Wayne Baker spends his days in May and June on the banks of the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction, counting fish. Known locally as “the Gaspereau Man,” Baker has been fishing for gaspereau for over 70 years and has a deep connection to the small fish. He believes that changes in the St. John River are impacting the gaspereau population, which consists of alewives and blueback herring and plays a crucial role as a “keystone species” in the local ecosystem.
Commercially caught gaspereau are mainly used as lobster bait due to their bony structure, making them less popular for recreational fishing. However, Baker enjoys preparing them by brining, coating in maple syrup, and smoking them in his smoke shack for a unique culinary experience. He also diligently monitors the number of gaspereau making their way upriver to assess the population’s status.
In the past, millions of gaspereau were halted at N.B. Power’s Mactaquac Dam, with a limited number transported over the dam each year by Fisheries. Surplus gaspereau were auctioned to the highest bidder until 2020 when the surplus contracts were discontinued, resulting in a significant increase in the number of gaspereau passing the dam to spawn.
Despite the positive impact of allowing more gaspereau to migrate above the dam, concerns remain about the potential impact on downstream populations and the need for a fish ladder at the dam. Mathieu Cormier, a seasoned gaspereau fisherman, supports the removal of the transportation cap but emphasizes the importance of mitigating the risks to fish passing through the dam turbines.
Cormier’s fishing operation on the Oromocto River is regulated, with a significant portion of the catch used for lobster bait and the remainder processed for export. Both Cormier and Baker share a commitment to preserving the gaspereau species, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts.
The decision to increase the number of gaspereau passing the dam has been praised by stakeholders like Patty Savoy, who collaborates with the Oromocto First Nation to provide gaspereau for research purposes. She underscores the significance of gaspereau for traditional, ceremonial, and commercial uses within First Nations communities and stresses the need for conservation to ensure the species’ longevity and cultural relevance.
