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The role of river flow in the migration of adult A tlantic salmon, S almo salar , through estuaries and rivers
Author(s) -
MILNER N. J.,
SOLOMON D. J.,
SMITH G. W.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
fisheries management and ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1365-2400
pISSN - 0969-997X
DOI - 10.1111/fme.12011
Subject(s) - estuary , upstream (networking) , fish migration , flow (mathematics) , adaptation (eye) , diversity (politics) , streams , fishery , ecology , environmental science , geography , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , computer science , mathematics , sociology , geometry , neuroscience , computer network , anthropology
Abstract An assumption of Atlantic salmon, S almo 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 B ritish I sles 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.