The Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758) is a renowned sport fish as well as being important in commercial fisheries and the aquaculture industry. The value of harvested Atlantic salmon in the aquaculture industry was estimated to reach 16 million dollars by 1987 (Scott and Scott, 1988). 1n 1983 alone the value of the commercial Atlantic salmon catch reached 4.8 million dollars (Scott and Scott, 1988). The salmon of the Atlantic provinces are also caught in the Greenland commercial fishery (Reddin and Burfitt, 1980).

The recent trend of low salmon catches in the inner Bay of Fundy has caused concern, especially among sport fishermen. Several possible causes for the decline in stock levels have been put forward (Scott and Scott, 1988) and include: habitat destruction; obstructions blocking passage to spawning grounds; overfishing (local and high seas); poaching; pollution; adverse environmental conditions.

In light of all the possible causes for declines in salmon abundance, it was relevant to compile and review the available information concerning Atlantic salmon of the inner Bay of Fundy. In compliance with our technical proposal, we conducted the following review and analysis. The biology of Atlantic salmon and a description of the Bay of Fundy river salmon runs are first summarized. Mortality factors such as fishery, predation and disease operating at sea and in rivers are discussed. Important environmental conditions of the inner Bay of Fundy rivers were compared to past fluctuations in salmon abundance. Recent trends in oceanographic and estuarial conditions in the Bay of Fundy were compiled. Information on bird, fish and mammal predation were gathered. Historical and recent local high-seas commercial and sport catch were examined. The significance of by-catch in intertidal weirs, shad drift net fishery and the herring purse seine fishery was considered. Problems concerning Atlantic salmon survival including diseases (both natural and aquaculture-related), pollution sources or stream blockages and the possible effects of introduction of exotic species were researched. Finally, this information was used to prepare a list of recommendations of possible study areas in order to determine possible causes for fluctuations of salmon stocks.