Status of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) reproduction in the Zolotitsa river, Paraninsky tributary, and the adjacent Lopatka stream in Onezhskoye Pomorye National Park (White Sea drainage basin)

Abstract

The salmon spawning river Zolotitsa, its small tributary Paraninsky, and adjacent stream Lopatka were surveyed (11 sites in total) in Onezhskoye Pomorye National Park (White Sea drainage basin, joined to Kenozersky NP since 2016). The distribution of the Atlantic Salmon and conditions in its habitats were determined for the first time. The distribution densities of parr of different age categories were estimated. The average value was 59 fish/100 m2, which is above the average (50 fish/100 m2) across spawning rivers of Northwest Russia. The density of 0+ salmon varied among river sites from 13 to over 200 fish/100 m2 (August), and the rest of the population, with 25 fish/100 m2 average density in all 11 sites, was represented by older parr (1+, 2+, 3+). The biological characteristics of the river component of the Atlantic salmon population are given: ratios of different age classes, and length-weight parameters of the fish. Rapids in the river upper course were found to have a potentially insufficient juvenile salmon population. We suggest intensifying brooder protection during spawning migrations.

Keywords

• atlantic salmon
• reproduction
• parr
• rivers of the national park onezhskoye pomorye