Implications of salmon conservation and rearing strategies on epigenetics and riparian ecosystems in New Brunswick, Canada

River ecosystems on Canada’s East Coast face nutrient limitations, largely due to the decline in anadromous fish like Atlantic salmon, which are critical for transporting marine-derived nutrients (MDNs) that enrich ecosystems. The Fundy Salmon Recovery (FSR) project uses innovative sea-pen rearing to overcome marine phase bottlenecks, ensuring wild-like fitness and MDN contribution, unlike traditional hatchery methods linked to reduced genetic fitness. Exploring epigenetic effects, particularly DNA methylation, reveals the environmental impacts of rearing methods. Efforts to restore endangered Bay of Fundy salmon populations combine federal and provincial governments, first nations, academia, and industry, with additional studies planned to reconstruct historic fish populations via tree growth rings and stable isotope analysis. Success in conservation programs promises enriched ecosystems and sustainable fish populations critical to ecological health.