Historic Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon

The Atlantic Salmon, silver in colour like that of our Canadian dime, is a widely appreciated fish species. They have occupied an abundant geographical range from Europe, Baltic and North America, specifically Lake Ontario. They begin their development for a range of 2-3 years in freshwater and then commence their journey to the ocean where they reside for an additional 2-3 years. When they are equipped to spawn, they make their way back to their birth river to do so and consequently, rear their offspring in this location.²   This historic population of Atlantic Salmon that used to call Lake Ontario their home, is now extinct.³ The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) have made great progress in initiating and implementing restoration programs to help bring back the Salmon. ³ Currently The Atlantic salmon are classified as a species of ‘least concern’, which posits that a species has been evaluated but doesn’t fit smoothly into a conservation category. Despite this notion, they are a crucial part of our biodiversity and as such, continued efforts to maintain steady increase of population size, following restoration efforts, is necessary, as it is estimated that a self sustaining population will not exist for an additional 10 years.³ The Atlantic salmon prefer frigid waters, and agriculture destruction removing forest cover over streams aiding in maintaining cooler water temperatures contributed to the species decline. Additionally, over-harvesting was also a major factor in their reduction. ³ Atlantic salmon are mystical creatures and have been widely engraved as a staple species emulating hope for conservation biology success across the world.

Interesting fact: The Atlantic Salmon are the best jumpers of all salmons. Watch it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIL3vwk-HP0

Sources:

¹ Endangered Populations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015, from http://www.asf.ca/endangered-populations.html

² Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015, from http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/atlantic-salmon.html

³Frequently Asked Questions | Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2015, from http://www.bringbackthesalmon.ca/?page_id=101

⁴"Fly Fishing Chile -Andes Mountains." Fly Fishing Patagonia Chile Andes for Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.

Atlantic Salmon⁴