Monitoring and assessment of Atlantic salmon populations

The Atlantic salmon in the Oromocto River (Welamukotuk) are listed as endangered by COSEWIC and we have a duty to protect them while educating others of their continued presence. Using closed site electrofishing we will focus on ascertaining population densities of Atlantic salmon in sites that have historically healthy populations, good water quality, and adequate water temperatures. This allows focusing of future resources to those areas which require additional work such as culvert remediation or removal, additional buffer zones, or public education. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) monitor five index rivers in the lower St. John River and the Oromocto is not one of them. Our electrofishing surveys are important to both help DFO collect data and educate others who are not aware of these remnant populations. Future projects include electrofishing with DFO with eDNA calibration and the information gained in 2022 will inform that partnership.

Contact:

Robin Hanson

oromoctoriverwatershed@gmail.com

506 461 4223