A federal advisory committee has broadened its catalog of imperiled Atlantic salmon populations, sparking concern among conservation organizations in Cape Breton. The potential consequence being the cessation of recreational fishing for a prominent East Coast species in a substantial part of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia is worrisome to them.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans acknowledges this possibility but emphasizes that it is not a foregone conclusion. The revision in evaluation status was unveiled during federal fisheries discussions with stakeholders earlier this month following the reassessment of salmon populations by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), encompassing regions along the entire coast of Nova Scotia and the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Rene Aucoin, president of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, expressed surprise at the alteration. While acknowledging the plight of salmon populations along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast, he highlighted the robust condition of the western Cape Breton Island rivers over the past decade, questioning the rationale behind designating them as endangered.
Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association, echoed Aucoin’s sentiments, emphasizing the contrasting situations between the Margaree River in New Brunswick and the Miramichi River. Hailey described the recent development as unfortunate and detrimental, particularly for rivers like the Margaree that are healthy and thriving.
Both Hailey and Aucoin are apprehensive that the committee may recommend including the Nova Scotia and southern Gulf salmon populations in the Species at Risk Act, potentially leading to the cessation of recreational angling activities. Although the process of listing the species as endangered under federal legislation is intricate and protracted, stakeholders are gearing up to contest any permanent alteration to the salmon status.
Robert Jones, DFO’s manager of biodiversity management in the Gulf region, emphasized the intricate decision-making process involved in listing a species as endangered under the Species at Risk Act. He highlighted the need to consider scientific advice, socio-economic factors, and various other considerations before reaching a definitive conclusion.
While the conservation concern regarding the endangered status of the salmon populations is acknowledged, Jones clarified that the final decision is yet to be determined. COSEWIC’s recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada in the fall will pave the way for a comprehensive evaluation encompassing economic impacts, conservation efforts, social repercussions, and Indigenous perspectives.