Pacific Salmon (Oncorhynchus) Migrations: Orientation versus Random Movement

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A computer simulation by Saila and Shappy (1963. J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer 28: 153–166) indicated that the migrations of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus) from high seas feeding areas to the coastal vicinity of their natal stream may be accomplished with only slight homeward orientation. Five assumptions in this important paper are here reexamined to determine the validity of the original conclusion in light of current knowledge of Pacific salmon biology. It appears that assumptions concerning swimming speed, duration of migration, and return success were incorrect. These errors resulted in substantially underestimating the extent of salmon homeward orientation. Thus, contrary to the original conclusion, any hypothesis concerning the high seas migrations of salmon must explain the strong orientation of these fishes in the open ocean.
Keywords

This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit: