Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi watershed information, upcoming MSA events, and much more.

Since 1953, the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) has worked toward the preservation and enhancement of Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River. With strength in numbers, the MSA continues to build its membership to support our conservation efforts. We encourage you, if not already a member, to please join us.

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Vol. 91 February 2026

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

As we settle into a new year, I wanted to take a moment to share some updates from the Miramichi Salmon Association and reflect on the work that continues to make our rivers and the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre a critical hub of Atlantic salmon conservation.

I’m excited to let you know that our stocking proposal and permit application have been submitted to DFO and we are hopeful that it will be approved. This proposal is a key part of our ongoing efforts to bolster salmon populations in the Miramichi, and it reflects the dedication and collaboration of many within our Association.

In preparation for this, Mark Hambrook has been working tirelessly at the hatchery, installing a green sand filter generously donated by Cooke Aquaculture. This addition will help ensure optimal water quality for future programs. Mark’s commitment and hands-on work at the hatchery cannot be overstated—thank you, Mark, for everything you do to keep our operations running smoothly and our salmon thriving.

Looking ahead, we are also thrilled to honour Marc Cabot at this year’s MSA US Dinner, happening this coming weekend at the Portland Country Club. These dinners are always a special time to come together, celebrate our work, and raise critical funds for the Association. A huge thank you to Brad Burns, David Fenderson and the entire organizing committee, whose hard work behind the scenes ensures these gatherings are both enjoyable and successful.

On the conservation side, our salmon eggs are doing well. Many have now started to “eye,” an exciting milestone that brings us one step closer to releasing the fry this spring. Watching those tiny salmon begin their journey is a reminder of why we do this work, year after year.

It’s inspiring to see what we can accomplish when staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters come together for a common goal. The Miramichi Salmon Association thrives because of your energy, commitment, and passion for Atlantic salmon conservation. Thank you for being part of this journey—I look forward to another year of meaningful work, exciting milestones, and, of course, celebrating our successes together.

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

MSA US Winter Event
Last chance for virtual tickets!

Missed the chance to purchase a ticket to the MSA US Winter Event happening this Saturday, February 7th? Show your support of the MSA and long-time MSA Supporter and Director, Marc Cabot by purchasing a virtual ticket.

All attendees will receive a copy of the book “Marc Cabot: An American Entrepreneur’s 60 Year Love Affair with the Miramichi, Its People and Its Salmon”

Ticket sales close Friday, February 6th at 12PM EST.

Virtual Tickets

Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation

Submit nominations by February 15th

Awarded annually to a deserving individual, group, organization, or business that has shown lasting commitment to the conservation of the wild Atlantic salmon and environmental integrity of the Miramichi River watershed for the benefit of all species.

The Award recognizes leadership in all areas of activity that have an impact upon environmental protection and conservation of the wild salmon species, including volunteerism and or the practice of advocacy, politics, Indigenous relations, climate action, academia, industry, business, or commercial river management.

Deadline to Submit Nominations is February 15th!

For more information on nomination guidelines and how to submit please visit our website.

Named in honour of J.W. Bud Bird, O.C., the Award recognizes and applauds Bud’s dedicated commitment and service to the conservation of the wild Atlantic salmon.

Bud Bird Award Nomination Guidelines

Summer Student Jobs
Now accepting applications

We are now accepting applications for 2026 summer student positions. Successful applicants will be working closely with the biologist and hatchery staff to conduct multiple field programs and fisheries conservation practices. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the biological or environmental sciences.

For more details about this job listing and how to apply, please click the link below. Application deadline is February 27th, 2026.

Student Job Posting

Introducing MSA's New Conservation Tech
Jansen Blacquier

The MSA is excited to welcome Jansen Blacquier to our staff as the new MSA Conservation Technician.

Jansen first joined the MSA field crew as a summer student in 2023, where he helped with work on the river and at our hatchery facility. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology at UNB Saint John, he went on to work at the Huntsman Marine Institute through his independent study with UNB and as a technician at Cooke Aquaculture.

Jansen was born and raised in Miramichi and thanks to his grandfather, Dewey Gillespie he has been around salmon most of his life. He is well versed and extremely passionate about the programs operating at the MSA and we are glad to have him on our team.

Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre
Hatchery Update

Daily egg care is ongoing at the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre. The eggs are beginning to “eye up,” meaning the salmon’s eyes are now visible as small black dots. At this stage, the eggs are quite hardy and can be safely handled for estimating numbers.

The Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre is capable of producing millions of salmon eggs annually. While fewer than 30% of salmon eggs typically hatch and survive to the fry stage in the wild, the hatchery is able to boost survival rates to 2-3x higher through careful oversight and effective husbandry techniques.

Eggs from both wild and hatchery-reared broodstock, spawned this fall as part of our ongoing Dungarvon Experimental Fry Stocking Program, are currently being incubated at the facility. We are also in our 4th partnership year with Pabineau First Nations to help bolster stocks in the Nepisiguit River. Staff conduct daily checks of water temperature and oxygen levels and routinely examine all equipment to ensure proper operation. To maintain egg health, staff perform daily egg-picking and apply weekly treatments, practices that help reduce the risk of fungal development.

International Day of Women & Girls in Science
February 11th

Tuesday, February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The Miramichi Salmon Association is proud to be represented by strong women who lead and inspire river conservation through science. Thanks to Hatchery Manager Holly Labadie and Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating for your hard work and dedication to the conservation of Atlantic salmon.

Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating with the help from summer students Ally Taylor (MSA) and Kayla Russell (Anqotum) conducting smolt counts.

Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating and Hatchery Manager Holly Labadie collecting Broodstock.

Hatchery Manager Holly Labadie spawning Broodstock in fall of 2025.

MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel

March 7th - Doaktown Curling Club

Join us at the Doaktown Curling Club on Saturday, March 7th for the MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel!

For more details or to sign up a team, call Manley Price at (506)369-1890 or email mwprice18@outlook.com.

If you are not able to field a full team of four—just sign up and we will fill the gap.

MSA Board of Directors Meeting
Saturday, February 21st

A reminder to all MSA Directors that the next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st at 10:00AM AST in Fredericton, NB and via Zoom. Please contact admin@miramichisalmon.ca if you have any questions.