Aarestrup K, Hvidsten NA, Hårsaker K, Heggberget TG, Økland F (2005b) Upstream migration of Atlantic salmon in three regulated rivers. In: Spedicato MT, Lembo G, Marmulla G (eds) Aquatic telemetry: advances and applications. Proceedings of the Fifth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe, Ustica, Italy, 9–13 June 2003. FAO/COISPA, Rome, pp 111–121

  • Thorstad EB, Næsje TF, Leinan I (2007) Long-term effects of catch-and-release angling on Atlantic salmon during different stages of return migration. Fish Res 85:330–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Trépanier S, Rodríguez MA, Magnan P (1996) Spawning migrations in landlocked Atlantic salmon: time series modelling of river discharge and water temperature effects. J Fish Biol 48:925–936

    Google Scholar 

  • Tufts BL, Davidson K, Bielak AT (2000) Biological implications of “catch and release” angling of Atlantic salmon. In: Whoriskey FG, Whelan KE (eds) Managing wild Atlantic salmon. Atlantic Salmon Federation, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, pp 195–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Verspoor E, Beardmore JA, Consuegra S, García de Leániz C, Hindar K, Jordan WC, Koljonen M-L, Mahkrov AA, Paaver T, Sánchez JA, Skaala Ø, Titov S, Cross TF (2005) Population structure in the Atlantic salmon: insights from 40 years of research into genetic protein variation. J Fish Biol 67(Suppl. A):3–54

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Videler JJ, Wardle CS (1991) Fish swimming stride by stride: speed limits and endurance. Rev Fish Biol Fish 1:23–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb J (1989) The movements of adult Atlantic salmon in the River Tay. Scott Fish Res Rep 44:1–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb J (1990) The behaviour of adult Atlantic salmon ascending the Tivers tay and Tummel to Pitlochry dam. Scott Fish Res Rep 48:1–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb JH (1998) Catch and release: the survival and behaviour of Atlantic salmon angled and returned to the Aberdeenshire Dee, in spring and early summer. Scott Fish Res Rep 62:1–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb J, Hawkins AD (1989) The movements and spawning behaviour of adult Atlantic salmon in the Girnock Burn, a tributary of the Aberdeenshire Dee, 1986. Scott Fish Res Rep 40:1–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb JH, McLay HA (1996) Variation in the timing of spawning of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and its relationship to temperature in the Aberdeenshire Dee, Scotland. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 53:2739–2744

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb JH, Hay DW, Cunningham PD, Youngson AF (1991) The spawning behaviour of escaped farmed and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in a northern Scottish river. Aquaculture 98:97–110

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb JH, McLaren IS, Donaghy MJ, Youngson AF (1993a) Spawning of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the second year after their escape. Aquacult Fish Manage 24:663–670

    Google Scholar 

  • Webb JH, Youngson AF, Thompson CE, Hay DW, Donaghy MJ, McLaren IS (1993b) Spawning of escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in western and northern Scottish rivers: egg deposition by females. Aquacult Fish Manage 24:663–670

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedemeyer GA, McLeay DJ (1981) Measuring tolerance to stressors. In: Pickering AD (ed) Stress and fish. Academic Press, London and New York, pp 247–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Weir LK, Hutchings JA, Fleming IA, Einum S (2004) Dominance relationships and behavioural correlates of individual spawning success in farmed and wild male Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. J Anim Ecol 73:1069–1079

    Google Scholar 

  • Whoriskey FG, Carr JW (2001) Returns of transplanted adult, escaped, cultured Atlantic salmon to the Magaguadavic River, New Brunswick. ICES J Mar Sci 58:504–509

    Google Scholar 

  • Whoriskey FG, Prusov S, Crabbe S (2000) Evaluation of the effects of catch-and-release angling on the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) of the Ponoi River, Kola Peninsula, Russian Federation. Ecol Freshw Fish 9:118–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Witten P-E, Hall BK (2002) Differentiation and growth of kype skeletal tissues in anadromous male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Int J Dev Biol 46:719–730

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ytrestøyl T, Finstad B, McKinley RS (2001) Swimming performance and blood chemistry in Atlantic salmon spawners exposed to acid river water with elevated aluminium concentrations. J Fish Biol 58:1025–1038

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and the Danish Institute of Fisheries Research (DFU), Department of Inland Fisheries, Silkeborg, are thanked for providing financial support. We would like to thank Odd Terje Sandlund for reading through and commenting on an earlier version of the manuscript. We would also like to thank Fred Whoriskey and an anonymous reviewer for constructive comments and suggestions that helped improving the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Tungasletta 2, 7485, Trondheim, Norway

    Eva B. Thorstad, Finn Økland & Tor G. Heggberget

  2. Department of Inland Fisheries, Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, Vejlsøvej 39, 8600, Silkeborg, Denmark

    Kim Aarestrup

Authors
  1. Eva B. Thorstad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Finn Økland
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kim Aarestrup
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tor G. Heggberget
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eva B. Thorstad.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Thorstad, E.B., Økland, F., Aarestrup, K. et al. Factors affecting the within-river spawning migration of Atlantic salmon, with emphasis on human impacts. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 18, 345–371 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-007-9076-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-007-9076-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation