President's Message - P.1 Breakwater Pool Tour - P.7 Margaree Salmon Museum - P.15

Cranton Bridge Closed - P.2 Eastern Pearl Mussels - P.9 Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River - P.17

Fundraiser Report - P.4 Trap Net - P.11 Wild Salmon Unlimited - P.20

What am I? - P.4 Aris Sonar - P.12 Stripers Spawning - P.22

Warm Water Protocol - P.5 Learn to Fly Fish - P.13 ASF Regional Director - P.22

President's Message

We see much time and effort spent on studies to salmon population in Nova Scotia. In recent years, determine salmon genetics, migration routes and we have seen returns of 4% to 16% of hatchery population numbers, while overall, numbers continue raised fish. Over the years, the Margaree has been to decrease. Is it predation, global warming or habitat stocked with salmon from Middle River, Sydney destruction? Probably all three, plus other factors. River, Balls Creek, Leitches Creek, River Philip, The studies make for interesting reading but are open Morrel River, St. John River, Restigouche River and to political interpretation, depending on your agenda. Miramichi Watershed. Has this diversification Unfortunately, they provide few viable solutions. contributed to the Margaree salmon's ability to respond more successfully to change than salmon The present work carried out by Government from other Nova Scotia rivers? Why must Departments in the Bay of Fundy is very concerning. broodstock be collected and their prodigy be Identifying a pure genetic strain of salmon for a introduced back into the same river? This was not particular river and removing salmon that do not the philosophy followed in the past, when we had meet their genetic standard is very questionable. healthy salmon populations. Releasing more than 800,000 fry plus hundreds of sea-pen raised adults in a year and then see fewer Suggesting that hatchery raised fish are inferior to than 200 adults return to the Bay of Fundy rivers is "wild" fish may generate interesting studies, but both disappointing. Raising salmon until mature adults, are needed to maintain, enhance and, in extreme then releasing them may be a good idea, but why cases, reintroduce stocks. How many generations of only do it at tax-payers expense? Both Wild Salmon successful spawning must occur before prodigy from Unlimited (WSU) and the Collaboration for Atlantic hatchery raised fish are considered wild? Salmon Tomorrow (CAST) have been denied This note is a call for flexibility and innovation when government licences to carryout similar work at managing Atlantic Salmon stocks. During the past mostly private expense. number of years, decisions made by government Traditional methods to help sustain salmon have not slowed the decrease of Atlantic Salmon populations are being criticized and abandoned on stocks. Two-way discussion and mutual agreements the east coast of Canada. We have one salmon resulting in project partnerships with volunteer hatchery left in Nova Scotia, located on the groups and first nations are needed if we hope to Margaree River, the only river with a healthy have future healthy salmon stocks. – Bill Haley

Message from the MSA Board of Directors We would like to thank Bert Hart, Jack Aikens, Bev MacMillan and Emma Garden for their years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors. They will be missed. We would like to welcome Peter Mancini, Keith Christmas, Rod Bird and Joe Googoo who joined the board at our most recent annual general meeting, new faces are always welcome.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 1 - Margaree Salmon Association

Cranton Bridge Closed to Traffic – Margaree Centre

Over the last several years, following big rain events in the Highlands, this has become a common scene at Cranton Bridge, Margaree Centre, with the Department of Transport and Infrastructure having to come and remove debris caught by the bridge piers.

Earlier damage, (5 years ago), resulted in a 5-tonne weight restriction for vehicles crossing Cranton Bridge / Margaree River - Facing North the bridge. At that time, work was also being done on the failed and the Cranton Bridge is Due to the debris being caught Crowdis, (Ingraham), Bridge now closed completely. by the piers, the preferred way to closer to Margaree Valley and Currently Margaree Centre can replace Cranton bridge is with a that bridge was also closed. This now only be reached by crossing structure that has no supporting resulted in school buses, delivery the Crowdis or Ross Bridge piers, like a bailey bridge. This trucks and Emergency service – although the adventurous can work is to be completed in the vehicles being forced to drive the still get to Margaree Centre from next few years – the latest long way around and cross the Doyle Bridge by following the rumour is that they are to start in river at Ross Bridge, (above the West Big Intervale Road, over June of 2019 building the bridge Margaree Fish Hatchery). This Cullivee – a trip not suggested off site and then placing it. not only added mileage and time for the faint hearted, particularly to the trip but, as well, the in winter! It will be interesting to see what “Portree” portion of the road is in will happen to the river when the rough shape and during the As well as four-wheel traffic, the obstructive “tree trapper” piers winter caused more than 1 snowmobilers have been are removed and the Margaree accident. Once a large delivery impacted and they, too, cannot river can flow freely once again truck slid off the road. cross at Cranton creating some in this part of the valley. problems for them getting to Many attempts to find solid Ingrahams’s Irving for gas and bedrock under the existing bridge other supplies.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 2 - Margaree Salmon Association

Debris at Cranton Bridge / Margaree River - Facing South-East

Margaree area map marking Cranton Bridge (Google Satellite Image)

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 3 - Margaree Salmon Association

Fundraiser Report What am I?

MSA’s major fundraiser, of course, is our annual These animals were common on the East Coast of Dinner Auction. This year MSA realized a net Canada before being hunted to near extinction in of $6,725. the 17th and 18th century.

We would like to thank ALL those who bid on the This specimen was recently found in the waters off items and, more especially perhaps, all the Margaree Harbour. Can you identify it? businesses and individuals who donated them! Let us know on Facebook. Thank you all. /MargareeSalmonAssociation The raffle on the Pieroway rods gained us a little What am I? over $600, when all was said and done. MSA is currently organizing another draw for next year and, don't forget, the dinner auction is scheduled for Sat. October 12, 2019, same time, (7 PM), same place, (St. Pat’s Hall, NE Margaree).

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 4 - Margaree Salmon Association

Margaree River – Recreational Angling Warm Water Closure 2018

History

The Northeast (NE) Margaree has traditionally been considered a source of cold, clear water throughout the summer months. Recently, warm water occurrences have resulted from extended warm air temperatures and dry weather. This trend culminated in the closure of a portion of the Margaree River in the summer of 2018.

Physical Characteristics

The Northeast Branch, which is approximately 70 km in length, is mainly fed by small sheltered tributaries and springs. The upper The Margaree River - Looking up-river in Northeast Margaree 25 km above Kingross, (Big Intervale area), is a sanctuary, Much of the lake is shallow First Closure closed to angling. Below resulting in relatively warm Kingross, the lower portion flows water temperatures in summer. During the summer of 2018, 30 km to Margaree Forks, where anglers, guides and on-site DFO The SW Branch is approximated it converges with the Southwest staff noticed warm water 20 km in length. All waters of Margaree River to form the Main conditions below the confluence the Margaree River system Branch. The Main Branch flows (“Forks”) of the Northeast and excepting the sanctuary are open an additional 15 km to the ocean. Southwest Branches. DFO staff to public salmon angling. investigated, reviewing weather The Southwest (SW) Branch is station data and data recorded by mainly fed by Lake Ainslie, the The entire watershed is in-stream water temperature largest freshwater lake in approximated 7002 kilometers. monitoring instruments. Nova Scotia.

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They found that below the Forks, water temperature had remained above 20 degrees Celsius for several days and nights while the water temperature above the Forks dropped below 20 degrees each night.

DFO immediately scheduled a meeting by conference call with the Margaree Salmon Association, (MSA), Atlantic Salmon Federation, (ASF), Nova Scotia Salmon Association, (NSSA), and the Provincial Inland Fisheries to discuss potential measures available to protect fish stocks from angling stress. There was no existing protocol in place to respond to warm water conditions regarding Margaree River DFO Notice the Margaree watershed. Subsequently, portions of the Margaree were closed to angling angling measures taken. Indeed, MSA agreed to prepare a draft from August 04 to August 22 the take away seemed to be, “do for warm water until conditions changed. what is best for the fish!” closure/reopening criteria and other related information At the request of concerned DFO maintained to DFO. members, MSA convened a communications with interest special membership meeting on groups by chairing five We consulted with stakeholders, August 12. Action taken by DFO conference calls between August compiled and submitted this and MSA's role and position 03 and August 28, 2018. DFO document to DFO on Nov.30, were discussed. All in then invited stakeholders to 2018. This document is a attendance, (twenty members, attend a meeting at the Margaree reference piece for discussion at including several guides), were Forks Fire Hall on Nov. 06, the next stakeholder meeting to supportive of the restrictive 2018. As a result of that meeting, be held in early 2019.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 6 - Margaree Salmon Association

Breakwater Pool Tour Meeting with Department of Environment and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

Date: September 10th, 2018. Breakwater Pool Tour: 10:30 a.m. Participants: Anna Curtis-Steele, Bill Haley, Greg Lovely and Julie Lovely

Meeting at MSA office, 1:30 Participants: Margaree Salmon Association Directors; Bill Haley, Greg Lovely and Joel Robinson, Department of Transportation representative - Steve MacDonald, Department of Environment representative - Anna Curtis-Steele, Canadian Heritage River Society (Lake Ainsley Margaree river) - Chairman Del Muise, MSA Office Administrator Julie Lovely.

In 2017, the Matrix group from Calgary completed a fluvial geomorphological study of the Margaree. In that report they had identified the Breakwater Pool site as a major area of concern. A very informative and productive meeting took place discussing the issue.

Before the meeting, photographic documentation of the site was provided to stakeholders and then, that morning, Greg Lovely took the group on an actual tour of the Breakwater Pool. Anna Curtis-Steele (Department of Environment) and Bill Haley (MSA)

This structure is actually located Prior to construction there were There is also an excellent pool inside the Sanctuary and was times the river flowed through above the structure. The day of constructed 35 years ago. the smaller channels between our visit 30 odd large salmon Essentially, it is a stone berm that the East and West Big Intervale were lying there, waiting for a directs the river to continue roads and there was a chance freshet to move upstream to following the established channel the river would permanently spawning areas. and flow under the main steel cut through. bridge that crosses to the West Side Big Intervale Road.

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Breakwater Bern/Structures along the Margaree River

Since this meeting, Ralph MacPherson has been approached to obtain access to this site for the maintenance work to be completed. Also, Charlie MacInnis has been in contact with the engineer who planned and oversaw the work completed in 1983. Although retired, that individual is willing to help with the proposed maintenance work that needs to be done. Salmon in deep pool created by bern

The habitat branch of DFO has Addendum been invited to join in the next meeting planned for the middle As a sad addendum, on Dec. She will be missed. At ‘press of January 2019. 17/18 we got the news that Anna time’ we are waiting for the Curtis Steele had suddenly Dept. of the Environment to With the help of the 3 passed away. Not only had she name a replacement for government agencies now been working with MSA on this her position. involved in this project, our project, but she was also association is committed to involved with the Margaree-Lake Read the obituary at: completing this work in 2019. Ainslie Heritage River Society, http://bit.ly/msa-obit-1 working on their second

10-year monitoring report, (2008 to 2018).

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 8 - Margaree Salmon Association

Eastern Pearl Mussels of the Margaree Field Study August 15th and 16th, 2018 Cape Breton University & MSA

An excellent article on “What do Mussels have to do with Salmon”, written by former editor Mike Allen, can be found in our Spring 2018 Newsletter, available on our website at www.margareesalmon.ca

Day 1

Leonard Forsyth and Paul MacNeil at Noon Pool on the Southwest Margaree river sorting MSA representatives Greg through some mussels. Lovely, Paul MacNeil, and Leonard Forsyth met Kellie do our timed grid search at 9 we had observed the mussels the White, a Laboratory Instructor in a.m., Thursday morning. previous day. Normally, these the department of Biology at field studies last for one hour. Cape Breton University. Ms. Day 2 After twenty minutes, our bags White received her BA from the were completely full, and Kellie University of New Brunswick We started at the Southwest decided that was sufficient. and her MSc from Western branch of the Margaree, where University in Ontario. She had asked us for assistance scoping out areas on the Margaree River to determine if we had Eastern Pearl Mussels in our watershed and, if so, where they could be found and numbers.

We found mussels at all four sites we checked; Etheridge pool, Noon pool, Big MacDaniel pool and Lower Tompkins pool. Satisfied that the next day would prove productive, we decided to Search for Eastern Pearl Mussels on the Margaree River

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We then counted, measured, took genetic samples, and identified the age of our entire collection of mussels. In total, we had more than 400 mussels. The mussels ranged from being 5 to 55 years old and measured from 3.5 cm to 13 cm.

Kellie was thrilled that in less than a 100 square meter area, there were so many mussels. Our next site, the Lower Tompkins, proved to be just as successful We know you’re in there…. Various methods are used to find the bivalve molluscs. having just as many, if not more, mussels in our timed collection. As well, they were, on average, much larger.

In the Lab at Cape Breton University

Kellie tallied the numbers and was surprised that the total mussels collected, analysed and let go, was 999. Provided are some pictures taken the days of the study.

Further, here are some interesting articles of the symbiotic relationship between these mussels and salmonids.

For further information, here is a wiki piece on this species. http://bit.ly/msa-mussels

Pictured above is Kellie White displaying several different age classes of Eastern Pearl mussels.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 10 - Margaree Salmon Association

Trap Net in the Margaree River Estuary

In 2018 DFO Biologist Sophie considering other locations in the pleased to assist and support Leblanc and her crew installed a Margaree watershed for 2019. this initiative. trap net in the Margaree River estuary. While it captured many The installation and maintenance As with many projects, however, fish of various species, it did not of this trap represents significant all does not ALWAYS go as capture many Atlantic salmon. investment by DFO. The planned. We lost the trap for a For this reason, Sophie is Margaree Salmon Association is short while, during week 44.

Trap Net species count for weeks 33 through 42 of 2018

DFO Trap Net on the Margaree River DFO Trap Net loss during week 44

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 11 - Margaree Salmon Association

DFO to use ARIS SONAR to Enumerate Salmon in the Margaree River

In early June 2018, Greg Lovely of the MSA joined DFO’s Sophie Leblanc and Abbey, Sophie’s field assistant, for a trial run using the ARIS, (Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar). After lugging fibre optic cable, computers and a heavy generator down to the edge of the Margaree River, they first wanted to see if they could get the ARIS sonar working. Sophie Leblanc holding the $100,000.00 plus ARIS SONAR Following a lot of fussing with cables and plugs and various developed with data being To enumerate juvenile salmon in methods of trying to see a downloaded periodically. 2019, DFO plans to again install computer screen in the bright a trap net to count adults and, for sunlight, they were able to see Despite the work and frustration, the first time in decades, a smolt gaspereau swimming by. it was a good test, at least wheel to count smolt as they allowing DFO to do a trial run leave the Margaree river on their However, they did have some and ascertain what would way to feeding grounds off problems. First off, gas to run the be needed. Labrador and Greenland. generator also had to be carried in so, on this test day, they eventually ran out of gas and the electric power required! As well, as we all are aware, cell service is sparse in the area, and there is no Wi-Fi close to the site chosen for the test. Apparently, the ARIS will store information on the fish counted as they pass, so a source of solar power could be Getting the ARIS (Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar) in position

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 12 - Margaree Salmon Association

Learn to Fly Fish

The MSA's "Learn to Fly Fish" workshop, (part of the Celtic Colours events), was a great success: expert instruction, knowledgeable tutors, sausages, hot dogs, tea and coffee.

What more could one ask for?

John and Pat Stinson graciously offered their wonderful property as venue for Celtic Color's Learn to Fly Fish event. Above, (on deck), is Lewis Hinks from the Atlantic Salmon Federation, (ASF), who is also a Certified Fly-casting instructor, teaching the basic mechanics of fly casting to participants gathered on the lawn of the Old Miller Trout Farm. Margaree Salmon Association Directors Paul MacNeil, Bill Haley, Leonard Forsyth, Greg Lovely, Joel Robinson and Eugene Leblanc all offered a helping hand as did Réné Aucoin from the Chéticamp River Association. Réné even offered some lessons on fly tying to some eager participants.

Amber Creamer, (Department of Inland Fisheries Learn to Fish Program) and pictured furthest to the right (Image 1) also listens in to the classroom session before trying her hand at fly casting for the first time. Image 1 - Learn to Fly Fish - Celtic Colours event

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 13 - Margaree Salmon Association

Participants, (Image 2) after trying out some basic casting on the lawn, took their fly rods, (and the orange yarn that was replacing actual flies for teaching purposes), down to the trout pond where the fish were eager to try and eat these offerings.

It was not a warm day, no rain fell and the sun did peek out on occasion. MSA director, Greg Lovely (Image 3) shows a ‘summer resident’ from New Image 2 - Learn to Fly Fish - Celtic Colours event Jersey some of the finer points. Salmon Association). Smoke, the The MSA is already looking matriarch of the farm cats, held forward to hosting the event 4 directors from MSA (Image 4) court, demanding the attention again in 2019! wait to take on the students, from she feels is her due. the left, Leonard Forsyth, Paul Check out our Facebook or the MacNeil, Greg Lovely and Joel All in all, there was a great www.celtic-colours.com website Robinson. Also pictured far right turnout and everyone seemed to as October 2019 approaches! is Réné Aucoin (Chéticamp have a good time.

Image 3 - Learn to Fly Fish - Celtic Colours event Image 4 - Learn to Fly Fish - Celtic Colours event

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 14 - Margaree Salmon Association

Looking Forward at the Margaree Salmon Museum

Eileen Coady - MARGAREE SALMON MUSEUM

As the calendar turns to the new year, drifts of snow surround the Margaree Salmon Museum. All is quiet inside and out; the collections are packed up for the winter. Like our salmon fishermen, the museum awaits the promise of spring.

But the quiet is deceptive. Elsewhere in the community, MSM Board members are busy Del Muise welcomes guests to our Sunday Afternoon at the Museum 2018 in the off-season, preparing for “Overall, the Museum is in One of the significant highlights the year ahead – a year that will good shape but like any of 2018 for the Margaree Salmon include challenge and change, older structure, we have to Museum was the opportunity to growth and activity. maintain it.” display its recently-acquired According to Acting Board Lemire collection of salmon The museum originally opened President Patrick Wall, 2019 flies. In 2017 Bill and Lori its doors in 1965 in a one time, promises to be a busy one at the Jollymore, friends of the museum one room schoolhouse just off Museum. “This year the from Washington State, the Cabot Trail in North East Margaree Salmon Museum is coordinated the donation of over Margaree. With the impetus of preparing for a provincial 150 classic salmon flies, tools local residents and supported by evaluation process which occurs and materials from the estate of fishermen who had enjoyed every four years. From our the late Harry Lemire, an salmon fishing on the Margaree perspective, there’s lots of work internationally recognized fly for decades, the Margaree involved in this review and we’re tyer and fisherman. Last June the Salmon Museum was working to make sure Jollymores oversaw the established. Each year the we’re ready.” installation of a beautiful wooden Museum operates from mid-June case, locally handcrafted by “We’re also looking at a new to mid-October – sharing Brian Peters and designed by roof for the building and hoping artifacts, photos, and stories of summer resident Allen Moore, to to have the work done before the salmon fishing on the Margaree, house the Lemire display. And doors open in mid-June,” garnering an appreciative nod throughout the summer and fall, Pat noted. from all who cross the threshold. visitors enjoyed this impressive new collection.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 15 - Margaree Salmon Association

Perhaps nowhere at the Museum will change be more evident this coming year than at the front desk. Long-time curator, Frances Hart, retired in October 2018, marking the end of an era that began over fifty years ago. Recognized for her wide-ranging knowledge of the museum’s collections, Frances has shared her passion for ‘all things fishing’ with numerous visitors MSM Board and staff at the retirement luncheon for Frances Hart - November 2018 to the area over the years. Back: (Left to right), John Hart, Delphin Muise, Lester Wood, Patrick Wall, Bev MacMillan, Eileen Coady, Anita Coady. Front: Bernardine Marple, Frances Hart. Missing from the Fishermen too would be sure to photo, Byron Fraser. drop by, to see what was new in the collections but always, for a the MSM collections. “Artifacts Plans are to repeat such a Sunday chat with Frances. and photographs have been in 2019 – again with a carefully recorded in notebooks community focus. Reflecting on her recent for over fifty years but it was retirement, Frances is both important to get them in a format Recognizing the role the museum upbeat and philosophical. “I that can be accessed moving plays in supporting local history, enjoyed all my years at the forward,” said Del Muise, the there have been initiatives to Museum, - meeting people from museum Board member in garner cooperation between around the world and all walks of charge of collections. “This community groups in the life. I hope the Museum summer we plan to continue Margarees. Information panels continues to prosper and be of the process.” on the salmon sport fishing on interest to people everywhere,” the Margaree, created by the she said. Of late, there has been an attempt Margaree Lake Ainslie Canadian to add Board members and Heritage River Society as part of Bernardine Marple, on staff at strengthen the museum’s a Canada 150 project, have been the Museum for the last twenty- community outreach. With that on display at the Museum over five years, will ably fill the role in mind, Board members the past two years. As well, of senior curator for the coming organized a ‘Sunday Afternoon during Celtic Colours events in year. As well, the Board is at the Museum’, on a sunny day October, MSM and the Heritage hopeful to hire a student for the last September - an event with River group shared a sales table busy summer months. Last year, music and refreshments and at the local craft fair – an Adam MacNeil, a local high featuring a tribute to Frances opportunity to meet and greet school student provided Hart which attracted many locals and visitors to the area. assistance with the digitization of Museum friends.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 16 - Margaree Salmon Association

At present, MSM is involved in a project for directional and way- finding signage with other area organizations.

The Museum has always carried an interesting selection of books and salmon flies that attract those who are heading for the river. Mike Allen’s Handbook for the Margaree and the recently published book on Harry Lemire by Art Lingren have proved very popular. Recent additions in the museum’s gift corner have included hand-stitched note cards by local crafter Arlene Ingraham Frances Hart, long time MSM curator, retired in October and a pewter keepsake ornament featuring the iconic front view of There’s a sense of transition here museum with lots to offer in the museum. Staff have plans to at the Salmon Museum, building coming years. Stay tuned. add to MSM merchandise in on years of tradition but also, 2019. Drop by and have a look! moving forward as a community

Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River

Del Muise - MARGAREE LAKE AINSLIE CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER SOCIETY - BOARD CHAIR

The Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society has had another busy and productive year in 2018. We completed and installed a series of thirteen heritage signposts throughout the watershed, a long- standing dream of Society Treasurer Peter Sheehan, who passed away suddenly just before we had them installed. Half are from Lake Ainslie through to Doyle's Bridge – Board members Bobby & Ted Peters, joined by family members in a Margaree Harbour. team that installed a number of signs on a rainy day.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 17 - Margaree Salmon Association

Five more are along the Northeast branch of the river including one at Lake O’Law. As well, one is planted at Cape Clear for those adventurers who want to view the headwaters of the Northeast Margaree from the Highlands. All are safely stored for the winter, except for the one at Cape Clear, still being enjoyed we are told, by snowmobilers. Lake O’Law sign – Historical photo supplied by Edgar Chiasson Watch for them along the river from early May onward when As much as possible we matched We are planning an up-dated they will be reinstalled. the historical photos with the version of the brochure for the view-scape being featured coming season. The 20th anniversary of the beyond the signs themselves. designation of the Lake Ainslie A large number of society Margaree watershed as a In addition to the signposts, an members and community Canadian heritage river in 2018 attractive brochure is available volunteers helped with had provided the opportunity to for those wishing to explore the everything from design, and recognize the rich photographic watershed area with an eye to our selection of the illustrations, to heritage pertaining to local history. Designed by determining watershed locations, communities along the Lindsay Shaw of Margaree not to mention digging holes for watershed. The signs prompt Valley, a handy foldout map the signposts: The latter was not reflection on the area’s past by guides users to the sign locations. an easy task on hot and humid contrasting historically Production of the brochure was days this past summer! appropriate images of locales assisted by funding from the where the signs are posted. Inverness County Department of Plans are afoot to revise and Tourism and Recreation. expand the brochure to acknowledge a number of local businesses and organizations who have joined us as sponsors of the project. There might even be a few new signs, as a number of suggestions for additional locations were made throughout the process. If any MSA members have suggestions for new ones we would appreciate Fold-out map with sign locations hearing from you.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 18 - Margaree Salmon Association

Cape Clear Installation – Brian Peters & friends took on the West Lake Ainslie – Members & Board member Pieter DeVries task of cementing in the signpost in August. (center) did all three Lake Ainslie sites one morning.

This was the second busy year Active partners in supplying The Story-Map project geo-tags for the society’s push to expand material for the report included specific locations around the the visibility of the heritage river members of the MSA. The final watershed with heritage, natural designation. Beginning in the report and recommendations are or touristic importance and spring of 2017, with the help of a in the hands of the Parks Canada allows web visitors to access Canada150 celebration grant, a officials in Ottawa, and we information and images program of education was expect an early positive response. regarding particular story-scapes. initiated and several panels, This project will likely come into detailing the history of the As well the Parks Canada existence in the coming months. heritage river designation, the directorate has begun creating So…. Altogether a busy year sport salmon fishery and the web-based Story-Maps for behind us and an even busier gaspereau fishery, were Canada’s Heritage Rivers. The one ahead. completed. (See last year’s MSA Margaree submissions, overseen newsletter for a report on by the Nova Scotia Department that initiative) of Environment with input from Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian the Heritage River Society, are in Heritage River photos courtesy of its Also, in 2019 the mandatory ten- hand and being submitted for members, unless otherwise indicated. year review of the Margaree final approval and Lake Ainslie Heritage River implementation in Ottawa. Map by Lindsay Shaw Design. designation was initiated by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 19 - Margaree Salmon Association

News from Wild Salmon Unlimited

P.J. Wall - WILD SALMON UNLIMITED (WSU) - PRESIDENT

I’m sure we all, at the end of it, Wild Salmon Unlimited has It’s rather discouraging that a ponder where the year has gone: again been approached to help charitable organization doesn’t an indicator our lives are fund that work. receive a response of any sort continuously filled with stuff. from a government department When it comes to Atlantic Sometimes though, there are that purports to help us conserve, salmon it’s mostly good stuff, bumps in the road. Some time protect and preserve this however, we must continue to ago, WSU funded a project on valuable resource. work hard to insure it remains the Eastern Cape Breton rivers that way. Wild Salmon with partners: The Department of This year our association Unlimited (WSU) members and Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), (the partnered with Dalhousie Board of Directors have tried lead agency), Richmond County University and Mitacs, a national throughout the year to maintain Wildlife Association (RCWA), not-for-profit research and progress in our efforts to fund, (our representative group), and training organization, in funding what we felt, were reasonable the Unama’ki Institute of Natural a research project to study endeavours. We are fortunate, for Resources (UINR). It involved Atlantic Salmon Stock example, to have dedicated collecting information on Enhancement, its approaches and people in affiliates like the juvenile salmon densities, efficacy. The components of the Inverness South Angler’s juvenile distribution, habitat study were: a literature search; Association to help insure the assessment and tissue sample the identification and mapping of money we allocate for projects is collection for microstatic genetic the historic approaches; the well spent. At our annual general analysis. The only information underlying political and scientific meeting in June, their we’ve received from DFO is on context accompanying the representative on our board, the juvenile densities, none of the approaches and a SWOT Geoff Nishi, gave a other parameters were reported (strengths, weaknesses, comprehensive report on the on including the genetic analysis. opportunities and threats) successful work they carried out According to the lead scientist, analysis to identify the relative on the Graham’s river. In his Alex Levy, this apparently was efficacy of the different presentation, Geoff noted and not done due to a reorganization approaches for salmon thanked members of the within his department that conservation in Cape Breton. The Margaree Salmon Association resulted in a lack of funding. An study’s report is currently under for their help as well. Assisted by October 2018 letter from WSU to review by the parties involved Dave Cameron, he went on to the Regional Director General, and will likely be released describe the extensive plans they Maritimes Region, asking to publicly in early February 2019. have for the coming year on the have the necessary funding re- Stay tuned. Southwest Mabou River. instated to complete the work, has not elicited a response.

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 20 - Margaree Salmon Association

Just recently, we’ve been proclamations. Edicts made including: it’s survival at sea, informed that a major tributary of without understanding the how it’s affected by climate the Middle river, in Victoria enormity of the undertaking and change, habitat destruction, County, has braided quite a lack of consideration for those conservation, enhancement, extensively and poses a major who have traditionally been close preservation and protection threat to migrating Atlantic to the resource, Atlantic methodologies. And, DFO is salmon. We are discussing this Canadians. It all seems the stuff involved at various levels. All situation with members of the of anxious politicians in election well and good, but we really Middle river community to mode. In fact, if it weren’t for the don’t know the extent of the ascertain whether the situation work, funding and dedication of government’s contributions. That can be mollified and, if so, what non-government agencies is important for the public to resources will be required. Atlantic salmon would be in a far know rather than having to wait worse state. If that is for a journalist to file a request to On a personal note, and not the even possible. the freedom of information opinion of the WSU or its bureaucracy to inform us. What membership, I feel there is a lack It’s time for the Federal we all recognize, is that serious of focused leadership on the part government to step up to the funding is necessary to address of the Federal government when plate and communicate what it’s the research conclusions and the it comes to the management of doing to do, not just to the challenges they present. If it’s Atlantic salmon. Proclamations associations but to the public at not forthcoming, we’ll all be about bringing their numbers large. It’s long overdue. There is worshiping memorials to what back to 1975 levels appear to a tremendous amount of research was. And soon! have been just that, taking place on the species

Spring 2019 Newsletter - 21 - Margaree Salmon Association

Stripers Spawning in the Margaree Estuary?

The MSA placed a few What were the results? Here are a couple of those photos “minnow” traps in the estuary, of the things we caught. just to see if we would catch Well, once photographed, we small stripers in spring or fall. It released lamprey eel, was not what we would call a mummichog, stickleback, trout scientific or controlled study. and salmon.

Stripers search results – Margaree River estuary catch – lamprey eel, mummichog, stickleback, trout and salmon

ASF Regional Director

A note from our friend, Regional Director Lewis Hinks After 27 years with ASF and 31 years in fish conservation in Nova Scotia.

I have decided to retire. Those 31 years have given me an appreciation for both Atlantic salmon and for those who care deeply about it. Every conservation angler is an important resource for information and a champion for restoration of our Atlantic salmon runs that are so important to our heritage.

Organizations such as the Margaree Salmon Association are critical to the future well-being of wild Atlantic salmon in Nova Scotia and I wish to congratulate you on all the work you have done and look forward to hearing about the wonderful things you will be doing.

Thank you for your support and for all your great work, and hope to see some of you when I am on the Margaree. – Lewis Hinks