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. 93 April 2026

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

As we move through the spring season, the Miramichi Salmon Association finds itself in something of a holding pattern as we await permit approvals from DFO required to proceed with our proposed stocking and conservation programs. While this delay is certainly not ideal and is understandably frustrating for staff and volunteers who are eager to get underway, it is part of the process, and we remain confident in the proposed work that has been put forward. In the meantime, all operational planning, staffing, and logistical preparations are well under way, ensuring we will be in a position to move quickly and effectively once approvals are received. Our focus remains unchanged—delivering practical, science-based conservation outcomes for Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi—and we continue to work closely with our partners to keep these important initiatives moving forward.

We are also encouraged by the recent federal announcement under Canada’s Nature Strategy, which includes dedicated investment for Atlantic salmon conservation, including $81.3 million nationally toward the Atlantic Salmon Strategy. This level of commitment is a positive and welcome signal that the importance of Atlantic salmon recovery is being recognized at the national level. While details on implementation will be important as they emerge, this funding represents meaningful momentum and reinforces the value of the work being carried out here on the Miramichi and across the region. It is our hope that this investment will translate into strengthened on-the-ground action, improved coordination, and long-term support for the restoration of wild Atlantic salmon populations.

On the operational side, things are beginning to ramp up at the hatchery as we enter one of the busiest periods of the year. The eggs are now starting to hatch, which is always an encouraging sign and marks the beginning of the next phase of our production cycle. Over the coming weeks and months, staff and volunteers will be fully engaged as we transition into fry distribution across our designated sites throughout the watershed. At the same time, we are well into preparations for the installation of our smolt wheels at Wayerton Bridge and Ludlow. These operations are a critical part of our monitoring program and provide valuable data to help guide our understanding of smolt migration and overall stock assessment work.

Looking ahead, I would like to remind members that our Annual General Meeting will take place on April 25th at the Upper Miramichi Rural Community Centre, beginning at 12:30 p.m. A light lunch will be available, and I would encourage strong member attendance as we review the past year’s work and look ahead to the season to come. Following the AGM, the Icebreaker Dinner and Auction will be held at the NB Woodsman Museum, beginning at 4:30 p.m. This event is always an important gathering for our members, partners, and supporters, and plays a key role in sustaining the conservation work we do across the Miramichi watershed.

As always, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our staff, partners, and volunteers. Their continued dedication and hard work are what keeps this organization moving forward. Despite the challenges and delays we sometimes face, the importance of the work and the strength of the MSA remain as strong as ever.

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

Federal Nature Strategy & Atlantic Salmon Funding Announcement

The announcement of Canada’s new Nature Strategy marks a significant national commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection. The strategy sets out an ambitious agenda to expand protected areas and strengthen collaborative conservation efforts across the country, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to address habitat loss and environmental decline at scale.

Of particular importance to Atlantic salmon conservation is the confirmation of $81.3 million in dedicated funding for the implementation of Canada’s Atlantic Salmon Strategy. This investment is intended to support coordinated action across jurisdictions, including habitat restoration, science and monitoring, barrier mitigation, and strengthened collaboration with Indigenous and watershed partners.

For the Miramichi and other key salmon rivers, this renewed federal commitment represents an important opportunity to align national resources with on-the-ground conservation priorities. Effective implementation will be critical, and success will depend on strong partnerships between governments, Indigenous communities, and watershed organizations already working in these systems.

The MSA welcomes continued attention to Atlantic salmon recovery at the federal level and looks forward to engaging constructively as this strategy moves from announcement to implementation, ensuring that investments translate into tangible benefits for wild salmon populations in the Miramichi watershed and beyond.

Official Press Release

IceBreaker Dinner & Auction
Get your tickets before they sell out!

Tickets are selling fast and we are expecting the event to sell out soon! Don't miss the chance to get your ticket!

Join us at the CNB Woodmen's Museum in Boiestown on Saturday, April 25th for our 29th Annual IceBreaker Dinner & Auction! This event will begin with a reception and silent auction at 4:30PM, followed by dinner at 6:00PM.

The evening will include great food, great company, entertainment, and a live auction to fundraise for salmon conservation on the Miramichi River. With special guests the 2026 IceBreaker Honourees the Fredericton Seniors Workshop.

For decades, the workshop has been a cornerstone of community connection, empowering seniors through craftsmanship, mentorship, and camaraderie while also being a steadfast supporter of the MSA and its mission. Their ongoing dedication to skill‑building, creativity, and community service has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of countless members. We are thrilled to celebrate their contributions and highlight the spirit of partnership and generosity that defines this remarkable group.

Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by visiting the link below or by calling (506)622-4000 Monday to Friday 8AM-4PM.

IceBreaker Tickets

New Invasive Species Policy in New Brunswick

We want to make you aware of a new policy from the Province of New Brunswick requiring anglers to retain certain invasive fish species if caught, rather than releasing them.

This measure is aimed at reducing the impact of non-native species and include:

• Black Crappie

• Chain Pickerel

• Largemouth Bass

• Muskellunge

• Smallmouth Bass

These invasive species pose a growing threat to native fish populations, including Atlantic salmon. These species can compete with, prey on, and disrupt the ecosystems that salmon depend on.

While this policy is a positive step, invasive species remain an increasing concern in the Miramichi watershed and will require continued management, monitoring, and public awareness.

We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with the species involved and to comply with the new regulations while on the water.

Click Here For More Information

Hatchery Update
Holly Labadie - MSCC Hatchery Manager

It seems like spring is upon us here at the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre, but winter doesn’t want to let go without a fight this year, as more snowstorms are predicted for early April. That won’t stop our staff from caring for the fish on-site though, as they are a 7-day-a-week responsibility. Our Egg Room and Broodstock Building are currently incubating hundreds of thousands of Atlantic salmon eggs and sac fry, while a third building houses three different year classes of older fish.

Egg inventory estimates continue to be underway, and they are placed into incubation boxes lined with artificial substrate mats. After hatching, the sac fry burrow into these mats and rely on their yolk sacs for nutrition. By mid to late May, rising water temperatures increase their metabolism, prompting them to swim up into the water column in search of food. They are then released from the incubators and fed for a couple of weeks before being stocked into their natal waters in early June.

The Grow-Out Building contains salmon raised as part of the Smolt-to-Adult Supplementation (SAS) fry stocking program. Smolts collected from the Dungarvon River through the experimental fry stocking effort, along with smolts from the Southwest Miramichi River intended for supplementation. The fish are held in large tanks equipped with automatic feeders and they receive weekly routine anti-fungal treatments as part of daily monitoring and proper fish husbandry practices. Mature fish from the older year classes will be spawned in fall 2026 for stocking in 2027.

We continue to support the local Fish Friends program, with a volunteer organizing egg pickup and delivery to elementary and middle schools. Each school received a small number of eggs for their classroom aquarium, allowing students to learn about Atlantic salmon ecology. The students will also have the opportunity to visit the MSCC for a tour in the spring.

MSA's Annual General Meeting

Saturday, April 25th

The Miramichi Salmon Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at 12:30PM on Saturday, April 25th 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.

2026 Field Program Summary
Lyndsay Jay-Keating - MSA Biologist

The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) is preparing for another active season focused on the health of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River. Here’s a look at our key initiatives for 2026:

Smolt Estimate: As spring arrives, we’re gearing up for our annual smolt estimates. To enhance the accuracy of these estimates, the MSA will once again deploy three smolt wheels on the Northwest Miramichi River and two wheels on the Dungarvon River. All necessary equipment, including cables and gear, is ready, and maintenance on the wheels is already underway. Our goal is to have the wheels in place by the beginning of May.

Smolt Tracking: This year, we continue our partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) to track smolts. Starting in the spring, the team will be tagging smolts from the Miramichi River with Vemco acoustic transmitters. By tracking their movement as they exit the river, pass through the estuary, and enter the Gulf of St. Lawrence, we’ll be able to determine smolt survival rates and identify any areas where mortality is high.

Trap and Transport: This year, we continue our partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) for their experimental trap and transport project. For more information please visit: https://www.asf.ca/bass-blockade-bypass-the-trap-truck-solution/

Fry Stocking: Fry stocking will begin in June 2026, with a focus on areas along the Southwest Miramichi River and the Dungarvon River. This busy season will be key in replenishing the river with young salmon.

Electrofishing: The MSA will carry out its annual electrofishing program in the headwater regions of the Miramichi River watershed to assess juvenile Atlantic salmon presence. This year’s juvenile Atlantic salmon assessment will take place in late summer 2026.

Cold Water Pool Restoration: Our team will conduct snorkeling surveys, collect water temperature data, and evaluate past restoration sites for any necessary debris clearance.

Broodstock Collection: The MSA will continue with broodstock collection for the Dungarvon Experimental Stocking Project, this is the fifth and final year of collection for this project. These salmon will be transported to the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre for spawning. The eggs will be incubated over the winter and released as first-feeding fry in June 2027. To maximize their chances of survival, these fry will be placed in areas with low juvenile densities.

Beaver Dam Management: Our beaver dam management program is scheduled for fall 2026. Early assessments of potential sites will be made to ensure we’re ready to begin work during the critical spawning period. If you are aware of any beaver dams obstructing fish passage, please let us know. Additionally, we welcome volunteers to help with this important project.

This year’s field program continues the MSA’s ongoing commitment to the conservation and restoration of Atlantic salmon populations in the Miramichi River watershed. We are excited to collaborate with partners and the community to achieve these goals and welcome anyone interested in getting involved.

Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest

Contest opens April 15th

The Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest is an opportunity for photographers to showcase their best shots of the Miramichi River and its surroundings. This is an annual event that runs from April 15th until October 30th. The MSA invites participants to submit their best photos capturing the beauty and diversity of the Miramichi watershed. This photo contest is open to all amateur photographers. Contest categories include Miramichi People, Angling, Miramichi Scenes, and Kids.

Our 2026 Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest prize package is sponsored by:

Bates Custom Laminating and Framing

1st Place - $250

2nd Place - $150

3rd Place - $75

4th Place - $25

Submit Your Photos

Moncton Boat & Sportsmen Show
Come meet the MSA Staff!

From Friday, April 10th to Sunday, April 12th, 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!

For more details, visit the link!