Swimming performance, metabolic rate and recovery of adult Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) with consideration of temperature effects

The primary objective of my thesis was to define the influence of temperature on the swimming performance and metabolic rates of sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and coho (O. kisutch) salmon. I found that 53% of the variance seen in routine Mo₂ could be explained by temperature, regardless of stock. In contrast, stock-specific temperature optima existed for U_crit (critical swimming speed) and Mo _2max (oxygen consumption at U_crit), which corresponded closely to the ambient river temperature that each stock was experiencing.; The second objective was to quantify the rate of recovery and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) following exhaustion at U _crit. I observed that long-distance migratory sockeye salmon incurred a significantly larger EPOC than the other stocks tested.; The third objective was to compare the swimming performance and metabolic rates of transgenic coho salmon and ocean-ranged coho salmon. I discovered that the transgenic coho salmon tested had a 21% higher routine Mo₂, a lower U_crit and a lower Mo_2max relative to the ocean-ranched coho salmon. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...