Measuring the Effects of Habitat Restoration & Abundance Supplementation on Atlantic Salmon Populations

A literature review and peer-reviewed publication will be completed that examines the challenges globally for Atlantic Salmon restoration. This research project ultimately aims to evaluate the outcomes and consequences of 1) Atlantic Salmon in-stream egg incubation as a population supplementation method and 2) habitat improvement programs within the Kouchibouguacis and Kouchibouguac River watersheds over the last 10+ years. The Greater Kouchibouguac Watershed Association (GKWA) has been actively involved in Atlantic Salmon conservation within the Kouchibouguacis and Kouchibouguac River watersheds since 2012. Their initiatives include the deployment of Jordan-Scotty Incubator Boxes for in-stream egg incubation and various habitat restoration activities such as dam and culvert removal, bank stabilization, invasive plant species removal, and foliage restoration. While annual data has been collected, a comprehensive analysis over the past decade is needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions. Although the group has reported some of this data in annual reports, they have not had the capacity to scientifically assess the data, model the population dynamics, and frame the outcomes into data-driven, evidence-based management scenarios and recommendations.