Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

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.

Authors

Danielle M. Frechette

Julian J. Dodson

Normand E. Bergeron



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 Mar 28, 2024
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

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations