The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) is partnering with the University of Maine (UMaine) in research which could shed light on why the number of Atlantic salmon returning to Maine has been low, despite intensive stocking and conservation efforts.
Research efforts will use computer models to simulate the factors that may affect the growth and survival of Atlantic salmon, including ocean temperature, salinity, coastal currents, predators, predatory buffers, and availability of food.
Atlantic salmon stocks of the Gulf of Maine have been on the endangered species list for nearly ten years, and the population has not shown signs of recovery.
The project is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Cooperative Institute for the North Atlantic Region.