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. 90 January 2026

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

Happy New Year, MSA Members and Supporters!

As we move into January, there is a great deal happening across the Miramichi Salmon Association, and I want to highlight a few important items for our members and supporters.

First, I am very pleased to remind everyone of the upcoming MSA US Dinner, being held on February 7th at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth, Maine. This year’s event will honour long-time MSA director and all-around great guy, Marc Cabot, in recognition of his many years of dedication to salmon conservation and to the Miramichi. The evening promises to be an excellent one, featuring a strong lineup of items in both the silent and live auctions, along with an update on MSA US activities from Brad Burns, President of MSA US. These dinners are always a highlight of the year, and I encourage those who can attend to do so.

On the Canadian side, MSA Canada is currently focused on securing approval from DFO for a renewed stocking program. Following last year’s denial of permits, we have been engaged in ongoing discussions with DFO to better understand what they are looking for in terms of a clear, science-based plan of action to help restore salmon populations in the Miramichi. While this process has been challenging, those conversations have been constructive. We are hopeful that, this time around, some form of an adult stocking program will be approved and that we can finally begin to make meaningful progress toward rebuilding Miramichi salmon stocks.

Finally, a word on the hatchery. MSA staff are working diligently to care for the approximately 1.2 million eggs currently at the hatchery. As always, this is meticulous and demanding work, and I want to acknowledge the commitment of our team. With a bit of luck and continued good husbandry, we are hopeful for another strong survival rate and the ability to stock close to 600,000 fry this coming spring.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Miramichi Salmon Association and our shared goal of protecting and restoring this iconic river and its salmon.

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

MSA US Winter Event

Saturday, February 7th

The MSA US Winter Event is taking place Saturday, February 7th at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth, ME. The evening will begin at 5:30pm EST with a cocktail hour, followed by the dinner and auction, and will be live-streamed for guests who would prefer to attend virtually. In-person attendees will enjoy a served dinner with wine.

All attendees will receive a copy of “Marc Cabot: An American Entrepreneur’s 60 Year Love Affair with the Miramichi, Its People and Its Salmon” a book about Marc Cabot’s 60 years of salmon fishing on the Miramichi written by Brad Burns and Rip Cunningham. The book will feature over 100 photographs related to salmon fishing.

The evening will also include silent and live auctions with fishing trips to top destinations, original artwork, a wide variety of fishing equipment, and much more. Our auctioneer and special guest will be Bill Green, long standing host of the Bill Green's Maine television show.

Purchase Tickets HERE

2025 in Review

Here is a look at a few 2025 highlights. We accomplished a lot this past year and look forward to continuing the same work in 2026!

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

Welcome Alice Tran - MSA's new Finance Coordinator

Alice Tran is MSA’s new Finance Coordinator. She is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Following graduation, Alice worked in the Finance and Administration Department at Mount Allison, gaining hands-on experience in financial operations, accounts payable, and financial reconciliation. Her background includes managing and reconciling complex financial data across multiple systems, processing monthly transactions, and supporting accurate financial tracking for tuition, housing, meal plans, and departmental expenses. Alice brings strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and a proven ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments—skills that will be a valuable asset to the Miramichi Salmon Association.