A federal advisory group has broadened its list of imperiled Atlantic salmon populations, sparking concern among conservation organizations in Cape Breton. The alteration could potentially result in the cessation of recreational fishing for this iconic East Coast species in most areas of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, although the Department of Fisheries and Oceans emphasizes that this outcome is not certain.
The revised evaluation status was disclosed during recent federal fishery meetings with stakeholders following a reevaluation by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) of salmon populations across Nova Scotia’s entire coastline and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Rene Aucoin, president of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, attended one of these meetings and expressed surprise at the change, particularly regarding the classification of western Cape Breton Island as endangered despite a decade of robust salmon populations in the region.
Aucoin highlighted the contrast between the struggling salmon populations along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast and the flourishing populations on the western side of Cape Breton. Meanwhile, Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association, echoed Aucoin’s sentiments, pointing out the healthy status of salmon in the Margaree River compared to the plight of salmon in the Miramichi River in New Brunswick.
Concerns have been raised that COSEWIC may recommend adding the Nova Scotia and southern Gulf salmon populations to the Species at Risk Act, potentially leading to the end of recreational angling, even catch-and-release practices. While a permanent status change would involve consultations with the public, conservation groups, industry stakeholders, and First Nations, stakeholders remain apprehensive about the potential impact on stable salmon populations.
Robert Jones, DFO’s Gulf region manager for biodiversity management, emphasized that while an endangered listing is feasible under federal law, numerous factors, including scientific evidence and socio-economic considerations, will be taken into account before any final decisions are made. Despite the seriousness of the assessment change, the process to determine the fate of Atlantic salmon populations is complex and will consider various implications before reaching a conclusive outcome.
