A federal advisory committee has broadened its list of imperiled Atlantic salmon populations, sparking concerns among conservation groups in Cape Breton. There are worries that this revision could potentially result in the cessation of recreational fishing for this iconic East Coast species in most parts of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. While the Department of Fisheries and Oceans acknowledges this as a potential outcome, it is not deemed as an unavoidable conclusion.
The adjustment in evaluation status was disclosed during recent federal fisheries meetings with stakeholders following the reassessment of salmon populations, including those spanning the entire coast of Nova Scotia and across the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Rene Aucoin, president of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, expressed surprise at the decision made during one of these meetings.
Although salmon populations along Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast are facing challenges, the situation differs on the western side of Cape Breton Island. Aucoin highlighted the significant progress in the health of rivers in that region over the past decade, emphasizing a notable return of salmon in 2023, which was among the strongest in 50 years. This positive trend contrasts with the recent designation of these populations as endangered, a move deemed perplexing by Aucoin and Bill Hailey, vice-president of the Margaree Salmon Association.
The impending implications of a potential listing of the Nova Scotia and southern Gulf salmon populations under the Species at Risk Act have raised concerns among stakeholders. The process, which involves public consultation and engagement with various organizations and communities, could take several years before a final decision is made. Despite the opportunity for public input, stakeholders like Hailey remain apprehensive about the future of recreational angling and the impact on stable salmon populations.
Robert Jones, DFO’s manager of biodiversity management in the Gulf region, emphasized that any decision regarding the listing of species under the Species at Risk Act considers both scientific and socio-economic factors. While the assessment change marks a significant step, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, with a comprehensive evaluation required to understand the potential consequences. DFO’s efforts in Atlantic salmon conservation have been in progress, albeit criticized for lacking adequate funding.
COSEWIC is set to present recommendations to Environment and Climate Change Canada in the fall, with a thorough consideration of various factors including economic, conservation, and social impacts, as well as Indigenous perspectives. The fate of Atlantic salmon populations in the region hangs in the balance, awaiting further deliberation and engagement among stakeholders and decision-makers.