Comparison of population dynamics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a small tributary of the River Scorff (Brittany, France)
Bagliniere, J-L.; Prevost, E.; Maisse, G.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 3(1): 25-34
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0906-6691
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0633.1994.tb00104.x
Accession: 008360146
The population dynamics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) were compared in a small tributary of the River Scorff (Brittany, France) from spawning time to the beginning of the third growing season. The spawning and fry emergence of the two species took place at approximately the same time. In the first autumn, the density of 0+ juveniles and settling rate from the egg stage were much higher in trout than in salmon. The emigration rate from 0+ population trout, was the result of low survival from egg to 0+ stage in autumn, combined with the small proportion of juveniles migrating after the first growing season. This was not compensated by a high number of migrants the next year. The role of physical habitat, inter- and intraspecific competition, predation and migration dependence on size and early sexual maturity is discussed. Indications are that small tributaries of the type studied are of great value for recruitment in trout but not very productive for juvenile salmon.