A federal advisory committee has broadened its list of at-risk Atlantic salmon populations, causing concern among conservation organizations in Cape Breton. They are worried that the new status could result in the cessation of recreational fishing for this iconic species in most of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans acknowledges this possibility but emphasizes that it is not a definite outcome.
The reassessment of salmon populations, which now includes those along Nova Scotia’s entire coast and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, was disclosed during recent federal fisheries meetings with stakeholders. Rene Aucoin, president of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, expressed surprise at the updated assessment, particularly as the western Cape Breton river’s salmon population has thrived for over a decade, contradicting the endangered designation.
While acknowledging concerns about struggling salmon populations along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast, Aucoin highlighted the success of rivers on the western side of Cape Breton Island. Similarly, Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association, noted that while the Miramichi River in New Brunswick faces challenges from an increasing striped bass population, the Margaree River remains healthy.
COSEWIC, an independent advisory body, is expected to recommend whether to include the Nova Scotia and southern Gulf salmon populations in the Species at Risk Act. If enacted, this could potentially lead to restrictions on recreational angling, even catch-and-release practices. The process to list the species as endangered under federal legislation is complex and lengthy, involving input from the public, conservation groups, industry stakeholders, and Indigenous communities.
Despite the opportunity for arguments against a permanent change in salmon status, stakeholders are apprehensive about the prolonged timeline before any decision is made. DFO’s Robert Jones emphasized that any decision under the Species at Risk Act considers both scientific evidence and socio-economic factors, highlighting the importance of comprehensive recommendations.
DFO has initiated an Atlantic salmon conservation strategy and efforts to restore fish stocks. However, concerns persist regarding the strategy’s funding adequacy. COSEWIC will present its recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada, with considerations including economic impact, conservation efforts, social implications, and Indigenous perspectives in the decision-making process.
