Effect of catch‐and‐release and temperature at release on reproductive success of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) in the Rimouski River, Québec, Canada

Abstract

Catch‐and‐release fishing is a common conservation practice in recreational fisheries for Atlantic Salmon, although the effects on the reproductive success of caught‐and‐released fish are poorly understood. Herein, we compared the relative reproductive success of caught‐and‐released to non‐caught salmon and tested the effect of temperature at release on reproductive success in the Rimouski River, Québec, Canada. At least 83% of caught‐and‐released salmon that moved upstream of a dam successfully reproduced, including fish that have been released in water above 20°C. However, the reproductive success of caught‐and‐released female salmon was only 73% of the reproductive success of non‐caught salmon. Moreover, the increasing temperature did not affect the reproductive success of released fish that entered a trap, but fish caught at warmer temperatures were less likely to enter the trap. Our findings should be useful for evaluating the risks and benefits of catch‐and‐release, and for optimising conservation practices used for the preservation of Atlantic salmon populations.

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