The migration, survival and movements of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) kelts originating from the Miramichi River system, NB

This thesis examines the migration and survival of Miramichi River Atlantic salmon kelts within the Miramichi estuary and Atlantic Ocean, with the goals of documenting their migratory characteristics, survival and possible long term effects of catch-and-release angling. A total of 100 kelts were tagged with acoustic telemetry tags in 2008 and 2009 (50 per year) and were passively tracked through the Miramichi estuary system and Atlantic Ocean. Kelt survival to the estuary exit was high; 96% in 2008, 92% in 2009 and 94% combined. Of the kelts that survived, 11 returned as repeat spawners (seven consecutives, four alternates). They did not use the estuary as an overwintering ground after spawning. Kelts spent significantly different amounts of time in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the estuary during their exit and return. Once released, the majority of kelts spent more time between their release site and the first receiver downstream then in the remaining downstream sections of the estuary. Average speeds of travel were variable, differing between years, but speed increased as kelts progressed towards the estuary exit. Kelts entered the sea a short time after release (< 20 d). Once out of the Miramichi system, kelts were occasionally detected along the coast when leaving from and returning to the river system. Some kelts exited the Gulf of St. Lawrence via the Strait of Belle Isle (22 in 2008, 9 in 2009), over a period of 20 d in 2008 and 35 d in 2009. Speeds of travel for kelts within the Gulf of St. Lawrence varied from 10.4 km/d to 69.9 km/d. Repeat spawners that returned as consecutives in 2008 and 2009 did so between 44 and 64.8 d post sea entry. Alternates returned an average of 394.7 d post sea entry. Early stages of estuarine migration are important for early marine survival and the return of repeat spawners. Consecutive spawners may exit the Gulf to recondition. This research gives insight into the role that the early stage of estuary migration has upon the early survival and return of repeat spawners as well as into the migratory routes used and possible destinations for ocean bound kelts.