Effects of hot dry summers on the loss of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from estuaries in South West England

Salmon, Salmo salar L., were radio tagged in four estuaries in South West England. At medium to high summer flows, most salmon entering the river did so within 10 days of tagging. Lower flows were associated with an increased tendency for fish to remain in tidal water for a protracted period, and for those delayed fish to fail to enter the river. The delay was correlated with low freshwater flow, but it was concluded that high water temperature, and in some situations low dissolved oxygen, were likely to be the major influences. The causes of failure to enter the river by the delayed fish include lethally low levels of oxygen in some situations, but a major factor may be missed physiological opportunity. Implications in terms of water resource management, fisheries management and climate change are discussed.