Stocking history, biological characteristics, and status of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) on Prince Edward Island

This paper compiles information on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Prince Edward Island (PEI), for use in a review by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Stocking of Atlantic salmon in PEI waters began in 1880, and has continued to the present time, with some interruptions. Prior to the 1970s, most reproductive material used to stock PEI waters was of PEI origin. In the 1970s, a management objective was set to create early salmon runs by using early-run broodstock of mainland origin, or local early-run broodstock which was likely descended at least in part from mainland fish. At least 37 million salmon were released to PEI waters during 1880 to 1960. Original PEI salmon populations were dominated by fall runs of large (>63 cm fork length) fish. These run-time and size characteristics persist in salmon populations in small PEI rivers. In larger PEI rivers where stocking has been intense, early-run small (