South Brook: A Holistic Approach to Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration, Management, and Awareness. Phase 2

In 2025, with funding from the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon, ACAP Humber Arm began to address some of the issues identified in a previously completed management plan. They completed erosion susceptibility surveys on approximately 11kms of South Brook, documenting numerous segments of streambank with erosion currently occurring or deemed highly susceptible to erosion. A redd survey was completed in the fall of 2025 with some redds documented, but many more salmon observed.

The work begun in 2025 was part of a proposed, comprehensive, three year initiative. In 2026, ACAP Humber Arm will address issues related to streambank erosion as identified in the 2025 survey, conduct a stream connectivity assessment with some obstruction removal, and further assess salmon populations. The 2017 Management Plan will be updated in the third year of this project (2027) to reflect the ten years of changes and issues that have occurred along this waterway.

In 2026, with some follow-up in 2027, ACAP Humber Arm will prioritize segments of streambank for erosion restoration or prevention working an effort to improve instream habitat, decrease siltation downstream, and provide areas of temperature refuge along the streambanks. Methods used will be determined on a case-by-case basis and could include placement of rock rip rap or gabion cages, vegetative plantings, etc.

ACAP Humber Arm will assess the current state of habitat fragmentation throughout this watercourse, documenting the current state of barriers to fish passage. All barriers will be photographed (georeferenced) both from land and from air using a drone and will be priority ranked for removal based on access to upstream restored. In the instance of beaver dams, where complete removal can detrimentally impact other species, and the potential for re-occurrence is high, “notching” as opposed to complete removal will occur.

Eight water quality parameters will be monitored at six sites throughout South Brook monthly throughout the course of this project. Six water temperature stations will be established to collect continuous water temperature data using water temperature loggers as well as documenting stream stage and flow.

Atlantic salmon redd surveys will be conducted in the autumn of 2026 and 2027, allowing a temporal analysis of any changes in the number of redds since the previous surveys were conducted in 2025. If salmon are seen spawning during each survey, the total number of individuals present will also be recorded. Surveys will include geo-referenced photos and/or video.

Fostering stewardship for this aquatic environment within the local community is key to helping raise public awareness and support for the conservation of salmon habitat within western Newfoundland. In 2026, ACAP Humber Arm will install interpretive signs along high pedestrian traffic areas near this watercourse describing the threats to salmon habitat and the purpose of this project. In 2027 ACAP Humber Arm will host town hall meetings within the community to report back to community members on the successes of this project and to gather insight from community members regarding issues, concerns and recommendations to better inform future conservation efforts within the updated management plan.