WHO WE ARE

· We are The New Brunswick Salmon Council

· We are the New Brunswick affiliate of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, with which we cooperate in our common pursuits.

WHAT WE ARE

· We are a non-profit corporation incorporated under the New Brunswick Companies Act.

· We act as the representative body of twenty-six (26) affiliated conservation oriented organizations from all parts of the Province of New Brunswick interested in the conservation and wise management of the wild Atlantic salmon.

· The work of the N. B. Council is carried out by volunteers and it is funded entirely by donations from persons interested in the conservation and wise management of the wild Atlantic salmon.

WHAT WE DO

· We conduct scientific research.

· We actively participate in education programs creating an awareness of the need for conservation and management of the wild Atlantic salmon.

· We promote live release angling.

· We participate in satellite rearing programs.

· We deal with all levels of government in the promotion of conservation and management of the wild Atlantic salmon and its habitat.

· We liaise with other members of the conservation community in New Brunswick and cooperate in matters of joint interest.

· We promote community watershed management.

WHAT ARE OUR GOALS

· We encourage cooperation between various orders of government involved, whether directly or indirectly, in conservation and management of the wild Atlantic salmon.

· We wish to ensure that sufficient resources for protection of the wild Atlantic salmon are allocated and maintained by the various orders of government whose mandate it is to provide such protection and enforcement resources.

· We encourage elimination of all existing gill net fisheries for the wild Atlantic salmon.

· We encourage the responsible pursuit of aquaculture in a controlled, regulated and monitored environment which provides a reasonable assurance that no negative impact will be had on the wild Atlantic salmon as a result of aquaculture activity.

OUR PRIORITY ISSUES

COOPERATION BETWEEN VARIOUS ORDERS OF GOVERNMENT

· We believe that the time has come for the implementation of an integrated approach to Atlantic salmon conservation goals in which the federal government and the provincial government work together cooperatively, rather than separately or against one another.

· Overlap and duplication, and gaps in government services, must be eliminated.

· Clarification of roles and responsibilities in this sector is essential if we are to maximize the use of taxpayer resources in support of Atlantic salmon conservation.

· Joint working arrangements with conservation organizations and community groups are an essential and integral factor to successful conservation and protection initiatives.

SUFFICIENT RESOURCES FOR PROTECTION OF THE WILD ATLANTIC SALMON

· The Department of Fisheries and Oceans does not provide sufficient protection resources to protect the wild Atlantic salmon from poaching or over-fishing. Joint action with the Province, and with conservation organizations can remedy this situation.

· In keeping with DFO's precautionary approach to management of wild Atlantic salmon stocks, there is a need to review and establish base lines for the levels of protection and enforcement necessary to protect New Brunswick rivers.

ELIMINATION OF GILL NET FISHERIES

· The Department of Fisheries and Oceans must take any necessary steps to eliminate existing gill net fisheries.

· Gill nets indiscriminately kill wild salmon along with the other species for which they may have been set.

· Where entrapment is deemed necessary, the more selective trap net is proposed as the alternative fishing method.

RESPONSIBLE AQUACULTURE THAT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE

· A firm policy and regulations to protect wild Atlantic salmon stocks from the many serious and scientifically documented adverse impacts of aquaculture is needed.

· The federal government should mandate a moratorium on any further aquaculture operations, including the introduction of exotic species, until research indicates reasons for the decline and solutions to the problem are identified.

· We support the tagging of all aquaculture fish as a protection measure.

LIVE RELEASE ANGLING

· Live release angling for wild Atlantic salmon offers a comprehensive approach to conservation and protection for the wild Atlantic salmon.

· Where rivers have been subjected to long-term closure, release angling, under carefully monitored conditions, is one method to enable volunteer organizations to maintain memberships necessary to continue management and restoration activity essential to conservation.

· Promotion of safe and proper live release techniques is essential to ensuring an effective program.

On Our Plate 2008

Brief descriptions of some of the issues facing the wild New Brunswick Salmon and NBSC efforts to address them are provided below:

Salmon Restoration

1) Downstream Salmon Smolt Passage - Tobique Narrows Dam - Significant efforts have been undertaken by NBSC, ASF and an affiliate (SJBSRI) to quantify and propose improvements to downstream passage of salmon smolts on the Tobique River. The Tobique historically produced 55% of the returning Saint John River Salmon. Mortality studies employing electronic tagging (ASF), drogue testing of the Tobique Narrows head pond hydraulics (NBSC), international/expert visitation and analysis of downstream passage opportunities (NBSC) and a preliminary engineering design (NBSC) have been prepared for the Saint John River system in general and the Tobique River in particular. Recently an expert opinion was provided by DFO which supports the findings of our preliminary design. DFO and NB Power are currently undertaking a telemetry study to better understand smolt approach patterns to Tobique Narrows Dam. This project is funded by DFO and INSERT at a cost of $120,000 Cdn.

Salmon Conservation

1) Live Release Angling - The NBSC continued its promotion of live release angling with a lottery draw for a premiere angling opportunity at the NB Government water located at Larry's Gulch on the Restigouche River. New Brunswick anglers are encouraged to purchase "no kill" licences and those who do have their name put into a draw for this fishing trip. It is the opinion of the NBSC that this project has a life and will be discontinued after the 2007 season.
2) Conservation Watch Initiative - The NBSC and the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation have joined forces to propose and initiate a conservation watch program. The proposed program will involve volunteers being trained to observe poaching activities within New Brunswick while conducting their everyday hunting and fishing activities. The project is in its initial stages with preliminary buy-in by NBDNRE. Funding challenges have recently arisen which are hampering progress.
3) Satellite Camera Initiative - The NBSC has opened discussion with DFO towards the purchase of additional satellite cameras to provide remote and real time images of activities along preferred salmon poaching stretches. These images would be available to DFO as well as NBDNRE and a similar project resulted in one conviction in 2005. Extensive signage has been placed throughout the Miramichi Watershed to inform the public that enforcement agencies may be watching with considerable success in discouraging would be poachers. We are currently negotiating with DFO to expand this effort to additional watersheds in New Brunswick.
4) Gill netting of Atlantic Salmon - The NBSC and the ASF have discussed opportunities for exploring legal challenges to encourage DFO to eliminate all gill net fisheries. Preliminary discussions discourage obtaining a legal opinion. In light of the 2006 gill netting efforts by First Nations Communities on the Little South West and North West Miramichi rivers the NBSC and its affiliates has opened discussions with DFO management to voice concerns regarding a lack of enforcement personnel at netting sites. It is the intention of the NBSC to push for 24/7 enforcement presence in 2007.

Salmon Enhancement

1) Smolt Study, Miramichi River - The NBSC continues to support this major project through donation of its share of funds from the proceeds of the Saint John, NB dinner.
2) Trout Rearing - NBSC has submitted an unsolicited proposal to rear brook trout for profit through the recently revised NB Government trout stocking policy where the Province charges a "stocking fee" on each licence and are currently in the process of selecting a contractor to fulfill this service. NBSC feels that the two hatcheries operated by MSA and NSA complimented by a broad and diverse streamside rearing network uniquely positions us as the only genetically diverse option for delivery of this program.

Education

1) Fish Friends - Several NBSC affiliate groups continue to provide outstanding volunteer efforts in this popular hands on education programme. Approximately 75 units are operating in New Brunswick.
2) Youth Fishing Camp - Council continues to support youth fishing camps in the Province. Several camps now use all or parts of "Magic on Rivers".
3) Guide Tour - A guide tour was carried out on the Miramichi and Restigouche River systems. Guides were educated on appropriate live release techniques and efforts of the ASF/NBSC.

Government Relations

1) Aquaculture - The NBSC is corresponding with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture regarding the lack of a requirement to report aquaculture escapees and the lack of a plan to prevent a reoccurrence.
2) DNR external/internal review of fulfillment of obligations under the NB Wildlife act - Upon pressure from the NBSC the Province has now completed an internal review of the Fish & Wildlife Branch. The Province of New Brunswick has announced plans to dedicate 90 specially trained enforcement officers to wildlife conservation enforcement. It is the opinion of the NBSC that this is an inadequate force to carry out the Province's mandate in this area.
3) Exotic/Invasive Species: NBSC has called upon the government of New Brunswick to step up their efforts in curbing the illegal introduction of exotic and invasive species to the waters of New Brunswick. We are concerned by the potential for species expansion to non-native waters.
4) Lieutenant Governors Award: The NBSC organized a reception at Old Government House in Fredericton, NB on September 20, 2006. At that time Mr. Bob Baker (Nepisiquit Salmon Association) was awarded the Lieutenant Governors award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation by the Lieutenant Governor personally.
5) Government Lobby Efforts - The NBSC has conducted face to face meetings with one Provincial MLA (MacDonald), one Federal MP (Allen) and two Provincial Ministers (Business NB and DNR) in an effort to garnish support for provincial salmon conservation issues.
Habitat

1) HADD Bank - All affiliates are being encouraged to submit habitat concerns to the NBSC in an effort to set up a "bank" of projects to be funded under DFO's "harmful alteration, disruption or destruction" program (HADD bank). Under this program DFO requires proponents of projects which damage aquatic habitat to replace or improve habitat, preferably within the same watershed. It has been NBSC's experience that DFO was under performing with respect to funding projects and that there was/is a low level of affiliate understanding of this process. The NBSC has undertaken to facilitate this process on behalf of affiliated river systems as well as systems which remain unrepresented at council.
2) Habitat Conference - The NBSC has teamed with NBDNR and DFO to plan a major aquatic habitat conference scheduled for fall, 2007.

Self Governance

1) Planning - We continue to re-evaluate our role and level of funding for salmon conservation/enhancement and look forward to continuing a great relationship with ASF in the future.
2) Staffing - Significant efforts were afforded by the NBSC in an attempt to backfill the vacancy left by the departure of our Regional Director, Mr. Danny Bird. Danny's efforts are sorely missed.
3) Election of Officers - An annual general meeting and election of officers was conducted April 8, 2006. The Treasurers position was vacant due to the unfortunate death of long standing treasurer, volunteer and wonderful person, Mr. Bob Ross. One other director at large position was vacant at that time. Subsequently both of these positions have been filled.

Last and certainly not least

The NBSC would like to recognise the extra efforts made by Kirsten Rouse, Todd Dupuis and ASF in general during the past few months.

Gary Spencer, September, 2006