EXTINCTION AND EXPERIENCE WITH REPATRIATION OF ATLANTIC SALMON (SALMO SALAR) IN THE RIVER ELBE BASIN (CENTRAL EUROPE)
Abstract
This study describes the extinction reasons of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the Elbe River (North Sea Basin, Central Europe). Poor water quality, river regulations and dam building are regarded to be the main causes of salmon extinction in this river.
Historical occurrence of salmon is mentioned and last specimens registered in Germany and Bohemia (Czech Republic) are documented. After a half-century of its absence in the Elbe River restoration activities were started.
Reintroduction activities are based on the international program "Lachs (Salmon) 2000", consisting of permanent releasing of fry or parr in various tributaries of the Elbe River. Experience with salmon stocking in the last decades in both of the mentioned countries are discussed.
Improving the water quality and penetration of salmon migration in the Elbe River enabled salmon to return to its spawning places, but the historic population density and self-sustaining populations are not yet reached. Nevertheless, Atlantic salmon, as a well-known flagship species, plays an important role in a complex approach to the protection of running waters with the other anadromous and catadromous fishes.