Molecular Analysis of the Accuracy of Phenotypic Sex Assessment by Anglers in Norwegian Atlantic Salmon Fisheries

ABSTRACT

A management regulation applied in some recreational Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fisheries is a moratorium on harvest of female fish, which can only be effective if recreational anglers can consistently discriminate females from males. We used molecular methods to compare angler‐reported sexes of salmon captured in Norwegian populations with the true sexes of the same individuals. We made this comparison (i) among rivers that were subject to female no‐take policies or not within the same year; and (ii) within rivers before and after a female no‐take regulation was instituted. Sex was misclassified for ca. 25% of salmon that were true females, especially those that were large or captured early in the season. Furthermore, true females were misclassified more often when a female no‐take regulation was in effect. We conclude that a management regulation aimed at protecting female salmon in recreational fisheries may be less effective than expected.