Petitcodiac and Big Salmon: Reviving iBoF Atlantic Salmon for a Sustainable Future

This project supports the recovery of endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon in the Petitcodiac watershed by expanding monitoring capacity, strengthening collaborative research, and enhancing conservation actions. A spring counting fence and rotary screw trap on the Pollett River will anchor a comprehensive mark‑recapture program for smolts and early‑returning adults, complemented by PIT‑antenna detections, snorkel surveys across tributaries, juvenile density assessments, fall parr collection and overwintering, and the release of FSR adults. Acoustic tracking—conducted with partners at UNB and DFO—will follow kelts and smolts throughout the Bay of Fundy using an extensive receiver array to better understand habitat use and predation. Because salmon can move beyond existing PIT‑array coverage, snorkel surveys will expand into tributaries such as the North River, Turtle Creek, and Halls Creek to improve watershed‑wide detection. Together, these efforts will generate a more complete picture of salmon movement, survival, and distribution, advancing recovery across the Petitcodiac system.