A federal advisory committee has recently expanded the list of endangered Atlantic salmon populations, sparking concerns among conservation groups in Cape Breton. The potential impact of this change could result in the cessation of recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon in various regions including most of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. Although the Department of Fisheries and Oceans acknowledges this possibility, they emphasize that it is not a definite outcome.
The reassessment of salmon populations, conducted by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), was discussed during federal fisheries meetings with stakeholders earlier this month. This reassessment encompassed salmon populations along the entire coast of Nova Scotia and across the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Rene Aucoin, president of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, expressed surprise at the updated assessment, highlighting the strength of the salmon population in the western Cape Breton river over the past decade, which he believes contradicts the endangered designation.
While concerns about declining salmon populations on Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast are valid, the situation differs on the western side of Cape Breton Island, where the rivers have shown significant improvement in recent years. Stakeholders like Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association, share similar sentiments, emphasizing that while certain rivers face challenges, others like the Margaree River in Nova Scotia remain healthy and thriving.
There is apprehension among stakeholders 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, including catch-and-release activities. Despite the lengthy and complex process involved in making such a designation under federal legislation, concerns remain about the future of salmon conservation efforts and the impact on local economies that rely on salmon fishing activities.
DFO officials stress that any decisions regarding the listing of species under the Species at Risk Act will consider scientific evidence, socio-economic factors, and input from various stakeholders. While the assessment change is a significant development, the final outcome remains uncertain, and a thorough evaluation of each river’s status will be conducted before any definitive decisions are made.
DFO introduced an Atlantic salmon conservation strategy last year to address declining fish stocks, although criticisms have been raised regarding the adequacy of funding for this initiative. As COSEWIC prepares to make recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the process will involve a comprehensive assessment of economic, conservation, social, and Indigenous perspectives to ensure a balanced approach to salmon conservation efforts.