Diel and seasonal variations in brown trout (Salmo trutta) feeding patterns and relationship with invertebrate drift under natural and hydropeaking conditions in a mountain stream

The abundance of prey ingested by brown trout (Salmo trutta) were compared with the abundance of drifting invertebrates in a mountain stream managed by hydropeaking, upstream (site A) and downstream (site B) of a hydroelectric power plant. During power generation, flow and temperature were the two main environmental factors modified. The natural flow in the river below the outlet may be enhanced several times a day from 1 to 11 m³.s^–1 in summer and winter, and from 5 to 15 m³.s^–1 during spring spates. During hydropeaking, the water was cooled by an average of 6 °C in summer and warmed by an average of 2 °C in winter. Overall drift density was higher at site B than at site A. There was a clear diel pattern of drift at site A, with low drift density during the day and high drift density at night, whereas no clear diel pattern was observed at site B. Below the plant, at site B, drift pattern appeared to be influenced most by hydropeaking. The flushing action of peaking flows caused a catastrophic drift, which was highest in autumn when the difference between natural and peak flows was greatest. Juvenile trout were adversely affected by hydropeaking conditions and subsequently their density and biomass were reduced by 30% from site A to site B, whereas no significant difference was noticed for adults. Gut contents analysis showed that brown trout chiefly fed on the most available prey items at both sites. Fish did not seem to feed in response to diel drift patterns above the plant, whereas they chiefly used drift pulses generated by peaking flows below the outlet. Under natural conditions, fullness indices increased from autumn to summer, suggesting they may be related to prey availability and changes in water temperature. In the regulated section, fullness indices were the lowest in spring, i.e. the season when peak flows added to snowmelt floods, suggesting a prominent role of high current velocities through habitat suitability, position maintenance, and ability to capture preys. Although hydropeaking is known to disturb trout population dynamics in this and other rivers, this kind of river regulation (natural discharge except during periods of power generation, and intermittent hydropeaking from a separate reservoir) allowed the maintain of brown trout below the outlet, probably because the river returned to natural conditions when the plant was inoperative, and because daily artificial fluctuations in flow and temperature remained within the limits of natural seasonal variations.     

A test of the cumulative effect of river weirs on downstream migration success,speed and mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts: An empirical study

This study investigated the cumulative impact of weirs on the downstream migration of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in the River Foyle, Northern Ireland. In spring of 2013 fish were released in two tributaries of similar length; one tributary (impacted) had seven low‐head weirs along the migration pathway and the other was devoid of such structures (un‐impacted). Salmon smolts fitted with acoustic transmitters were monitored via a passive acoustic telemetry array during downstream migration. In 2014 the study was repeated only in the impacted tributary. Overall freshwater survival rates were high (>94%). There was no significant difference in mortality, movement pattern, delay or travel speeds between rivers or between years at any phase of migration. Escapement of salmon smolts through Lough Foyle (a marine sea lough) to the open ocean was low, approximately 18% in each year. Escapement did not differ between impacted and un‐impacted rivers. This study showed no postpassage effects of weirs on mortality, migration speed or escapement of downstream migrating smolts. This suggests that the elevated mortality at low‐head obstacles described in other studies is not inevitable in all river systems. Migration through rivers with natural riffle‐pool migration may result in similar effects as those from low‐head weirs. Causes of apparent high mortality in the early part of marine migration in this study, are unknown; however similar studies have highlighted the impact of fish predators on smolts.     

Effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition and hydropeaking on growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The effects of hydropeaking and intra‐ and interspecific competition on the growth performance (growth in length, mass and lipid content) of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta were studied in six experimental channels (three experiencing hydropeaking and three controls with a stable discharge of water). Changes in the water‐covered area in the hydropeaking channels were small to avoid fish stranding. Each channel was divided into three similar‐sized sections and stocked with either low or high density of Atlantic salmon, or a mix of Atlantic salmon and brown trout, with the density of the latter equalling the high‐density treatment of Atlantic salmon. A marked effect of competition was visible as salmon in the low‐density treatment were significantly larger (27–33%) and had a higher mass (30–38%) than salmon in both the high‐density salmon treatment and the high‐density salmon and trout treatment. Hydropeaking had only minor and insignificant effects on the growth performance: overall final length, mass and body lipid content in the salmon experiencing hydropeaking differed by ?9%, ?7% and +2% compared with controls. Furthermore, there was no indication that the competitive regime influenced hydropeaking effects. The increase in both intra‐ and interspecific competition among the juvenile salmon had a pronounced and significant effect on growth. Our study adds to the growing evidence that energetic consequences of hydropeaking are likely to be small for Atlantic salmon and that stress and mortality associated with stranding represent the main source of population impact.     

Variation of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) body composition along sedimentary links*

Johnston P, Bergeron NE. Variation of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) body composition along sedimentary links.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 187–196. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – The objective of this study was to determine the proximate body composition of juvenile Atlantic salmon along the sequence of aquatic habitat types created by longitudinal changes in the riverbed substrate of two rivers (i.e., sedimentary links units). Interesting trends in the body composition were observed but our initial hypothesis, that fish of the upstream sections have higher energy content, was nevertheless not verified. No common longitudinal pattern was detected in the body composition (water, lipid, energy density) along the studied rivers. Trends in the body constituents were different between age‐classes and rivers, whereas they were highly variable within‐ and among‐samples. There was however a common trend in the pattern of variations, with the coefficient of variations increasing in the downstream direction for almost all constituents, age‐classes and rivers. Potential abiotic and biotic factors that might have contributed to these observations are discussed.     

Migratory behaviour of adult wild and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., before, during and after spawning in a Norwegian river

The migratory behaviour of adult wild and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., before, during after spawning in the River Namsen, Norway, was analysed using radio telemetry. The fish were caught, radio tagged and released into the fjord between 7 and 25 km from the river mouth. A significantly higher proportion of wild (74%) than farmed (43%) salmon was subsequently recorded in the river. Wild salmon (33%) were more frequently captured in the sea and in rivers than farmed salmon (14%). The migration speed from release to passing a data logger 11 km upstream from the river mouth was not significantly different between wild (20.6 km day^?1) and farmed (19.8 km day^?1) salmon. Wild salmon tagged when water flow in the river was increasing had a significantly higher migration speed than wild salmon tagged when water flow was decreasing. This was not true for farmed salmon. Farmed salmon were distributed significantly higher up the river than wild salmon during spawning, although both types of fish were found together in spawning areas. Thus, there was no geographical isolation to prevent spawning between wild and escaped farmed salmon. Farmed salmon had significantly more and longer up- and downstream movements than wild salmon during the spawning period. Unlike farmed salmon, the number of riverine movements by wild salmon increased significantly when variation in water flow increased. A smaller proportion of wild (9%) than farmed (77%) salmon survived through the winter after spawning.     

Impact of river regulation and hydropeaking on the growth,condition and field metabolism of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is an important fish species in Ontario, Canada, supporting recreational fisheries that contribute significantly to local economies. Hydroelectric dams disrupt the river continuum, altering downstream conditions and impacting riverine fish populations. Specifically, Brook Trout activity has been found to increase during hydropeaking periods, when dam operators rapidly increase river discharge to meet electricity demands. Higher energetic outputs driven by hydropeaking may decrease the energy available to allocate towards fish growth and condition, negatively impacting Brook Trout. We investigated the impact of two different hydropeaking regimes on resident Brook Trout populations downstream from a 15‐MW dam used for hydropeaking, compared to a population in a nearby naturally flowing river. Length‐at‐age as determined by otolith back‐calculations was higher in the regulated river relative to the naturally flowing river. Muscle tissue caloric content and weight–length relationships did not differ between rivers. Field metabolism, as inferred from fish otolith δ¹³C values, was higher in the regulated river relative to the naturally flowing river and was significantly positively related to time spent hydropeaking. Higher metabolic outputs in the regulated river were likely offset by an increased food supply, allowing for higher Brook Trout length‐at‐age. The opposing and complicated impacts of river regulation on Brook Trout highlight the need for studies to consider multiple indicators of fish health when characterising the response of fish populations to river regulation.     

Hydropower operations in groundwater‐influenced rivers: implications for Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar,early life stage development and survival

During their early life stages (egg maturation, hatching, alevin development), between late autumn and early spring, young Atlantic salmon are exposed to surface‐groundwater interactions in the hyporheic zone and may depend on influx of subsurface water during periods of regulated low discharge for survival. Two studies, one in a seasonally regulated river and one in a river exposed to hydropeaking, displayed unexpectedly high survival of eggs in surface de‐watered areas because of the influx of oxygen‐rich subsurface water. Field observations of newly hatched alevins in these two rivers showed them to be more sensitive (i.e. suffered higher mortality from) to surface de‐watering than were eggs. Exposure to dry conditions in drawdown areas was highlighted as the main cause for alevin mortality. Therefore, shorter periods of surface de‐watering in the river with hydropeaking resulted in higher alevin survival than the seasonally regulated river when still permanently drained after egg hatching. Greater consideration should be given to all early life‐history stages when implementing discharge release strategies, and the extent of groundwater influence and the potential for flexible hydropower operations should be taken into account.     

Effect of smolt age on migratory behaviour of Baltic salmon, Salmo salar L., transplanted to the east Atlantic

Abstract. This paper describes tests which were made to determine if smolt age at release influences the migratory pattern of three different stocks of salmon, Salmo salar L. The fish were hatchery-reared and released in two different rivers, the River Imsa and the River Akerselv. Based on the tag returns we found that Baltic salmon from the River Neva, USSR differed in migratory pattern from two Norwegian stocks from the River Lone and the River Imsa. A large proportion of the 2+ River Neva smolts stayed in the fjord during the summer and autumn after release. On the other hand, 2+ smolts of the Norwegian stocks left the fjord and migrated to the feeding areas in the Norwegian Sea within a short time after release. The 1+ smolts of all stocks showed the same migratory pattern as the 2+ smolts of Norwegian origin. We propose that the observed differences in migratory pattern are influenced by the developmental rate of the smolts. The effect of developmental rate on the migration may differ among stocks. Our results show that it is possible to develop a fjord fishery by releases of 2+ smolts of Neva salmon. However, such releases must be carried out with the utmost caution, preferably in fjords with no salmon rivers, so that the possibility of gene flow between populations is minimized.     

The role of river flow in the migration of adult Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar,through estuaries and rivers

An assumption of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., management is that river flow influences their upstream migration; but the quantitative relationships between flow and movements are variable and inconsistent. A consensus has emerged that standard rules on salmon flow needs for water management across all rivers are unattainable. However, this does not preclude an underlying conceptual framework that should guide a consistent scientific basis to flow management for protecting salmon. This article examines the potential for a conceptual framework from a British Isles perspective, assuming that upstream migration is an emergent property from selection to optimise lifetime fitness. The template for this adaptation is the diversity of river types and hydro‐morphology in British rivers coupled with life‐history and migration adaptations that may be influenced by flow‐related factors. Models of adult salmon migration through estuaries and rivers are outlined that may provide a basis for developing generic guidance.     

Reservoir entrapment and dam passage mortality of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Willamette River

Abstract – High‐head dams in Oregon’s Willamette River basin inhibit seaward migration and present significant mortality risks to ESA‐listed juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Over 7 years, we passively collected 13,365 downstream‐migrating juvenile salmon in rivers above and below Willamette dams. Most salmon emigrated from upstream sites in February–June, but passed dams in November–February when reservoirs were drawn down near annual lows, and access to deep‐water passage routes improved. Samples collected above reservoirs were dominated by subyearlings, whereas below‐dam samples were a phenotypically diverse mix of subyearling, yearling and older salmon. The life history data indicated that Willamette reservoirs seasonally entrap many salmon and some sea‐ready smolts probably residualise. Annual dam‐passage mortality estimates were 8–59% (mean = 26%). Individual salmon mortality risk increased significantly with body length and varied with reservoir elevation and discharge. Operational changes that allow timely volitional emigration and development of less hazardous passage routes would benefit this threatened population.     

Differences in longitudinal distribution patterns along a Honshu stream of brown trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo trutta</Emphasis>, white-spotted charr <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvelinus leucomaenis</Emphasis> and masu salmon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus masou</Emphasis>

Brown trout Salmo trutta were first introduced into Japan in 1892, and they currently naturally reproduce in several rivers in Honshu and Hokkaido, Japan. Although negative impacts of brown trout introductions on native salmonid fishes have been documented in some Hokkaido rivers, studies of ecological interactions between brown trout and native salmonid fishes on Honshu are limited. In this study, we describe the longitudinal distribution patterns of introduced brown trout, white-spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis and masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou in a 4 km stretch of a stream in central Honshu. Underwater observations were conducted in all pools within upstream, middle and downstream sections (190–400 m in length) of this stretch in order to estimate the densities of these species. Only white-spotted charr was observed in the upstream section, while brown trout and masu salmon were observed in the middle and downstream sections. Masu salmon densities, however, were much lower than brown trout densities. In the downstream section, white-spotted charr was absent. These results are consistent with results from previous studies of Hokkaido rivers, where it was found that white-spotted charr in low-gradient areas tend to be displaced by brown trout.     

Angling Success for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the River Wye in Relation to Effort and River Flows

Salmon catch and effort data for 1977 from ten private fisheries on the River Wye are analysed and discussed. The 555 salmon caught represent 10.7% of the total Wye rod catch and the mean angling success rate of 0.045 ± 0.022 salmon per angler-hour, equivalent to about 22 h per salmon, compares favourably with that for other rivers in Britain and Canada. Over 75% of all salmon caught were 2 sea-winter fish, the age distribution of salmon caught in the sample being similar to those for the whole river. Angling success in the upper reaches during July and August may have been reduced by limited availability affected by water temperatures too high for migration, Flows most suitable for successful angling in each fishery are compared in relation to distance from the estuary and long-term average daily flows. Salmon appeared to be caught nearer the crest of a spate in the upper compared with the lower reaches of the river and this difference is discussed.     

Marine and freshwater climatic factors affecting interannual variation in the timing of return migration to fresh water of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Interannual variation in the timing of the return migration to fresh water of adult sockeye salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, from 46 populations throughout the species North American range was examined in a broad analysis of how timing patterns are affected by marine and freshwater conditions. Migration timing data (measured at various points along the migration, including just prior to freshwater entry, just after freshwater entry, and near the spawning grounds) were examined for correlations with sea‐surface temperatures (SST) prior to migration and to freshwater temperatures and flows during migration. Following a spring–summer period with warm SST, populations from southwestern Alaska tended to return early, Fraser River populations returned late, and populations from other regions showed no consistent patterns. Similarities between interannual timing of both nearby and distant populations indicated the presence of common or coincidental influences on timing. When riverine conditions related to timing, high flows and low temperatures were associated with late migrations, low flows and high temperatures were associated with early migrations. However, even counting stations at upriver locations showed correlations with SST. Notwithstanding some inconsistencies among the many populations examined and the indirect nature of the inferences, the results supported the hypotheses that (i) interannual variations in salmon distributions at sea reflect temperature conditions, and (ii) the date when salmon initiate homeward migration is a population‐specific trait, largely unaffected by the fish's location at sea.     

Increased abundance of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in acidified Norwegian rivers after liming

The prevalence and abundance (density 100 m^?2) of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) were studied by means of electrofishing in 13 acidified rivers in Norway that had been limed to restore acceptable water quality for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Status of Atlantic salmon in these rivers varied prior to liming, from being entirely lost in six highly acidified rivers and in different stages of decline in seven less acidified rivers. Four of the rivers are heavily affected by hydropower development. The abundance and prevalence of European eel increased significantly during the study period. The best model for predicting eel abundance was that with four explanatory variables: time after liming, time after liming squared, status of salmon stocks and hydropower regulation. The eel density was expected to increase by a factor of almost 5 after 10 years of liming. The model also predicts that a river with a formerly reduced Atlantic salmon stock has a 2.8 times higher density of eel than rivers with formerly lost salmon stocks. Before liming, European eel were on average recorded at 15 and 41% of the sampling stations in rivers with formerly lost and reduced Atlantic salmon populations, respectively, increasing to 49 and 68% in individual rivers, respectively, after 10 years of liming. The recovery of European eel in these formerly acidified rivers by means of liming took place during the same period as their abundance declined in other parts of their distribution area in Norway and elsewhere in Europe.     

An additional life-history tactic of masu salmon: Migration of parr to coastal habitats

Alternative life-history tactics of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou are well documented. Subsequent to the freshwater parr stage (age ≥ 1 + years), an anadromous form migrates to the sea after smolting, while a resident form matures without seaward migration. In addition to this typical migratory dimorphism, anecdotal reports based on field observations have indicated that some underyearling masu salmon use estuarine waters. However, no empirical evidence indicates saltwater utilisation and subsequent survival in the early parr stage. Here, we used otolith microchemistry to examine whether a portion of masu salmon parr in northern Japan enters coastal habitats. The otolith Sr:Ca ratios of most juveniles collected from six rivers had consistently low values, indicating that masu salmon parr inhabiting these rivers stay only in freshwater. In contrast, in individuals from a steep-gradient river the Sr:Ca ratios increased at about a 200-µm distance from the otolith core. These results suggest that some masu salmon parr might use brackish water or sea water temporarily. In addition, three masu salmon parr were found in another steep river where a culvert located only ten metres from the river mouth completely blocked upstream migration for spawning. The Sr:Ca ratios in these fish increased at about >200 µm from the otolith core, indicating the parr had immigrated to the non-natal river from the sea. Such flexible behaviour at an early life stage may contribute to the spatial expansion of masu salmon, and the movement could moreover help to stabilise its population dynamics.     

Epidemiology of Gyrodactylus salaris (Monogenea) in the River Tornionjoki, a Baltic wild salmon river

The occurrence of Gyrodactylus salaris in the River Tornionjoki was investigated in 2000-2004. Infection of salmon parr, Salmo salar, was common in the uppermost reach of the river system but decreased downstream and was rare in the lowermost reach. This pattern was consistent across the study period regardless of varying water temperatures. The oldest age groups of parr were more often infected than younger ones throughout the river system, irrespective of their origin (wild or stocked). Parasite-free hatchery-reared 1-year-old parr became infected during their first summer in the wild. Downmigrating salmon smolts had a high prevalence of infection, but their role in the distribution of infection seemed unimportant. On grayling, Thymallus thymallus, we observed only the grayling-specific clade of Gyrodactylus. We found no indication of grayling participating in the epidemiology of infection on salmon. The salmon parr and smolt population in the Tornionjoki has been at its height during the late 1990s and 2000s. Our results indicate that G. salaris infection in this Baltic river has no devastating effects on the salmon population as it has had in salmon rivers flowing into the North Atlantic and White Sea.     

Prespawning migratory behaviour of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L, in a north Norwegian river

The migration patterns of wild and released farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were studied by radio-telemetry during migration from entering a river to after spawning. The wild salmon were caught during return migration in bagnets and the farmed salmon were produced in a near by fish farm. Both groups were tagged and released at sea near the river mouth of the River Alta, North Norway. A pronounced individual variation in migration pattern was observed. No significant differences was found between wild and farmed salmon in the distance from entering the river mouth to the place of the first stop (recorded in the same pool for 5 days or longer) and the days from entering the river mouth to arrival at the first stop. For both wild and farmed salmon, mean migration speed was 2.6 km day¹, varying from 0.4 to 11.0 km day^-1. A larger proportion of farmed salmon distributed to the upper part of the river at spawning; mean distances from the river mouth were 30.1 and 19.1 km. respectively. Farmed salmon spent a significantly longer time from entering the river to reaching the area occupied during spawning.     

Survival of migrating sea trout (Salmo trutta) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts negotiating weirs in small Danish rivers

Abstract – The survival of brown trout and Atlantic salmon smolts during passage over small weirs was estimated in two small Danish rivers during the spring of 1998. Parallel groups of smolts were released upstream and downstream of the weirs and recaptured in traps further downstream. The results showed a smolt loss varying from 18 to 71% for trout and 53% for salmon. Furthermore, the surviving smolts from the upstream groups were delayed for up to 9 days compared to downstream groups. The study demonstrated that an increased proportion of total river discharge allocated to fish passage increased the smolt survival. Losses may be because of fish penetrating grids erected at fish farm inlets, predation and delays, which may lead to desmoltification. The low survival may seriously threat both the long-term viability of wild populations of anadromous salmonids and the outcome of the intensive stocking programme in Denmark.     

Summer habitat and movements of juvenile salmonids in a coastal river of Washington State

We investigated the summer ecology of juvenile steelhead trout Onchorhynchus mykiss and Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha in the context of habitat use and movement behaviour. The study area was a 14.8 km section of the Chehalis River, Washington, and is of particular interest due to recent proposals for both a flood retention dam and restoration actions in this watershed. Ten study reaches were paired in distance upstream and downstream from a central point where a passive integrated transponder antenna array was operated between late June and September 2014. Juvenile densities for each species were associated with reach‐scale habitat and temperature characteristics. Juvenile steelhead underwent upstream and downstream movements up to 7 km, although more fish from further away moved downstream than upstream. Juvenile steelhead repeated horizontal movements throughout the study period, but daily detections were not associated with temperature or flow. The majority (81%) of steelhead movements occurred between the hours of 04:00–07:00 and 18:00–21:00. Juvenile Chinook underwent a downstream migration that was nearly complete by the end of August. Most juvenile Chinook were detected just once and movements occurred on days with warmer stream temperature and higher flows. The majority of Chinook movements occurred at night. Although juvenile salmonids are often thought to have small home ranges during summer months, our results suggest that horizontal movements may be more prevalent than previously thought. Summer habitat should be defined by a network of suitable rearing reaches with connectivity available in both upstream and downstream directions.     

Homing and straying of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar L., released in three rivers in Norway

Releases of hatchery-reared smolts of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in the Rivers Orkla, Gaula and Alta, Norway yielded large percentages of strays (194, 13.7 and 13.8% respectively), based on recaptures from anglers. Homing precision to the rivers of release was independent of the release site on the river. Distribution of recaptured adult salmon within the rivers was dependent on the release site; upstream releases yielded more upstream recaptures than did downstream releases.