The Provincial Government has completed a comprehensive three-year study into the effects of hook and release angling of Atlantic salmon that provides specific recommendations for anglers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Results of the study were presented at the Annual Inland Compliance and Resource Management Atlantic Salmon Workshop today by officials with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

The study measured Atlantic salmon survival after hook and release and tracked many of the factors that affect survival, such as water temperature and release technique. It took place at Western Arm Brook on the Northern Peninsula and is the most extensive review of the effects of hook and release angling on Atlantic salmon that has been conducted to date. Research was carried out by biologists with the department’s Wildlife Division, with in-kind support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Three important recommendations from the report for anglers are:

• Do not practice intentional hook and release in water temperatures over 18 degrees Celsius;
• Do not remove the salmon from the water;
• Do not touch or handle the salmon unless absolutely necessary (use bare wet hands if needed).

A short summary of the study and the complete scientific report is available on the department’s website. The full version of the study has also been submitted for peer review and publication in a scientific journal.

Department officials have recorded two videos to share the results of the study. One video provides details on how the study was completed as well as the results, and the other focusses on recommended hook and release practices.

A follow-up study will be undertaken in 2022 and will focus on determining whether hook and release angling had effects on the movement and spawning of Atlantic salmon in Western Arm Brook.

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“Supporting the sustainable management of our inland fish resources is a priority for this government.  Studies conducted by our professional team of researchers is a critical component of our efforts to maintain healthy Atlantic salmon populations for current and future generations of anglers. I look forward to seeing the results of further studies that are helping to improve our knowledge and understanding of salmon behavior.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon Hook and Release Study: Summary

Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Salmon Hook and Release Study: Full Report

Video #1: Hook and Release Study Results

Video #2: Hook and Release Best Practice

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca