Salmon return shows survival in sea improves
BANGOR - A surge in Atlantic salmon returning to the Penobscot and other Maine rivers this year appears to be due to improved fish survival in the ocean, not changes to the state's stocking program, marine biologists said.
More than 2,100 Atlantic salmon were counted on their way upriver in the Penobscot, the largest return since 1992.
The figures were smaller on other Maine rivers, but were still higher than the five-year average. And there have been increases in salmon returning to rivers in Canada, Scotland, and Ireland, as well, said Joan Trial of Maine's Bureau of Sea-Run Fisheries and Habitat. "This year was an exceptional year. I wish we knew why," Trial told members of the state's Atlantic Salmon Commission on Thursday. 