It is a pleasure to submit the President’s Report for the NBSC 2009 AGM. I am honoured to have served two years as Council President and to have worked with the executive committee and the affiliates on the many important issues facing the wild Atlantic salmon. I look forward to remaining engaged in my role as Past President and to support the great work of the Council, our affiliates, the ASF, First Nations and our many governmental and NGO partners.
No doubt, 2009 was a very busy year for Council on many fronts. There were many things to be encouraged about in 2009, including excellent water levels throughout the season (which is great for the fish!), a reversal in the province’s decision to cut funding to the Crown Reserve maintenance funding, not to mention real optimism about the opportunity to begin salmon recovery efforts on the Petitcodiac. There were also many challenges as well – some ongoing, some new and unsettling, including a drastic reduction in the grilse returns and continuing concern over DFO’s plan to eradicate smallmouth bass from Miramichi Lake.
In 2010, the NBSC will continue to work diligently to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon and their habitat in NB’s rivers. While we hope to see strong returns in 2010, we must remain focused on the issues at hand and be prepared for surprising new problems that may arise. I am confident that the NBSC is well prepared in our fight as we transition to new executive leadership in the Council.
As we head into the AGM and election of officers, I would like to express a sincere thank you to everyone who is offering for positions in 2010 – your time and energy are greatly appreciated and critical to the survival of wild Atlantic salmon in NB. In particular, I wish Karle Scott all the best as he has decided to step down from Council after many years of dedicated service. Thanks, Karle! (… and tight lines!)
Lastly, I wish to thank Debbie and Dale Norton for once again hosting the Annual General Meeting. We appreciate your hospitality and excellent facilities!
The following sections provide brief descriptions of some of the issues facing the wild New Brunswick Salmon and NBSC efforts to address them:
Salmon Restoration
Downstream Salmon Smolt Passage – Tobique Narrows Dam – Efforts continue by the NBSC and an affiliate (SJRBSRI – Saint John River Basin Salmon Recovery Inc.) to propose improvements to downstream passage of salmon smolts on the Tobique and Saint John Rivers in response to the significant kill that occurs every season at each dam site. The committee has seen significant involvement from Tobique – Mactaquac MP Mike Allen. Although the committee met with NB Power CEO and President David Hay and Vice Presidents Wayne Snowden and David Bishop in February, NB Power remained concerned that the solution to downstream passage could set a precedent for other dams, and other utilities like Hydro Quebec. They have since received a letter from DFO stating they are in contravention of Section 32 of the Fisheries Act, but are not convinced that the downstream passage proposal will be the final solution. NB Power commissioned a third party review to be done on the downstream project plan that was developed and reviewed by DFO – the SJRBSRI awaits the results of this study. DFO and NB Power met with SJRBSRI on Sept.30 (a first for DFO and NBP to meet together with SJRBSRI). The outcome of this meeting is an agreement between DFO and NBP to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that commits to the establishment of fish passage for all native anadromous fish species in all directions at all hydroelectric dam sites on the St. John River system. DFO has been sending monthly updates to SJRBSRI Chair Gary Spencer reporting on the progress of the MOU development which is currently in progress.
Participation in IBOF Planning and Recovery Teams – NBSC has continued to step up its involvement in this file. There was impressive representation by the NBSC, local affiliates and other local groups at the April Recovery Team meetings in Amherst. Our groups collectively voiced concern over DFO’s lack of focus on the Petitcodiac River in itsRecovery Strategy in light of the planned opening of the causeway gates in 2010. All local stakeholders present suggested that the opportunity to begin restoration work on such a critical watershed in the IBOF region was too important to pass up. DFO added the Petitcodiac to their agenda for the Planning Team. The Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coalition (details of the PFRC activity provided in next section) formed soon after. The NBSC also played a key role in preparing and submitting a detailed joint NB/NS Council and ASF response to DFO’s iBoF Recovery Strategy which was finally posted for public comment in November. Key concerns: funding levels, long timelines and not enough focus on understanding marine critical habitat.
Participation in the Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coalition - The NBSC sees the Petitcodiac as being critical to IBOF salmon recovery because it contains over 20% of the spawning and rearing habitat across the 32 iBoF rivers. Shortly after the spring iBoF Recovery meetings, an informal partnership of 10 groups, including the NBSC, five area affiliates and other local organizations was announced to the media in May as the “Petitcodiac Fish Recovery Coaltion” (PFRC). Work began immediately on developing a restoration proposal for wild Atlantic salmon in the Petitcodiac that was presented to DFO’s IBOF Planning Team. NBSC Director and fish passage expert, John Bagnall, has been a key player in the development of this proposal. While DFO has not committed to adding the Petitcodiac to its 5-year recovery plan, they have established a steering committee that will include DFO and members of the coalition and to provide support to the group’s efforts to establish meaningful in-river monitoring, research and recovery programs.
Salmon Conservation
Live Release Angling – The NBSC has continued its promotion of live release angling throughout 2009. New Brunswick anglers are encouraged to purchase “no kill” licences and those who do are entered in a draw for a Grand Prize of a premiere angling opportunity at Larry’s Gulch on the Restigouche River. But the NBSC is concerned at numerous signs that the Live Release licenses are poorly promoted by DNR. License vendors (local stores, Service NB, etc) are often unaware of the Live Release license option and often do not have them on-hand Following the AGM in March 2009, an ad-hoc sub-committee comprised by Board members and affiliate reps was formed to take a closer look at the problems opportunities surrounding angling licenses, their pricing (which will all be increasing by 31% in 2010) and how to better promote the Live Release option. We have also met with the new Minister of Natural Resources, Wally Stiles and Fish and Wildlife Manager Mike Sullivan in efforts to increase support for live release angling. As well, we have requested the province institute a process to identify salmon waters as private or public to enhance resident angling opportunities.
Gill Netting of Atlantic Salmon – Gill netting by First Nations continued in 2009 in both the Restigouche and Miramichi watersheds. NBSC affiliates, particularly the Restigouche River Watershed Management Council (RRWMC), the Miramichi Salmon Association and the Northumberland Salmon Protection Association are working to develop better working relationships with First Nations, with the intent of promoting trap netting versus gillnetting to facilitate selective and controlled catches. There were many concerns raised by camps, outfitters and local anglers in the Restigouche this year that gill-nets were being set on the NB side of the river counter to the agreement that exists whereby the FN can fish the Quebec side of the river 5 days out of 7. In these circumstances, the Band Council were notified of the situation and nets were removed by Band enforcement. In the Miramichi, there were concerns that while the FN groups agreed to implement trap-nets, they began the season by fishing gill-nets citing the high water as preventing the set-up and operation of the trap-net facilities. With this issue comes the concern about whether the harvest has stayed within the allocations that have been negotiated with DFO. The NBSC corresponded with the Regional Director General encouraging DFO to negotiate harvest allocations (particularly on the Miramichi system) that are based on population and escapement characteristics and to provide appropriate levels of monitoring and enforcement where necessary. The RDG’s reply stated that they encourage FN to distribute their fishery but there are no governing principles in place for this.
Improved MSW run, disappointing grilse run in 2009 – Despite near perfect water height and temperatures in most rivers throughout NB in the early portion of the season, the run appeared to be delayed in getting started. Once the runs got underway, however, it was clear that the predictions made that this year would be a relatively good year for MSW (large spawner) salmon seemed to be accurate. Unfortunately, after the banner run of grilse in 2008, the year was disappointing throughout NB for 1SW fish. As in 2008, higher than average water conditions throughout much of June and July meant maintaining operation of the counting facilities was a challenge.
Outreach & Education
Webpage - The NBSC’s webpage continues to be updated with information from our executive meetings, affiliates and with information from events and initiatives in NB as it is received – see it at www.nbsalmoncouncil.com. As we look ahead to the next year, we are planning to review the site and to seek ways in which the site can be streamlined for easier content management and more frequent updates.
Information Display and Brochure – NBSC developed a colour display panel focusing on the promotion of live release for anglers of all ages. We have been using this to promote the NBSC at various functions such as the Dieppe Fly-Fishing Forum, ASF/NBSC Dinners and at the North American Conservation Officer Conference in 2009. A color brochure has also been produced and is now being used to increase public awareness of the NBSC and is also distributed at public events and with ASF memberships where possible.
Youth Affiliate/Involvement - In response to interest by a number of young anglers in NB, the NBSC launched a group called the “NB Youth Salmon Council” on the social networking site Facebook. The NBSC is considering ways to sponsor the creation of high school fly-fishing clubs similar to what has been developed at the Miramichi Valley High School by a teacher, guide and lifelong conservationist. Meetings have been held with various schools to pursue this initiative and are ongoing.
Government Relations
Cutbacks to the Crown Reserve system – During the summer NBSC learned that DNR had made a decision that maintaining the infrastructure accompanying the Crown Reserve stretches was no longer a “core” departmental responsibility and that the annual maintenance budget of $137,000 was struck from the provincial budget. The NBSC, affiliates, and the angling community entered a significant lobbying effort that resulted in funding being reinstated for the 2010 season, and agreements are now being negotiated for the Miramichi and Restigouche that would see NGOs perform maintenance under contract with DNR, but with DNR continuing to hold responsibility.
Smallmouth Bass – an infestation of Smallmouth Bass was discovered on Miramichi Lake in the fall of 2008. Miramichi Lake is a 520-acre lake on the headwaters of the Main Southwest Miramichi, feeding into the system via Lake Brook. The MWMC and NBSC affiliates have been deeply involved in the ongoing assessment and mitigation planning and have been showing great leadership on this file. Recent developments on this file include:
DFO released their 3-year eradication plan on November 24th, 2010 – wide concern in Council and among affiliates that the containment and extraction plan falls far short of what is necessary for eradication. Plan did not include rotenone.
NBSC drafted letter to Minister Shea on Dec.14th, very pointedly stating that the plan was not acceptable, that rotenone is the only option, and that DFO is ultimately responsible for the removal of this invasive species affecting salmon and should not force NGOs to rely on external funding bodies for supporting this effort over the long-term.
Many affiliates, groups and individuals have been lobbying hard for DFO to expedite authorization for use of rotenone and that plan was unacceptable through letter writing and letters to the editor.
ASF lobbied DFO in Ottawa on this matter on behalf of NBSC
Recent positive developments:
DFO has significantly stepped up their contributions with a much more intensive electrofishing, with dedicated technicians and two boats in 2010. Monitoring for YOY bass will be performed in Sept.2010.
Council is encouraged by DFO’s apparent opening of the door toward potential rotenone use through a similar MOU process that was utilized in BC.
Didymo – Blooms of what is believed to be Didymo were observed in the Upsalquitch River in 2009 making it the last of the major tributaries of the Restigouche to be affected. NBSC will monitor the situation through the RRWMC and will continue to encourage proper sanitation techniques to prevent the spread of this or any other such invasive species. The NB Department of Natural Resources also launched a publicity campaign to promote public awareness of the risks of invasive species.
Lieutenant Governors Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation - The 2009 recipient has been selected by committee and plans are underway for the Honourable Graydon Nicholas to formally present the award at the 2010 ASF/NBSC Dinner in Fredericton. Be sure to attend this great event!
Habitat
Restoration of St. Croix Alewife runs – NBSC continues to work with the Maine Council and its various stakeholders to reverse 1995 legislation by the Maine State Legislature to close key dams to alewife passage. Since 1995, alewife populations in the St. Croix have plummeted from millions to mere thousands. The legislation was originally enacted based on an inaccurate presumption that the large alewife runs were causing damage to the smallmouth bass populations, for which there is an active sport fishery in Maine. Studies have shown that there is no scientific basis for this conclusion. The NBSC has been very active on this file garnered the support of 26 conservation organizations in NB for petitioning the International Joint Commission on this topic. On June 17th, 2009, the NBSC, some affiliates and many other concerned organizations attended a public forum in MacAdam hosted by the St. Croix Committee of the IJC and voiced support for alewife passage. As a result, the issue gained media exposure with Canadian IJC Chair Herb Gray being interviewed on CBC. The IJC has since issued a letter to the Maine State Governor John Baldacci recommending that the State Legislature take the appropriate steps to reverse the 1995 decision. Although the Governor Baldacci opened the door for the IJC to exercise its authority (rather than go into the Legislature), the IJC is awaiting the completion of an adaptive management plan that will allow increasing numbers of alewives passage over a period of years with monitoring of SMB populations and health before the next steps are decided.
Geodex Tungsten/Molybdenum Mine –This proposed open pit mine on the Nashwaak River system raises many concerns about risks to the watershed. No new developments on this file.
NB Forest Management Plan – The provincial government released a comprehensive forest management plan in late January, 2009. The details of the plan are currently being reviewed by NBSC with help from RRWMC and MSA, both Council affiliates. NBSC is concerned that the decisions in this plan may have a negative effect upon buffer zones throughout the province which could lead to further sedimentation problems. The NBSC will be attending a workshop hosted by the RRWMC in October about forest management and its effect, positive and negative, on water quality and watershed vitality. RRWMC is taking a lead role on this file because of the concerns about siltation in that watershed in recent years.
Self Governance
The NBSC has grown over the past year. Although we were disappointed that the St. Croix International Atlantic Salmon Association sadly closed its doors, we are extremely pleased to have added 6 new affiliate organizations to the NBSC making our count stand at 29 organizations. The new affiliates are:
Dieppe Fly-Tying Club
Comité de gestion environnementale de la Rivière Pokemouche (CGERP)
Fredericton Fish and Game
Club Chasse et Peche St.Leonard
Oromocto Watershed Association
Southeastern Anglers Association
Eight rod days at Larry’s Gulch were once again secured from the NB Department of Tourism for June, 2010. These angling opportunities are utilized to promote the NBSC live release licence and as fundraising tools for ASF, NBSC and NBSC affiliates. The rotation list will be reviewed in the near future and the affiliates notified who will have rod allocations for their fund-raising efforts. The 2009 allocation was very successful with a total of $13,440 raised for conservation efforts. Congratulations to Moncton Fish and Game for raising nearly $5000 on their rod allocation!
Significant activity between NBSC and ASF established a joint fund-raising dinner in the Moncton area. The dinner was held Saturday, March 29th, in conjunction with the annual Dieppe Fly-Fishing Forum, and was a great success. This year’s dinner will be held March 27, and I’d encourage you all to attend (if Ed hasn’t already sold all the tickets!). In addition to the Larry’s Gulch trips, NBSC continues to support affiliate fund-raising efforts through the donation of Sage Launch fly-rods.
Affiliate Accolades and Acknowledgements
The Big Salmon River Angling Association (BSRAA) celebrated its 25 year anniversary in 2009. Congratulations to BSRAA on this milestone!
The Northumberland Salmon Protection Association honoured the late Bruce Whipple, a founding member of the NSPA. at their recent fundraising dinner with a “Friend of the River” award. Bruce sadly passed away in September 2009 after a brief battle with cancer. Bruce will be fondly remembered for his energy and passion for serving the river and teaching children about wild Atlantic salmon through the Fish Friends program. Bruce was truly a friend of the river.
Jacques Heroux, President of the Dieppe Fly-Tying Club, and organizer of the Dieppe Fly-Fishing Forum, was inducted into the Atlantic Salmon Hall of Fame on September 25th at the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown. He was inducted into the fly-tying category.
If I have missed an important milestone or acknowledgement relating to your respective organization, please contact me and provide the details. I believe it is important that we share the successes and important accomplishments of our affiliates and our dedicated volunteers.
The NBSC would also like to thank the Atlantic Salmon Federation for their continued support.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Benjamin
President
March 20, 2010