South Esk, New Brunswick - Wild Atlantic salmon is a keystone species, integral to the history and culture of many Atlantic Canadians communities. However, in many geographic areas, Atlantic salmon stocks have been declining. Significant and co-ordinated action is needed to restore and maintain healthy wild Atlantic salmon populations for future generations.
That is why the Government of Canada, along with partners, is taking action and today, the Parliamentary Secretary the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Sean Casey, along with the Member of Parliament for Miramichi — Grand Lake, Pat Finnigan, introduced the Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation Policy’s implementation plan for 2019-2021. This plan encourages cooperation, collaboration and engagement to ensure we are maximizing the impact of efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining this iconic species.
In collaboration with provincial governments, Indigenous communities, watershed associations, angling groups and other partners, we continue our efforts to implement Canada’s Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation Policy for the long-term benefit of the species.
Equally important is scientific research underway to understand the decline of Atlantic salmon. The Government of Canada is investing in Atlantic salmon science and is announcing today four new research under the Atlantic Salmon Research Joint Venture. Researchers at Dalhousie University, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Acadia University and the University of New Brunswick will study areas such as ocean tracking, locations and causes of at-sea mortality, the impact of climate change on fitness and survival, and predation and competition.
Throughout 2019 and beyond, the Government of Canada will continue to take action to support salmon conservation in Eastern Canada. Putting this plan into action will help further our goals to improve wild Atlantic salmon populations, and secure the long term health of the species now and for future generations of Canadians.
Source : Government Of Canada