Efficiency of the Artificial Reproduction of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar, Depending on the Age of Juveniles Released to a Natural Water Body (Based on the Example of the Kola River, Kola Peninsula)

The results of a comparative analysis of the efficiency of the artificial reproduction of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) individuals released to the Kola River at ages of 3 years (1980–2002) and 1 year (2003–2017) are given. After the fish hatcheries began to release artificially reared anadromous salmon individuals at the age of 1 year, their qualitative parameters did not significantly change. The value of the commercial return became somewhat lower for the released yearlings than for the 3-year-old individuals; however, it remained satisfactorily high. It is recommended to reduce the release volume to avoid the overpopulation of juveniles; it is also suggested to evenly distribute them over the nursery grounds that are most suitable for their adaptation and select spawners for broodstock according to the historically established subpopulation structure.