Sublethal Responses of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to Suspended Sediments
Underyearling coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Fraser River suspended sediments (SS) in the laboratory. Comparisons with other rivers indicated that Fraser River sediments caused the lowest turbidity for a given SS value. Blood sugar levels (y) were elevated and directly proportional to SS exposure (x) according to y = 5.79 + 4.23(x). Published blood sugar data for adult sockeye salmon (O. nerka) exposed to Fraser River SS were in agreement with the linear relationship for underyearling coho. Cough frequency was elevated approximately eightfold over control levels at 0.24 g SS∙L−1. No increase in cough frequency was observed at 0.02 g SS∙L−1. Avoidance was defined by movement to the surface to escape higher SS at depth. Mean avoidance (y) was related to SS by y = 0.077 + 4.457(x) − 1.547(x2) + 0.202(x3). Mean avoidance was less than 5% up to the inflection point at 2.55 g SS∙L−1 but rose to approximately 25% at 7.0 g SS∙L−1. Laboratory results indicated that sublethal responses could be expected at naturally occurring SS levels in the Fraser River.