The SALSEA Programme

Background SALSEA is an international programme of co-operative research designed to improve understanding of the migration and distribution of salmon at sea in relation to feeding opportunities and predation. It differentiates between tasks which can be achieved through enhanced co-ordination of existing ongoing research, and those involving new research for which funding is required. SALSEA was endorsed by the Board in June 2005 following peer review. Frequently asked questions about SALSEA Vision SALSEA offers a unique opportunity to increase understanding of how Atlantic salmon use the ocean; where they go; how they use ocean currents and the ocean’s food resources; and what factors influence migration and distribution at sea. Scope SALSEA contains a comprehensive mix of freshwater, estuarine, coastal and offshore elements, ensuring a thorough overview of factors which may affect the mortality of Atlantic salmon and the opportunities to counteract them. SALSEA's success will depend on initial development work (sampling gear, genetic stock identification, techniques, migration models and scale analysis techniques). SALSEA comprises four separate Work Packages: Supporting technologies Early migration through the inshore zone Investigating the distribution and migration of salmon at sea Communications View structure of SALSEA Programme... Work Package 3 involves comprehensive, multi-disciplinary post-smolt surveys in the North Atlantic and is SALSEA's main priority. View overview of the SALSEA Programme... View the full SALSEA Programme (pdf)... Progress Since the SALSEA Programme's adoption in 2004, there has been progress in implementing many of its research elements. Read More... Photos courtesy of the Marine Institute, Ireland; Atlantic Salmon Federation, Canada; Gilbert van Ryckevorsel; Dr Jens Christian Holst, Norway; Atlantic Salmon Federation & Bill Curtsing, Canada; Dr Jens Christian Holst, Norway; Mr David Reddin, Canada.