Since 1953  the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) has worked toward the preservation and enhancement of the wild Atlantic salmon. MSA continues to look to build its membership strength, so we encourage you, if not already a member, to please join our ranks.  Join us Now
Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi Watershed Information, upcoming MSA Events and much much more.
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Vol. 19 May 2018
ASF and NASF sign 12 year salmon agreement with Greenland fishermen
On May 28, 2018, the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) officially announced the signing of new agreements with commercial fishermen in Greenland and the Faroe Islands that will protect thousands of adult wild Atlantic salmon from commercial nets and longlines, allowing them to return to North American and European rivers. The new Greenland Salmon Conservation Agreement will be for a period of 12-years (2018-2029). For more information on this great salmon news, visit the ASF website here!
Bill Taylor, ASF President, announcing agreement at Government House, Fredericton NB
Moncton MSA Dinner
On May 17th we celebrated the 18th Annual MSA Freeman Dunnett Dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Moncton. The ballroom was packed to the gills with fishing enthusiasts and MSA supporters. We had not one but two lovely masters of ceremony, MSA Director Jacqueline Girouard and Carolyn Dunnett, daughter of the late Freeman Dunnett. Our silent and live auctions sent many people home with excellent fishing trips, art pieces, and fishing paraphernalia. Not to mention our three popular raffles! Overall, the night was one of great food, great fun, and great folks, all while raising funds vital to the MSA's salmon conservation efforts ! We would like to send out a big thank you to everyone who attended, and to all those who provided donations!
MSA Field Season Update
Even with the very slow, cold, and wet start to our 2018 field season, our May programs have been very successful! The month started with assisting the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) with their Kelt Tracking Program. We tagged 24 Kelt with internal acoustic transmitters and released them back into the river. We then worked with ASF to collect and tag 80 smolts in the Northwest Miramichi River to track their movement as they move out of the Miramichi. To find out more about our field programs and to hear about our smolt collection head over to our website!
MSA Team in the field collecting from the smolt wheels
Celebrate The Spirit Award
On April 30th, the Anglophone North School District presented their ‘Celebrate the Spirit Award’ to President Mark Hambrook in recognition of the MSA’s ongoing support and contributions to the educational programs within their school District. Annually, the MSA contributes salmon eggs to the ‘Fish Friends’ program in over 15 schools in the Miramichi region. We also carry out the Bruno Bobak Memorial Art Contest as well as an annual Writing Contest through grades K-8. Passing on the passion for conservation of the Miramichi River and the life it supports has always been a driving force of the MSA. It's wonderful to see that the kids are so receptive!
Pictured (R to L): Hon. Brian Kenny, MSA President Mark Hambrook, John McLaughlin
MSA Icebreaker Weekend Recap
The weekend of April 27-19, 2018 was a busy one for the MSA! We started the weekend off with an educational Science Day on Friday at the Central New Brunswick Woodsmen Museum. We had speakers discussing everything from Spruce budworm to salmon counting technology. Saturday morning we held our 65th Annual General Meeting at the Rural Community of Upper Miramichi Community Centre, where a new slate of Board Officers and Directors were approved. To top off a great weekend, we celebrated our Icebreaker Dinner Saturday night at the Woodsmen Museum. We honoured local conservationist and committed MSA supporter Renate Bullock, for her support and contributions to salmon conservation over the years. Over 160 salmon enthusiasts enjoyed an evening of fine food and entertainment, including ever-popular silent and live auctions. We would like to thank everyone who attended for their support. 
Pictured: MSA Director and Past Chairman Vince Swazey and Renate Bullock
Newly Elected MSA Board Officers (R to L) 
Kevin Harris - Chairman
Debbie Norton – Vice-Chairman
Brian Moore - Past Chairman
Mark Hambrook - President
Chandler Dumaine - Vice Chairman (missing from photo)
Kenny Kyle – Treasurer (missing from photo)
CAST Update
By David Roth, CAST member and PhD candidate
With the help of several stationary radio antennas, the outmigration of multiple wild Atlantic salmons was observed over the last couple of weeks. Meanwhile, new stations are being installed along the Little Southwest and the Northwest branch to survey the migration behaviour of Atlantic salmon during their 2018 spawning season. In addition to the stationary setup, active tracking of the fish will be conducted for more detailed information on the behaviour of the fish during their journey. Currently 5000 smolts are being collected from the Little Southwest Miramichi River for our 2018 Smolt-to-Adult-Supplementation program year class.
CAST team tagging salmon with PIT tags for radio tracking
MSA Photo Contest
As fishing season is in full swing, make sure you don't forget this important piece of fishing gear: a camera! The MSA has launched the 3rd Annual Photo Contest, and we're looking for photos from all across the Miramichi Watershed. Each entrant can submit 2 photos in each category including Angling, Miramichi Scenes, Miramichi People, and Kids. Each category winner will receive a prize generously donated by Bass Pro Shops. The contest runs from May 15th-July 31st, and you can submit your photos on our website at the link below.
Photo by Greg MacDonald
Miramichi Salmon Classic
Our 13th Annual Salmon Classic is approaching quickly as May comes to a close. This four-day event, from July 8-11, is a great way to experience the river, whether you have fished the Miramichi Watershed before or you are new to the area. Fish different branches of the Miramichi River including the Northwest, Sevogle, Little Southwest, Southwest, Renous, Cains, and Dungarvon Rivers. Guides will help you navigate the mixture of public and private pools. Lunch is provided for the fishing days and there is a lobster dinner the first night to become acquainted with the anglers attending the event. Contact Butch to reserve your place at [email protected] or call 506-457-2233
Photo by Iris Cieko
Upcoming MSA Events You Don't Want to Miss
Still not a member of the Miramichi Salmon Association?
  Membership in the MSA is the perfect way to express your passion and support for the Miramichi River, for the Atlantic salmon who make it their home, and for the vital work being done by the MSA to protect and conserve both for today and tomorrow!
Miramichi Salmon Association | 506-622-4000 | | www.miramichisalmon.ca