Several research institutions will collaborate to identify major factors affecting growth and survival of Norwegian Atlantic salmon at sea.
Salmon at sea. Photo: Audun H. Rikardsen
The main aim of the project is to examine factors impacting variation in marine survival of Atlantic salmon over time and in different geographical areas. Mapping the marine distribution and migration routes is also important.
Atlantic salmon is an important source of local income through fisheries, and a symbol of environmental quality and sustainability. Population sizes on both sides of the Atlantic have declined since the 1980s, both because of human impacts in rivers and coastal areas - and ecosystem effects in the ocean causing increased marine mortality. Although Atlantic salmon is a well-studied fish species, there is still lack of understanding of why the marine mortality has increased.
Collaborative project
Studying Atlantic salmon in the ocean is challenging because it is difficult to provide the technology and infrastructure necessary to follow and monitor salmon over large ocean areas. To remedy this lack of knowledge, a collaboration between several institutions and universities is initiated through this project.
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is the lead institution, with the Institute of Marne Research (IMR) and UiT The Arctic University of Norway as main partners. NORCE Norwegian Research Centre and Rådgivende Biologer are other Norwegian partners.
International partners in the projects are from Canada, England, Ireland and Scotland (CEFAS, Dalhousie University, Marine Scotland, Swansea University, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of the Highlands and Islands and University of Waterloo).
News release from the Research Council:
https://www.forskningsradet.no/prognett-miljoforsk/Nyheter/Skal_forske_pa_villaksens_liv_i_havet/1254032124109
Contact:
Eva B. Thorstad, NINA, project leader.
Vidar Wennevik, IMR
Audun Rikardsen, UiT