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. 80 March 2025

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

As winter lingers across New Brunswick, many of us eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and the start of another productive field season for the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA). This year, our efforts will begin with the release of fry resulting from over one million eggs incubated at the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre in South Esk. The field season is always a busy and rewarding time at MSA, and we look forward to implementing our conservation programs and furthering our mission to protect and restore wild Atlantic salmon populations.

Last weekend, MSA US hosted an outstanding fundraising dinner in Falmouth, Maine. The event, held at the Portland Country Club, honoured Luther Hall and the late John Swan. As many of you know, John had been facing health challenges in recent years, and his passing is deeply felt by the MSA community. John was a talented artist and a devoted supporter of our work. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family—his generosity and passion for conservation will be greatly missed.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for several important fundraising and engagement events this spring. Most notably, our Annual General Meeting and IceBreaker Dinner will take place on April 26th in Boiestown. Tickets are available now, click the link below. This is one of our most popular events, and we encourage you to secure your tickets early, as they tend to sell out quickly.

In addition to our annual conservation initiatives, we are actively pursuing a smolt-to-adult stocking program for the Miramichi. If we hope to restore Atlantic salmon populations in the river, it is increasingly evident that a strategic stocking effort must be part of the solution. Without a targeted supplementation program to support wild populations, the prospects for Atlantic salmon recovery remain uncertain.

Thank you for your continued support of MSA’s mission. We look forward to seeing many of you in the field and at our upcoming events.

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

Chase the Ace - Atlantic Salmon Museum

Purchase your tickets today!

We are very excited to announce that we have decided to join The Atlantic Salmon Museum as an Authorized Partner in their Chase the Ace which has been operating successfully since 2015.

This will allow our organization to be part of a larger fundraising program on our storied Miramichi River and hopefully to better serve the needs of our beneficiaries, while at the same time creating a more exciting lottery experience with larger weekly consolation prizes and rapidly growing jackpots.

Draws are done weekly at Atlantic Salmon Museum at 7:00pm Fridays.

For more information and to find out how to purchase tickets, visit the link below.

Chase the Ace

28th Annual IceBreaker Dinner & Auction

Tickets Available Now!

The MSA IceBreaker Dinner Committee is thrilled to announce that this year’s Annual IceBreaker Dinner will take place on April 26th at the Central NB Woodsmen's Museum in Boiestown, NB!

This year, we are proud to honour the Wilson Family and their incredible 170-year history on the Miramichi. With great company, delicious food, and exciting auctions, this event is always a highlight of the year—and we expect another sellout crowd!

Don’t miss this fun and memorable evening in support of Atlantic salmon

conservation. Tickets are available now, click the link below!

IceBreaker Tickets

Student Summer Employment

Application Deadline extended until March 7th

Looking for an exciting summer job where you can work outdoors, gain hands-on experience, and make a real impact on Atlantic salmon conservation? The MSA is now accepting applications for our 2025 summer student positions!

Join our team and work alongside biologists and hatchery staff as we carry out field programs and fisheries conservation initiatives across the Miramichi. Whether you're passionate about biology, environmental science, or just love being out on the water, this is an incredible opportunity to learn, explore, and contribute to the future of wild Atlantic salmon.

Application Deadline Extended: March 7, 2025!

Click the link below for full job details and application instructions.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something meaningful this summer—apply today!

Student Job Posting

MSA's Annual General Meeting

Saturday, April 26th

The Miramichi Salmon Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Saturday, April 26th at the Upper Miramichi Rural Community Centre. This is your chance to hear updates on MSA’s conservation efforts, research initiatives, and future plans for Atlantic salmon restoration.

Following the AGM, join us for the always-popular Icebreaker Dinner, where guests can connect, share stories, and support MSA’s mission. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to reserve yours soon!

Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to Kristin Armstrong

2025 Jack T.H. Fenety Scholarship Recipient!

The Miramichi Salmon Association is pleased to announce that Kristin Armstrong has been awarded this year’s Jack T.H. Fenety Scholarship, recognizing her outstanding research focused on wild Atlantic salmon and their habitat.

Kristin’s work focuses on the elemental composition of Atlantic salmon eggs to evaluate the effectiveness of various captive-rearing programs. Research has shown differences in survival rates between smolt-to-adult supplementation (SAS) and wild-origin eggs, likely due to maternal effects influenced by environmental factors—particularly nutrition during female development. Her study aims to better understand how diet and captive-rearing conditions impact maternal provisioning and offspring survival.

Egg samples were collected from multiple programs, including MSA’s hatchery, DFO’s Live Gene Bank, Fundy Salmon Recovery, and wild stocks from the Miramichi and Jacques-Cartier Rivers. By analyzing the fatty acid, vitamin, and mineral composition of eggs and feed, Kristin’s research will help identify potential nutritional deficiencies and guide adaptive management strategies to improve juvenile survival—benefiting programs like MSA’s.

We congratulate Kristin on this well-deserved honour and look forward to the valuable insights her research will provide for Atlantic salmon conservation.

In Memoriam: the Loss of Two Great

MSA Supporters

In Memoriam: John Swan

The Miramichi Salmon Association is deeply saddened by the passing of renowned sporting artist and longtime MSA supporter John Swan of Portland, Maine. John’s artistry captured the beauty and spirit of Atlantic salmon angling, and his contributions to conservation will be fondly remembered. His passion for the sport and dedication to preserving our rivers left a lasting impact on the angling community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

In Memoriam: Doug MacDonald

The Miramichi Salmon Association is saddened by the passing of former Chair Doug MacDonald. Born on February 5, 1938, in Sydney, NS, Doug was a man who lived life to the fullest, finding joy in the simple pleasures that brought him peace and happiness. His passion for Atlantic salmon conservation and his leadership at MSA left a lasting impact on our organization and the Miramichi River.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. His dedication and friendship will be greatly missed.

MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel

March 8th - Doaktown Curling Club

Grab your broom and get ready for a great time at the MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel on March 8th at the Doaktown Curling Club! Whether you’re a seasoned curler or just in it for the laughs, this is a fantastic way to support salmon conservation while enjoying a little friendly competition.

📞 Sign up today! Call Manley Price at (506) 369-1890 or email mwprice18@outlook.com to register your team.

Don’t have a full team of four? No problem! Sign up solo or with a friend, and we’ll match you up. See you on the ice! 🥌🔥🐟

MSA US Winter Event

Another Fantastic MSA US Dinner & Auction!

On February 22nd, MSA US hosted another incredible dinner and auction, bringing together passionate conservationists both in-person and virtually!

The evening kicked off with a special artist reception honouring (the late) John Swan and Luther Kelly Hall, followed by a silent auction—where, for the first time, virtual attendees could join in on the bidding action! Guests then enjoyed a delicious dinner before diving into a high-energy live auction featuring an amazing lineup of items.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and participated, as well as to MSA US President Brad Burns and Vice President David Fenderson for organizing this fantastic event. Your support helps drive our mission to protect and restore Atlantic salmon!

Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show

Meet the MSA Team at the Moncton Coliseum! April 4 - 6th

From Friday, April 4th to Sunday, April 6th, the Miramichi Salmon Association will be at the Moncton Coliseum, and we’d love for you to stop by and say hello!

This is a great opportunity to learn more about MSA’s vital conservation efforts, our hatchery programs, ongoing research, and how you can get involved in protecting wild Atlantic salmon. Whether you're a long-time supporter or just curious about our work, we’re happy to answer your questions and chat about all things salmon!

Come by, meet our team, and discover how we’re working to secure the future of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi. See you there!

🔗 For more details, visit the link below!

Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show