Modelling the effects of currents and migratory behaviours on the dispersal of Atlantic salmon (<i>Salmo salar</i>) post-smolts in a coastal embayment

The post-smolt phase is considered a critical period for Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar). Hence, identifying migration routes used by post-smolts needed to protect the habitats they require successfully complete their life cycle. We biophysical model coupled with output from water circulation (FVCOM) simulate dispersal of in semi-enclosed bay: Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada. was run nine behaviours and six swimming speeds, then tested against acoustic telemetry data. While no modelled behaviour entirely captured observed routes, we identified some that could allow leave bay resulted predictions matched observations reasonably well (e.g., southwest, negative, or tide-varying rheotaxis). also rule out several as unlikely be this area passive dispersal, orienting based on salinity temperature, positive suitable models, approach can provide estimates essential wild post-smolts.