Reverse the serious decline of Atlantic Salmon in Rocky River through Community Stewardship

Rocky River flows into the north side of St. Mary’s Bay at the town of Colinet.  This river has the largest drainage area (296 km2) on the Avalon Peninsula.  A 6 m natural waterfall presented a barrier to anadromous salmon until 1987 when DFO upgraded an old ineffective fishway.  A salmon fry stocking program carried out from1984until the early 1990’s, was successful in establishing a population of anadromous salmon. The population increased to about 950 salmon in 2010, but subsequently declined to 96 salmon in 2024.  A review of DFO monitoring data indicated that the cause of the decline was related to factors in-river and not at sea.  At public meetings in Colinet and Whitbourne, in 2024, and through discussions with local residents and DFO enforcement staff it, became apparent that Illegal fishing was a major contributing factor to salmon decline.

This project is designed to inform the area residents, cabin owners, anglers and tourist of the serious decline in anadromous salmon and that poaching is a major contributing factor in the decline. The project endeavours to instill stewardship and conservation of the salmon and its habitat.  The project will have several components:

1)   Public presentations in May and in September in the three communities of Whitbourne, Colinet and Blaketown, as well as at community associations such as the Lions Club and Legion.

2)  School presentations in June and in September in Whitbourne, Blaketown, and St. Catherines

3) Two newsletters will be sent to local residents and cabin owners as well as placed on social media sites and on community and SAEN websites. The Newsletters will provide information on the serious decline of salmon in Rocky River, the effect of poaching on the salmon population, conservation, angling and tourism.  The newsletters will stress the benefits of good stewardship of the aquatic resources.

4) The Bay St. Marys North Rural Development Association has agreed to partner with WSA to use their Interpretation Center, at the mouth of Rocky R. to display material and partner in events.  Displayed at the Center will be information to promote good stewardship and conservation: the history of anadromous salmon in Rocky R; the enhancement program; population increases and decline; and current research and activities to conserve and rebuild salmon population.  An interpreter at the Center will explain the information posted.  Opportunity exists for presentations and to hold a public event.

5) Signs and posters will be designed specifically for Rocky R to portray an anti-poaching message and promote good stewardship.  Signs will be posted along access points to Rocky River.  Posters will be placed in public buildings including schools, community association buildings (e.g. Lions Club), in retail stores, and in the Interpretation Center.

6) Billboard size signs designed to stop poaching, encouraging good stewardship and conservation of Atlantic salmon will be placed at two or three locations on Rocky River