A federal advisory committee has broadened its list of at-risk Atlantic salmon populations, causing concern among conservation organizations in Cape Breton. The potential consequence of this expansion is the cessation of recreational fishing for the iconic East Coast species in most of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia, though the Department of Fisheries and Oceans suggests this outcome is not definite.
The alteration in assessment status was disclosed during federal fisheries meetings with stakeholders earlier this month following a reassessment of salmon populations, including those along Nova Scotia’s entire coast and throughout the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).
President Rene Aucoin of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association expressed surprise at the news, emphasizing the strength of the western Cape Breton river’s salmon population over the past decade. He questioned the logic behind designating the area as endangered given its recent successful salmon returns.
Bill Hailey, Vice President of the Margaree Salmon Association, echoed Aucoin’s sentiments, highlighting the healthy state of the Margaree River’s salmon population compared to other struggling rivers like the Miramichi in New Brunswick.
There are concerns 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. Despite the lengthy and complex process involved in such a decision, individuals are preparing to challenge any permanent changes to the salmon’s status.
DFO’s Robert Jones emphasized that while an endangered listing is a possibility, the final decision will consider various factors, including scientific advice and socio-economic considerations. The process of potentially listing the Atlantic salmon under federal legislation involves consultation with the public, conservation groups, industry stakeholders, and Indigenous communities.
DFO has implemented an Atlantic salmon conservation strategy aimed at restoring fish stocks, but critics argue that the strategy lacks adequate funding. COSEWIC will present its recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada in the fall, taking into account economic, conservation, social, and Indigenous perspectives in the decision-making process.
