DFO says half of the 14 salmon rivers assessed in Newfoundland in 2020 were in the critical zone with salmon populations in Conne River and Little River on the south coast at “near local extinction.”

Two of the three rivers assessed in Labrador were in the healthy zone while, one—Southwest Brook—is in the critical zone.

The hardest-hit area appears to be the south coast with marine survival playing a major factor in limited salmon abundance.

Factors affecting marine survival include water temperature, predation, and sea ice as well as changes in zooplankton.

DFO also identified aquaculture as a potential factor affecting marine survival on the south coast.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Salmon Advisory councils meet separately next week to discuss the findings and hear DFO’s recommendations for stock management.