January 4^th was my first full day. I am working closely with our board chair, Debbie Norton, to connect with the board and get engaged with on-going projects and meetings. Next week I will be starting a rotenone training course offered through the American Fisheries Society so we are prepared in the event rotenone is applied in our watershed. MSA has also started working with Iron House Productions to enhance our communications and help get our MSA story out- I will keep you posted on our progress. 

I plan to start a 100 Days of Listening initiative beginning later in January. This is an opportunity for me to listen to members, directors, committees, and stakeholders to better understand MSA. Stay tuned for ways to get involved as I dig into this initiative. 

On February 20th, 2021 the MSA US will be hosting a FREE LIVESTREAM event in celebration of Atlantic Salmon. Featured guests will include: April Vokey, Topher Brown, Deidre Green, Luther Hall, John Swan, Brad Burns, and host, Gary Tanner.

In conjunction with the livestream the MSA US will also be hosting an online auction in support of salmon conservation in the Miramichi. The auction will launch on February 14th at noon and run until 5pm on February 28st. Details about the auction will be available when the auction launches, but until then, to register for the Livestream please click the link below. When you register for the livestream and make a donation of $50 or more, your name will automatically be entered into a draw for a Luther Hall painting titled "Goose Island Salmon" (shown below - 10"x12")

With Covid - 19 restriction returning to 'orange phase' during the tail end of the MSA fall fundraising season, the Carleton County dinner committee and the MSA were forced to cancel our usual fundraising dinner scheduled to be held at the Covered Bridge Country Club in early November. In lieu of our typical dinner, the committee opted to host an online "Christmas Auction". I am please to share that the auction, along with some generous donations from our supporters in Carleton County, raised over $18k in support of salmon conservation in the Miramichi watershed.

The MSA would like to sincerely thank McCain Fertilizer, McConnell Transport, Day and Ross and Valley Equipment for their generous donations to the MSA. The MSA would also like to thank the Carleton County dinner committee: Joe Palmer, Rick Pryde and Travis

Dickinson. Thanks guys for putting together such a great auction and fundraiser!

Do you have a question about Atlantic salmon, fish biology, river science or ecosystem management that you would like answered? Have you ever wondered what salmon do in the winter, under the ice or what frazil and anchor ice is and how is it different from surface ice?

If you have, please email your question by clicking the button below and Dr. Rick Cunjak will provide an answer to your question in the Leaper the following month. Don't be shy! Chances are if you have a question there’s a likelihood that other people are wondering the same thing, so please, don't hesitate to ask! Please email you question by clicking the link below:

The MSA will be holding a Board of Directors meeting on February 6th starting at 10am. For those Directors that would like to attend in person, the meeting will be held at the Fredericton Inn. If you would prefer to attend virtually, the Zoom meeting details will be circulated along with the information package in the coming days.

Looking to expand your wardrobe with a cool MSA branded sweatshirt or hoodie? Check out our line of MSA branded clothing by clicking the link below. We have a variety of products available including t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts and more. Shipping is available at standard Canada Post rates. Orders must be received by Colleen on or before February 28th.

 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!