| This thesis reviews the state of the wild populations of Atlantic salmon in Maine, and in particular their relationship to the farm-raised salmon that escape and interbreed with the wild salmon. This thesis asks whether commercial salmon farms can exist in a common time and place as wild Atlantic salmon, and if so, how?;The research revealed that conservation efforts have been so far unsuccessful in restoring a sustainable population of Atlantic salmon to the rivers of Maine and their diminished numbers put the species at a great risk to even a small influx of escaped farm salmon. Farm escapees interbreed with wild salmon, pass on their artificially selected genes, and leave subsequent generations less fit for survival in the wild.;Though commercial aquaculture is not wholly responsible for the current fragile state of salmon in Maine, the industry can take a leadership role in aiding the wild salmon's recovery. Recommendations include converting Maine's fish farms to closed-system, land-based operations, and thorough salmon habitat restoration focused on dam removal and watershed conservation. |
