North Atlantic salmon stocks

Executive Summary

 In the North Atlantic, exploitation remains low and nominal catch of Atlantic

salmon in 2008 was the second lowest in the time‐series.

 Marine survival indices remain low.

 The North American Commission 2SW stock complex is suffering reduced

reproductive capacity. Factors other than fisheries (marine mortality, fish

passage, water quality) are contributing to continued low adult abundance.

 Northern North‐East Atlantic Commission stock complexes (1SW and

MSW) are at full reproductive capacity prior to the commencement of distant

water fisheries.

 Southern North‐East Atlantic Commission stock complexes (1SW and

MSW) are at risk of suffering reduced reproductive capacity prior to the

commencement of distant water fisheries.

 There are no catch options for the fishery at the West Greenland (2009‐

2011) that would meet precautionary management objectives.

 Despite management measures aimed at reducing exploitation in recent

years there has been little improvement in the status of stocks over time.

This is mainly because of continuing poor survival in the marine environment

attributed to climate effects. Efforts continue to improve our understanding

of causal relationships contributing to marine mortality.