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Fascinating Science
ASF Research
Releasing Atlantic salmon with satellite tag in 2012.

ASF’s actions are firmly based on scientific research and the organization continues to be a leader in unraveling the mysteries of Atlantic salmon migration and the issues affecting their restoration to abundance in both the ocean and our rivers.

From tracking smolt in rivers as they migrate towards Greenland, to monitoring the interactions of wild Atlantic salmon with farmed salmon, to providing expert advice on all issues related to Atlantic salmon, ASF works to bring science to bear on matters related to wild Atlantic salmon.

 

Among ASF's most important Research programs are


  • Tracking Atlantic salmon at sea and in rivers
  • Exploring new ways to make land-based aquaculture economic
  • Monitoring North America's Index River of Interactions between Wild and Farmed Atlantic Salmon
  • Providing expert scientific advice on dam and fish passage issues in North America

ASF's Researchers work cooperatively with a wide range of private, governmental and non-profit organizations to monitor and safeguard wild Atlantic salmon and other migratory species, the habitats on which they depend, and on the many issues affecting them related to human actions.

In 2013 ASF's at-sea reserch received from the Atlantic Salmon Conservaton Foundation support of $25,000. Read more.
About Atlantic Salmon

Overview | Life Cycle | Range | Morphology | Migration | Scales | Taxonomy | Cultural History


Atlantic salmon are incredible animals capable of great migrations, travelling between fresh and salt water, and leaping tall waterfalls when necessary. Each of the pages below details some aspect of their lives.

Overview - a general outline of Atlantic salmon biology and importance

Life Cycle - Wild Atlantic salmon have a life cycle involving an early life in fresh water and an adult life in salt water, sometimes with long migrations.

Range - The species is found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. More detail on this page

Morphology - Details of the external and internal anatomy of this sleek fish capable of great bursts of speed.

Migration - Where do Atlantic salmon go in the ocean? Some details are presented here.

Scales - The scale of the Atlantic salmon tells the story of its life. More details.

Taxonomy - How does the Atlantic salmon, or Salmo salar  fit into the animal kingdom?

Cultural History - The Atlantic salmon has been a part of human history for more than 20,000 years. This provides a few ways in which it has been important.
Latest Projects

 

Smolt Tracking


ASF pioneered the use of surgically implanted acoustic transmitters in smolt. The transmitters send an identifiable signal and receivers deployed in rivers or across ocean straits pick up the signals. ASF now has multi-year data on smolt travelling from several rivers to ocean feeding grounds. Read more 


Kelt Tracking

kelt release - Miramichi

Larger acoustic transmitters are surgically implanted and these adult salmon, returning to the sea, continue their migration back to ocean feeding areas. The larger transmitters provide both identification, and depth and temperature information. In addition satellite tags are also utilized. Read more 


Satellite Tags


In 2013,  ASF for a second year used  "pop-off" tags that are attached externally to Atlantic salmon kelts. Five months after leaving their rivers, the tags come off the salmon, rise to the surface, and detailed data is transmitted to a satellite circling the globe.



Land-based Aquaculture
In cooperation with the Freshwater Institute, ASF is pioneering new methods and economic efficiencies leading to lower costs for land-based closed-containment aquaculture. The object is to make land-based aquaculture a less harmful and cost-effective alternative to the present marine pen or "feedlot" system being practiced in coastal areas, and to reduce aquaculture's impacts on wild Atlantic salmon. Read More 


Adaptation Changes in Wild Atlantic Salmon Due to Farmed Salmon Interbreeding

A study involving ASF and other researchers has shown there is likely a loss of adaptation in wild Atlantic salmon in the Magaguadavic River in southwest New Brunswick due to interbreeding with escaped farmed Atlantic salmon.

The Abstract of the study in Heredity Journal, (2011) 106, 500-510 is available here

Monitoring Index River of wild/aquaculture interactions


The Magaguadavic River is monitored as the index river for interactions between farmed fish and wild populations. Click for more information. Click here for more information

 
Atlantic Salmon Federation
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