Monitoring temperatures of 13 salmon rivers of the North Shore

Water temperature in the rivers is an essential variable and affects Atlantic salmon behavior. The temperature has an influence on incubation, eggs hatching and juvenile growth. Optimum temperature varies between 16 and 20^oC. If temperature increases above that, individuals seek thermal refuges and are confined in these areas. Too high a temperature slows down the metabolism and weakens individuals and can cause death. Thermal data enables us to model survival chances of an individual. Innu communities observe a decreasing number of salmon and lack knowledge of their rivers. This project was motivated by that lack of information and the need to increase knowledge of the subject in communities. Thermographs, logistic support and a protocol will be transferred to Innu managers in each community to help them manage this monitoring on their own in the short term.

Contact: Soazig Le Breton, 418-962-0103 ex. 104, s.lebreton@l-amik.ca