The influence of siting and deterrence methods on seal predation at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in Maine, 2001–2003

Published source details Nelson M.L., Gilbert J.R., Kevin J. & Boyle K.J. (2006) The influence of siting and deterrence methods on seal predation at Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farms in Maine, 2001–2003. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 63, 1710-1721.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use acoustic devices at aquaculture systems Action Link
	Replace or repair damaged anti-predator nets around aquaculture systems Action Link

Use acoustic devices at aquaculture systems

A site comparison study in 2001–2003 of 27 Atlantic salmon Salmo salar farms in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Maine, USA (Nelson et al. 2006) found that using acoustic devices did not reduce numbers of fish lost or damaged due to Western Atlantic harbour seal Phoca vitulina concolor predation. Estimated numbers of fish lost or damaged due to seal predation did not differ significantly between farms that did or did not use acoustic devices (data reported as statistical model results). There was also no significant difference between farms that used acoustic devices seasonally or all year round, or those that operated them for different numbers of hours/day. Eighteen farms used acoustic devices for 8–24 h/day (12 all year round; six seasonally). Nine farms did not use acoustic devices. Farm managers were sent annual questionnaires in 2001–2003. Data were collected on methods used to deter predators and estimated numbers of fish lost or damaged due to seal predation.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)
Replace or repair damaged anti-predator nets around aquaculture systems

A site comparison study in 2001–2003 of 26 Atlantic salmon Salmo salar farms in the western North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Maine, USA (Nelson et al. 2006) found that farms that replaced anti-predator nets more frequently had fewer fish losses to Western Atlantic harbour seal Phoca vitulina concolor predation than those that replaced nets less frequently. Farms that replaced anti-predator nets more than once/year reported fewer losses of fish to seal predation than farms that replaced anti-predator nets once/year or less (data reported as statistical model results). Twenty-two farms replaced anti-predator nets more than once/year. Four farms replaced nets once/year or less. Farm managers were sent annual questionnaires in 2001–2003. Data were collected on methods used to deter predators and estimated numbers of fish lost or damaged due to seal predation.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)