2021 stock status update of Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

In 2021, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) began a two-year stock assessment cycle for Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region. Although management measures outlined in the 2021 and 2022 Atlantic Salmon management plans were expected to remain the same in those years, adjustments could have been warranted if there was a dramatic decline in salmon abundance (see Appendix II). The last full stock assessment for Atlantic Salmon occurred in March 2021 for 2020 returns. Atlantic Salmon returns in 2021 did not trigger a full stock assessment; therefore, the next detailed assessment for Atlantic Salmon will occur as scheduled in winter 2023 for 2022 returns. This Science Response Report (SRR) presents results from the March 1–2, 2022 Regional Science Response Process (SRP) on the Stock Status Update of Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland and Labrador with data from 2021 for Salmon Fishing Areas (SFAs) 1, 2 and 14B (Labrador) and 3 to 14A (Newfoundland) (Fig. 1). Fisheries Management will use advice from this SRP to inform the 2023 Atlantic Salmon management plan.