|
Hello MSA Members and Supporters -
It’s wonderful to see anglers back on the river, enjoying the camaraderie of friends and the natural beauty that makes the Miramichi so special. Reports from across the watershed suggest a solid spring kelt season, with many enjoying productive days on the water. We’ve also heard encouraging news from those chasing trout — a welcome sign as we head into the warmer months. Here’s to continued tight lines and the promise of stronger salmon returns this summer.
It’s been a very active and productive month at the Miramichi Salmon Association. We’ve deployed five smolt wheels — two at Ludlow and three at Wayerton Bridge — as part of our annual smolt counts. Our biologist, Lyndsay Jay-Keating, and her dedicated field crew have been working long days — sometimes up to 15 hours — to ensure accurate smolt counts and helping to support the ASF-led smolt Truck and Transport program. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Lyndsay and her team for their remarkable commitment and tireless work.
At the hatchery, preparations are well underway for our spring fry stocking. Thanks to excellent egg survival and the support of two additional contracted workers, we expect to release nearly 700,000 fry into the watershed in just a few weeks. It’s a major effort, but one we believe pays long-term dividends for the river and the species we’re all working so hard to protect.
On the advocacy front, we continue to press Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for the permits required to initiate an adult stocking program. We are grateful to have the full support of both Eel Ground and Red Bank First Nations, each of whom has provided a signed Band Council Resolution in strong endorsement of this initiative.
Despite this clear and collaborative support, DFO has yet to issue the necessary approvals for smolt collection. Their delay is deeply concerning. The Miramichi River cannot afford to wait patiently while our Atlantic salmon population continues to decline. This program is critical to the recovery of the species, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to seeing it move forward without further unnecessary bureaucratic delay.
Looking ahead, MSA will remain focused on delivering our core conservation work throughout the summer. This includes cold-water pool restoration and maintenance, fry stocking, smolt estimates, our electrofishing surveys, beaver dam removals, and the collection of broodstock to support next year’s hatchery program.
Thank you to all our supporters, staff, and volunteers who make this work possible. With your continued support, we’re building a stronger future for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi.
Sincerely,
| 
