Moncton, New Brunswick – April 27, 2018 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will maintain the current catch and release management measures for the recreational fishery throughout the Gulf Region for 2018, in order to further protect Atlantic salmon.

These management measures are implemented because the returns of salmon did not reach the minimum required for the conservation of the species in both branches of the Miramichi River in 2017. The Southwest Miramichi River met or exceeded the minimum number of returns in only three of the last 10 years, while the Northwest Miramichi River only achieved it only one year during that same period.

In the Restigouche River system, based on the angling catches, the returns of salmon reached 70 % of the minimum needed conservation requirement in 2017. According to this index, the Restigouche River system (NB portion) has met or exceeded the conservation requirement in six of the last 10 years. Based on the end of season counts, the large salmon spawner index in 2017 was above the conservation requirement (135 %), for the second time in 10 years.

The rivers in Prince Edward Island and Gulf Nova Scotia also raised concerns for the conservation of the species. As such, the Department will exercise caution and maintain the mandatory catch and release measures to support the Department’s conservation mandate for the Atlantic salmon fishery throughout the Gulf Region in 2018.

Work is also ongoing to improve science and management for the Gulf Region’s key (index) rivers. As such, in collaboration with Indigenous groups, provinces, and stakeholders, the Department will continue the development of the precautionary approach to the management of the recreational fishery. This work, as well as other initiatives to better coordinate research and science efforts, should guide future angling opportunities if salmon populations are healthy enough to allow it.

The management measures for the Atlantic salmon in the Gulf Region are as follows:

New Brunswick

The yearly fishing quota for small salmon (grilse) will remain at zero in the Atlantic salmon recreational fishery. As in 2017, anglers will be required to release all Atlantic salmon during the angling season.

Nova Scotia

The yearly fishing quota for small salmon (grilse) will remain at zero in the Atlantic salmon recreational fishery. As in 2017, anglers will be required to release all Atlantic salmon during the angling season.

Prince Edward Island

As in 2017, anglers will be required to release all Atlantic salmon during the angling season.

To report any suspicious fishing activity, please contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

For more information on this fishery, please contact:

Frédéric Butruille
A/Regional Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Gulf Region
Moncton, New Brunswick
506-851-7358

 

To view the original article on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans website please go to: http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Gulf/FAM/Recreational-Fisheries/2018-Atlantic-Salmon