Rapid evolution in salmon life history induced by direct and indirect effects of fishing

Understanding the drivers of evolution is a fundamental aim in biology. However, identifying the evolutionary impacts of human activities is challenging because of a lack of temporal data and limited knowledge of the genetic basis of most traits. Here, we identify the drivers of evolution toward maturity at an earlier age in Atlantic salmon through two types of fisheries-induced evolution acting in opposing directions: an indirect effect linked with harvest of a salmon prey species (capelin) at sea (selection against late maturation) and a direct effect due to net fishing in rivers (selection against early maturation). Because capelin are harvested as an aquaculture feed protein source, we hereby determine an indirect path by which salmon aquaculture may influence wild salmon populations.

Automated summary

This study identifies the drivers of evolution towards early maturation in Atlantic salmon through two types of fisheries-induced evolution (indirect and direct effects), demonstrating the potential impact of aquaculture on wild salmon populations.