Characterization of Atlantic salmon spawning habitat for species management and habitat restoration in the River Escoumins

The characterization of breeding areas used by spawning salmon in the river will help determine whether the quality of spawning habitat is the limiting factor of the population. The initial characterization will define the necessary criteria (current, depth, sediment size, benthic macro-invertebrate, etc…) to be used as habitat for salmon spawning in the river. All habitats that meet these criteria will be identified, characterized and mapped. The estimate of the total area and the quality of potential habitat will determine if the production capacity of the river is limited or not by breeding habitats.