The Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are found in a variety of habitats. In the spring, warmer temperatures and abundant food attract salmon to near shore waters and even into the lower portions of rivers. Once water temperatures reach the mid-50s, Atlantics move offshore and into deeper portions of the lake. They are active predators throughout the summer, generally being found where water temperatures are 65 degrees Fahrenheit or less. In the fall, sexually mature fish move back toward shore in search of their home stream or the site where they were stocked. Atlantics feed heavily on other fish, with rainbow smelt being their preferred food. Other prey fish include alewife, cisco, or even yellow perch. If prey fish are lacking, salmon will eat insects and large zooplankton.

Salmon have a great sense of smell, hearing, and taste which helps them find food and sense danger. Salmon are also able to sense danger by feeling the waves on their body.

North America's population of large salmon is at its lowest point in history. Declining numbers and loss of whole stocks in some rivers are causing increasing concern. Habitat destruction, denial of access to spawning grounds by dams and other obstructions, overfishing (including high-seas fishing and poaching), pollution, and especially acid rain are taking their toll. Cooperation and compromise by the major groups harvesting Atlantic salmon are essential if native stocks are to be saved. Scientific research has led to the creation of artificial spawning channels which provide a significant supplement to the production of salmon from natural streams. The Atlantic Salmon Federation is the largest, most effective organization devoted to the conservation of the Atlantic salmon and its habitat. This group has been successful in reducing commercial salmon fishing and some salmon streams have reported encouraging increases in the number of returning sea run fish as a result (Scott and Crossman, 1973; Atlantic Salmon Federation, 1996). Atlantic salmon are listed as lower risk by the IUCN, and they are considered an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Other Comments

The major difference between Atlantic and Pacific salmon is that Atlantic salmon may spawn more than once while Pacific salmon die soon after one spawn. Long ago, some people made boots out of salmon skin!

The Atlantic salmon's sense of smell is 1000 times greater than that of a dog (Maynor, 1996).