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Dear Members and Supporters,
I hope this message finds you well! The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) staff have been busy carrying out our summer field programs. Our team has begun our cold-water pool maintenance program to ensure optimal conditions for our salmon populations during high heat events. We are also gearing up for our upcoming electrofishing operations, which are critical for assessing our 2023 beaver dam breaching program and our fry stocking work.
On the advocacy front, we've seen significant progress! Recently, the Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced an increase in the quota for the commercial striped bass fishery carried out by First Nations. The quota has been raised from 50,000 fish to 175,000 fish. This substantial policy shift aims to balance the predator-prey relationship between striped bass and Atlantic salmon. The increased quota is intended to help alleviate predation on juvenile salmon, which has been a significant concern for our community. This development is crucial, and we are closely monitoring its implications for our salmon populations and the overall river ecosystem.
On the hatchery front, as we prepare for a busy fall, our focus is on getting the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Center (MSCC) ready for the spawning season and egg incubation. These activities are vital for the future of Atlantic salmon in our watershed. MSA staff are carrying out much-needed cleaning and maintenance, along with running tours of the hatchery every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday throughout the summer.
We are excited to announce our upcoming fall fundraising events. Our Fredericton dinner will be held on October 3rd at the Fredericton Inn, where we will recognize three MSA "Champions for Conservation": Bud Bird, Vince Swazey, and Mark Hambrook. This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their contributions to Atlantic salmon conservation in the Miramichi.
Our Saint John fundraising dinner is scheduled for October 23rd at the Delta Brunswick Square, and the Saint John dinner committee is in the process of selecting our honouree. This event will be another fantastic opportunity to support the MSA and our conservation efforts. We hope to see you support the MSA by attending one of these critical fundraising dinners.
Finally, with the recent waves of hot weather in the past few weeks, there have been several Warm Water Protocol measures implemented in an effort to keep Atlantic salmon from becoming stressed. We are aware that the Warm Water Protocol is restricting angling efforts and significantly impacting many Miramichi commercial lodges. We ask that you remain patient and understand that the Warm Water Protocol is in place to protect Atlantic salmon.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Miramichi Salmon Association. Together, we can ensure the health and sustainability of our beloved river and its Atlantic salmon populations.
Warm regards,
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