Honours Theses

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Reproductive success of inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to modified feeding regimes
(University of New Brunswick, 2024-03) Armstrong, Kristin; Samways, Kurt M.
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are widely considered to be at-risk across much of their natural distribution. Reproductive success was investigated for inner Bay of Fundy (iBoF) Atlantic salmon reared from smolt to one sea winter maturity under various feeding regimes. The experiment measured fecundity, egg weight and diameter, and survival to the eyed-stage of development from 13 females and across 39 unique crosses. Fecundity and egg metrics (i.e., egg weight and diameter) did not vary significantly across feeding treatments, however egg mortality was significantly higher in the commercial-style feeding control group (SS4) than any experimental, food-limiting treatment group. Females of treatment group SS5, which experienced the second-most food limitation, produced the greatest number of eggs per centimeter fork length, as well as the lowest mortality rates. The results of this study suggest feeding limitation influences reproductive success in iBoF salmon and inform conservation strategies for the recovery of this species.