Follow-up of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.) fishing activity, in Portugal
Nobody knows more about fishing than a fisherman. Within SalmonLink, we distribute a logbook among anglers and professional fishermen to increase the knowledge about the state of the populations of Atlantic salmon in Portuguese rivers (Figure 1), migration timing, habitat typology, and other ecological and biological information. The follow-up of fishing activity takes place where this species occurs, namely in the rivers from the north of Portugal (Figure 2), between Douro and Minho River basins, which correspond to its south limit of global distribution.
In addition, adipose fin tissue samples are collected for genetic analysis to better understand their population structure and diversity throughout the distribution area. Fishermen are also fundamental in this task, since they are invited to participate in the collection procedure whenever they capture some salmon. The tissue sample is usually collected from the adipose fin, not requiring the specimen sacrifice.
The salmon has a large socioeconomic value, and it is considered a rare delicacy which can only be legally captured for consumption in River Minho.
Figure 1. Follow-up of fishing activity, through surveys about Atlantic salmon catches.
Figure 2. Ribeira do Abade, River Douro.
