A new study published in the Nature Journal, Scientific Reports reveals the marine migration route of Atlantic salmon in the North Atlantic. Led by Arctic University of Norway, it involves co-operative research by 10 universities and institutions across Europe.
The survey required tagging 204 salmon kelts with satellite tags from seven European countries, including Ireland’s Barrow, Nore, Suir and Blackwater, and the east coast of North America, and tracked them during their oceanic migration.
Salmon travelled to oceanic fronts, but with specific patterns. Norwegian and Danish salmon migrated towards the north Atlantic between Iceland and Svalbard. In contrast, Irish salmon headed towards south and east Greenland. Despite the variation, most migrated to polar ocean frontal areas.