Effects of Carlin tagging and fin clipping on survival of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) released as smolts

During the period 1976–1979, in total 2567 wild migrating smolts of Atlantic salmon were Carlin-tagged, 2528 were adipose fin-clipped and 2309 individuals were released unmarked into the River Imsa, S.W. Norway. The smolts were caught in a permanent Wolf trap. The adult return rate to the river was highest for unmarked and lowest for Carlin-tagged fish. The main reason for this is probably a mortality of smolts due to handling, anaesthesia and tagging.