A federal advisory committee has broadened the scope of endangered Atlantic salmon populations, causing concern among conservation groups in Cape Breton. There are worries that this change may result in the cessation of recreational fishing for the iconic species in most of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans acknowledges this as a potential outcome but emphasizes that it is not a foregone conclusion.
This shift in assessment status was unveiled during recent federal fisheries meetings with stakeholders following the reassessment of salmon populations by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The reassessment covered 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 new designation, particularly for the western Cape Breton river, where the salmon population has been robust for over a decade. He questioned the logic behind labeling it as endangered given the positive trends observed in recent years.
Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association, echoed these sentiments, stating that while the Miramichi River in New Brunswick is facing challenges due to a high striped bass population, the situation in the Margaree River remains favorable.
Concerns have been raised that the committee may recommend adding the Nova Scotia and southern Gulf salmon populations to the Species at Risk Act, potentially leading to restrictions on recreational angling activities. While DFO is involved in the process, consultations with various stakeholders, including the public, conservation groups, industry, and First Nations, are deemed essential.
Despite the potential for a prolonged listing process under federal legislation, stakeholders are gearing up to contest any permanent changes to the salmon status. Robert Jones, DFO’s manager of biodiversity management in the Gulf region, emphasized that decisions regarding species listing consider scientific advice along with socio-economic factors. While the situation is being monitored closely, the conservation concern highlighted by COSEWIC underscores the need for comprehensive deliberation before any final decisions are made.