Skin-diving Observations of Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick

Abstract

Free-living Atlantic salmon and brook trout were studied at 12 locations in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick, by swimmers wearing skin-diving equipment. Juvenile salmon were found at all locations, but were most numerous in rapids in the river headwaters. Juvenile and adult trout were common in rapids and pools of the headwaters only. Small numbers of adult salmon were seen throughout the river, mostly in pools.The following activities of both species are described: position maintenance relative to surroundings; social, feeding, escape and investigatory behaviour.The potential value of underwater swimming as a tool in fisheries research is briefly discussed.