Although ocean conditions are known to have a direct effect on growth and survival of salmon at sea, there is less information on the effects of ocean conditions on salmon egg quality and reproductive success. To increase our understanding of the relationship between ocean conditions and egg quality at two national fish hatcheries, Abernathy physiologists are comparing the nutrient profile of coho salmon eggs to the total number of eggs produced per female as well as to the growth and development of the eggs and resulting fry. Monitoring nutrient levels in the eggs at two hatcheries over time will provide information on the extent to which a changing marine environment can impact hatchery success. Such information may be used by managers who regulate ocean fisheries for krill, herring, sardines, anchovies and other species that are prey items for salmon and other marine life as the availability of these prey items can impact reproductive success and future marine productivity.
Research