Understanding summertime thermal refuge use by adult Atlantic salmon using remote sensing, river temperature monitoring, and acoustic telemetry

Frechette, Danielle M.; Dugdale, Stephen J.; Dodson, Julian J.; Bergeron, Normand E.

Abstract

Adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) return to natal rivers several months before spawning and during summer can be subjected to temperatures that exceed their upper temperature tolerance limits. Salmon use thermal refuges to minimize exposure to high temperatures, but little information exists regarding behavioral thermoregulation by adult Atlantic salmon. We examined behavioral thermoregulation by Atlantic salmon during summer in-river residence in a Quebec river with a novel combination of thermal infrared remote sensing, river temperature monitoring, and acoustic telemetry. Adults engaged in behavioural thermoregulation at cooler ambient river temperatures (17–19 °C) than previously recorded for this species and maintained body temperature within a narrow range (16–20 °C) via use of cool and warm refuges. Adults used large, stable, stratified pools as refuges, allowing multiple individuals to thermoregulate simultaneously without leaving the pool. Low river discharge and high temperatures can be physical barriers to salmon migration, preventing them from accessing suitable refuges (e.g., pools). Identifying and maintaining connectivity to thermal refuges may be critical for persistence of Atlantic salmon populations as climate changes and rivers warm.

Citation

Frechette, D. M., Dugdale, S. J., Dodson, J. J., & Bergeron, N. E. (2018). Understanding summertime thermal refuge use by adult Atlantic salmon using remote sensing, river temperature monitoring, and acoustic telemetry. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 75(11), 1999-2010. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2017-0422

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 15, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Mar 26, 2018
• Publication Date: Nov 30, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 30, 2018
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Print ISSN: 0706-652X
• Electronic ISSN: 1205-7533
• Publisher: NRC Research Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 75
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1999-2010
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2017-0422
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1209118
• Publisher URL: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2017-0422#.W9g7KTGYTb0