Salinity Preference: an Orientation Mechanism in Salmon Migration

Abstract

An examination of the modal salinity preferences of five Pacific salmon species showed the following pattern of temporal changes. The sequence began with a preference for fresh water, then changed gradually, in the direction of increasing seawater concentration. The terminal pattern indicated a preference for water of open ocean concentration. This temporal progression of salinity preference changes was shown to parallel closely the salinity gradients typical of river outflows through which young salmon pass on their way to the ocean. On the basis of this evidence the following orientation mechanism was proposed: that juvenile Pacific salmon are able to use estuarial salinity gradients as one of the directive cues in their seaward migration.