Comparison of the distribution and homing of hatchery-reared and wild Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar L., from north-east England

Hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., parr and wild smolts which were microtagged and released into rivers in north-east England were recaptured by the fisheries at West Greenland, Faroes and on the Irish west coast, by the homewater net fisheries and by rod fisheries in rivers in north-east England. No significant differences were observed in the patterns of exploitation of hatchery-reared and wild fish in the distant water fisheries. The distribution of tag recoveries in coastal waters was strongly influenced by the pattern of fishing effort which was concentrated in the middle of the fishery area, but recaptures tended to be biased towards the river of release. There were significant differences in the distribution of recaptures of fish released in different rivers and between hatchery-reared and wild fish from the River Wear. There were also differences in the timing of recaptures of hatchery and wild fish from this river in the coastal net fishery. Very few fish were recaptured in rivers other than the one in which they were released, and there was no significant difference between straying rates for hatchery and wild fish. The relative numbers of recaptures in the coastal fishery and in the home river was the same for translocated hatchery fish and wild fish, thus refuting the suggestion that hatchery-reared fish have a reduced ability to home. The distribution of recaptures within fresh water provides clear evidence of tributary-specific homing of hatchery-reared fish.