World Distribution of Atlantic Salmon, Salmo solar

Abstract

Since the mid-19th century, numerous attempts have been made to restore or enhance populations of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, within the endemic range, and to establish the species in other parts of the world. Despite all efforts, salmon have become naturalized locally only in eastern North America, Argentina, the Faeroe Islands, and New Zealand. Principal factors affecting the disappearance, restoration, or naturalization of populations are water temperature and availability of suitable spawning and nursery sites. Commercial exploitation of the species in coastal and offshore waters is viewed internationally as a factor of increased importance in the numerical regulation of river spawning runs. A further expansion of the world distribution of Atlantic salmon by naturalization seems unlikely except in areas where preliminary plantings have been made or brood stocks are presently held. Atlantic salmon produced by commercial sea farming operations in Norway, Scotland, Spain, and France are considered to be of comparable quality to fish harvested from the wild. Also, there is presently interest in the potential of sea ranching of Atlantic salmon. Key words: zoogeography, endemic range, naturalized range, artificial propagation, environmental impact, exploitation, aquaculture