During the expedition, scientists not only tracked the movement of juvenile salmon, but also collected ichthyological material on salmon and particle fish species.
During the research, 81 specimens of juvenile salmon were caught in the floating fish accounting barrier; in addition, one mature Atlantic salmon was caught. The slope in 2026 was not characterized by pronounced dynamics — only on May 30-31 there was a local peak of activity.
The size and weight characteristics of the captured smolts varied in a wide range: the minimum body weight was 6.1 g, the maximum was 67 g, and the average for the entire observation period reached 26.8 g.
The expedition took place in difficult weather conditions: In the second half of May and early June, the weather turned out to be unstable, and the water temperature was unusually low for this time of year. Another notable feature was the abundance of predators in the research area: scientists caught more than 40 pike specimens. In some cases, salmon smalls were found in the predator's diet, which indirectly indicates existing threats to juvenile salmon in their natural habitat.
The data obtained will form the basis for estimating the abundance of Atlantic salmon in the region, help prepare forecast materials and develop effective measures to regulate fishing.
VNIRO Press Service
