Atlantic salmon returns to the Miramichi River recorded during 2023 represent a historical low point. Local conservation groups point to the recent explosion of striped bass in the Miramichi estuary as a significant factor in the sharp declines in salmon returns. Striped bass, known to prey on fish species native to the Miramichi watershed, including Atlantic salmon smolt, smelt, and gaspereau, present a pressing concern. While the Northwest Miramichi River estuary serves as critical spawning habitat for striped bass in the Gulf region, the management strategy employed by DFO fails to account for other species native to the Miramichi.