New committee to investigate the fate of wild Atlantics

The formation of the committee was announced yesterday by Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea, along with Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi.

The committee will include key stakeholders and will meet on at least four occasions between February 2015 and June 2015. There will also be opportunities for written submissions to the advisory committee.

The committee, supported by officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, will focus on discussing: conservation and enforcement measures; predation; strategy to address international, unsustainable fishing; and focused areas for advancing science.

Funding was also announced to enhance critically-important Atlantic salmon thermal-refuge habitat in the Miramichi River system through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP). As such, the Miramichi Salmon Association will receive up to $33,034 to support the conservation of fish habitat in Miramichi. The project aims for the long-term habitat enhancement of two important cold-water pools, specifically the one at the confluence of Otter Brook and the Little Southwest Miramichi River, and the one at the confluence of Indiantown Brook and the main Southwest Miramichi River.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said: "Today, I am pleased to announce these initiatives to benefit Atlantic salmon in Miramichi and across Atlantic Canada. Among these is the establishment of a new Ministerial Advisory Committee on Atlantic salmon, comprised of key stakeholders who will provide recommendations to advance the conservation and sustainability of Atlantic salmon. Today’s announcements demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to the conservation and protection of our vital Atlantic salmon resource, which is part of Canada’s rich natural heritage."

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, added: "I’m delighted by this announcement aimed at improving the Atlantic salmon fishery and recreational fishing habitat. Our Government understands the important role of community groups such as the Miramichi Salmon Association in supporting the common goal of conserving and protecting Canada’s recreational fisheries. I’m pleased to recognize the tireless work of the Miramichi Salmon Association to protect and restore fishing habitats for generations to come."

Mark Hambrook, President of the Miramichi Salmon Association, reflected: "With extreme weather events we have experienced recently, we need to be prepared for very warm temperatures during the summer months. Atlantic salmon can die when water temperatures exceed 28°C, so the Miramichi Salmon Association plans to enhance the mouths of cold-water brooks to provide refuge for fish during these events. With assistance from the RFCPP, the first sanctuary was completed this fall at Donnelly Brook and with this announcement today, two more pools will be enhanced next summer at Indiantown Brook and Otter Brook."