Wayne Baker, also known as “the Gaspereau Man,” has been observing and counting gaspereau fish along the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction for decades. Baker, a local resident, has a deep connection to these fish, which are a vital part of the ecosystem.
Gaspereau, which encompass two fish species – alewives and blueback herring, are considered a crucial “keystone species” by Baker and the Oromocto Watershed Association. These fish play a significant role in transporting nutrients from the ocean inland, sustaining local flora and fauna.
While commercial fishermen typically catch gaspereau for lobster bait due to their bony structure, Baker enjoys preparing them by brining, coating with maple syrup, and smoking in his smoke shack for a delectable snack. Over the years, Baker has diligently monitored the gaspereau migration to assess the population’s status.
Historically, millions of gaspereau would reach N.B. Power’s Mactaquac Dam for spawning. However, the federal Fisheries Department previously limited the number transported above the dam to a million annually. Surplus gaspereau were auctioned off to the highest bidder until 2020 when the surplus contracts were discontinued in favor of transporting more fish over the dam.
The increased efforts to facilitate gaspereau migration have yielded positive results, with a significant rise in the number of fish surpassing the dam in recent years. Despite the improvements, Baker advocates for the inclusion of a fish ladder in the dam’s refurbishment plans for enhanced fish passage.
Mathieu Cormier, a seasoned gaspereau fisherman, supports the removal of caps on fish migration over the dam but emphasizes the need to prevent adverse impacts downstream. He echoes Baker’s sentiment for a fish ladder at the dam to mitigate fish mortality caused by turbine passage.
Cormier’s fishing operation on the Oromocto River is regulated, with a substantial portion of the catch used for lobster bait and the remainder processed for export. Both Cormier and Baker prioritize the well-being of the gaspereau species, underscoring the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
Patty Savoy, collaborating with the Oromocto First Nation, commends the decision to maximize gaspereau passage over the dam, emphasizing the species’ cultural and ecological significance. She stresses the importance of preserving gaspereau for future generations due to their multifaceted role in traditional and ceremonial practices.
The collective efforts of individuals like Baker, Cormier, and Savoy highlight the ongoing commitment to conserving and safeguarding the gaspereau population for the benefit of both the ecosystem and indigenous communities.
