Wayne Baker, also known as “the Gaspereau Man,” has been monitoring gaspereau fish at the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction for over 70 years. He has observed a decline in the gaspereau population over the years. Gaspereau, a vital keystone species made up of alewives and blueback herring, play a crucial role in the local ecosystem by transporting nutrients inland from the ocean and serving as a food source for various wildlife.
Commercial fishermen primarily catch gaspereau for lobster bait due to the fish’s many small bones, making them less appealing for recreational fishing. However, Baker enjoys smoking and consuming them in unique ways. He meticulously tracks the number of gaspereau migrating upriver each season to provide insights on the population’s status to the Oromocto Watershed Association.
In recent years, changes have been implemented in the transportation of gaspereau above the Mactaquac Dam. The federal Fisheries Department ceased surplus contracts in 2020, resulting in a significant increase in the number of gaspereau successfully passing the dam for spawning. Despite the positive impact on the population, concerns remain about the absence of a fish ladder at the dam, potentially leading to casualties as the fish navigate the dam’s turbines.
Mathieu Cormier, a seasoned gaspereau fisherman, supports the removal of caps on gaspereau passage over the dam but emphasizes the need for measures to protect the downstream fish population. He advocates for the installation of a fish ladder to enhance the safe passage of gaspereau. Cormier’s fishing operation on the Oromocto River yields significant quantities of gaspereau, with a considerable portion destined for lobster bait and international food markets.
While Cormier and Baker may not always agree on fishing practices, both share a common goal of preserving the gaspereau species. Patty Savoy, working with the Oromocto First Nation, lauds the increased efforts to facilitate gaspereau migration above the dam, recognizing the species’ cultural and ecological significance to indigenous communities. Moving forward, the conservation of gaspereau remains crucial for sustaining traditional practices and biodiversity in the region.
