Evolutionary and ecological impact of the escape of farmed salmon: policy and mitigation strategies

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The proposed research aims to promote stability and future success of Canada's aquaculture industry and the persistence and health of wild salmon populations. Atlantic salmon are of considerable economic, social and environmental importance in Canada. They contribute to economies through aquaculture, recreational fisheries and tourism, and are of cultural significance and a traditional food source for First Nations people. Escapes of farm salmon, however, are both an economic loss and an environmental concern. Their effects on wild salmon populations will be a function of: (1) the presence of escapes and subsequent interbreeding (frequency and magnitude); (2) differences in traits that affect survival, competition and reproduction; (3) ability of natural systems to buffer against escapes through natural selection; and (4) our ability to mitigate impacts. To address these issues we propose four tightly-linked projects that couple ecological studies with state of the art genomic technologies. (1) We will assess factors affecting the marine survival, dispersal, and behaviour of escaped salmon at sea, as well as the environmental response to the presence of sea cage sites. This component will also explore mitigation strategies aimed at enhancing recovery of escaped farm salmon. (2) We will quantify the realized reproductive success resulting from a large escape event in 2013 and the potential viability of crosses of wild salmon with North American- and European-origin farm salmon. (3) Laboratory experiments will be undertaken to compare traits and behavioural interactions among offspring (pure and hybrid) from crosses of wild salmon with North American- and European-origin farm salmon. This project also involves a replicated experimental release of offspring of wild salmon and NA-origin farm salmon (pure and hybrid). (4) Using the findings from 1-3, we will model potential implications of various escape scenarios and explore mitigation strategies. Ultimately, our findings are designed to inform policy makers and others on conservation and aquaculture management strategies that can promote stable and persistent wild salmon populations and continued growth of the industry.