Migration from fresh water to the marine environment is a crucial, transitional stage in the development of Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar). This study used a combination of acoustic tracking, instrument data, and hydrodynamic modelling to examine behaviour of juvenile salmon (smolts) during their transition from fresh water to the marine environment. The study focuses on a high-energy coastal environment in northern Scotland, which is currently being developed for renewable energy extraction and where there is potential for negative impacts on salmon with energy extraction devices and structures. Thirty-four smolts were captured in the River Wick in Caithness and tagged with acoustic tags transmitting at 69 kHz. The Telemac–Mascaret modelling suite was utilized to construct a three-dimensional model of the study area and surrounding waters to estimate smolt-current interactions during detection times. Timing of migration was linked to low-light conditions, with smolts mainly exiting the river at night and when the moon was below the horizon. The movement of most of the tags conformed with modelled tidal currents and the tracks matched modelled marine tidal patterns. Smolts were detected only on a single tide suggesting that they rapidly cleared the vicinity of the receiver array.

The cold icy winter climate of Kingston is dangerous for driving commuters and can be treacherous for pedestrians. To prevent slippery conditions, roads are often salted using a basic sodium chloride mixture which has been shown in many studies to be detrimental to wildlife. Generally, policy makers and governing bodies have fought harder to ensure the safety of human lives over those of plants and animals – decisions that have caused road salting to continue for many years. We believe that the harmful impacts on the environment are numerous and should no longer be overlooked by the decision makers. In response to this problem, we are confident that there are solutions that can be implemented which can protect the livelihood of humans in the winter and reduce the negative impacts that are being forced on the environment. For example, using environmentally friendly alternatives such as sand and EcoTraction may have significant impacts on the conservation of wildlife throughout Eastern Ontario.