DRAFT version 5.0 Protocol for In-season Conservation Measures for Atlantic salmon during Environmentally Stressful Conditions in the Miramichi Watershed (Warm Water Protocol) Published by: Fisheries and Oceans Canada 343 University Avenue Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 5K4 Partnership: New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources Miramichi Watershed Management Committee Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee Miramichi Salmon Association This document may evolve based on the availability of new science and approved recommendations from Aboriginal organizations and stakeholders abovementioned. Questions and comments on the document may be forwarded to:
[email protected]. This document was last updated: June 29, 2015 Table of Contents Page Tables of Appendices 3 Acknowledgement 4 1.0 Introduction 5 1.1 Purpose of This Protocol 5 1.2 When to Use This Protocol 6 2.0 Science Advice 6 2.1 Temperature tolerances of Atlantic salmon during high T°C 6 2.2 Temperature thresholds 7 2.3 Water temperature characteristics of the Miramichi River 8 2.4 Angling success for Atlantic salmon during high T°C 9 3.0 Description of cold water refuges / pools 9 4.0 Monitoring 10 4.1 Water temperature 11 4.2 Water levels 11 4.3 Long term forecast 11 4.4 Fish behaviour 12 5.0 Management actions 12 5.1 Closure criteria 13 5.2 Re-opening criteria 14 6.0 Communication 14 2 Table of Appendices Page Appendix A – Science advice (March 2012) 15 Appendix B – Cold water refuges / pool descriptions 16 Appendix C – Water temperature graphic from MREAC