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, , E1C 5K4

Partnership: New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources Miramichi Watershed Management Committee 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 19 Appendix D – Water levels graphic 20 Appendix E – Environment Canada 7 day forecast for Doaktown, NB 21 Appendix F – Diagram of closure 22 Appendix G – Roles and responsibilities 23

3

Acknowledgements

This protocol was developed with the support, collaboration and advice from Science, Conservation and Protection, and Resource Management employees at Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the Gulf and Newfoundland regions, and from representatives with the provincial Department of Natural Resources, the Miramichi Watershed Management Committee, the Miramichi Salmon Association and the Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee.

4

1.0 Introduction

There is an overall concern for the status of Atlantic salmon under stressful conditions associated with exceptional climatic events. In-season management measures have been introduced to reduce the impact of recreational fishing on Atlantic salmon during periods of warm water and low water. Since 1962, there have been six in-season fishery closures in the Miramichi River: 1987, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2010 and 2012. The closures corresponded to the years where discharge conditions were extremely low. In eastern Canada, there has been an increased frequency of closures of in river fisheries as a direct result of warm water levels (Chaput et al. 2000; Dempson et al. 2001). In-season interventions in angling fisheries in response to exceptional environmental conditions has been used in numerous jurisdictions, including Newfoundland where interventions in the Atlantic salmon recreational fishery have resulted in a large number of river closures and a high proportion of the potential angling days lost due to warm water and low water conditions, especially during the 1995 to 1999 period (Dempson et al. 2001). The process of developing a warm water protocol for in-season intervention during Atlantic salmon angling activities in the Miramichi watershed was initiated in 2011 following a recommendation from the Miramichi Working Group in the context of the Atlantic salmon Framework. The process leading to the development of this protocol included several stages beginning with a review of existing guidelines in other jurisdictions, determining thermal characteristics in the Miramichi River, identifying cold water refuges in the Miramichi River, defining environmental thresholds for Atlantic salmon through peer-reviewed science advice, drafting management scenarios, drafting variation orders, writing the protocol and operational stages. This protocol does not apply to any Aboriginal food, social and ceremonial fishery agreements for the Miramichi River.

1.1 Purpose of this Protocol

The purpose of the Protocol for In-season Conservation Measures for Atlantic Salmon during Environmentally Stressful Conditions in the Miramichi Watershed (the Protocol), is to guide the timely implementation of in-season management measures to angling activities in the Miramichi River system.

5

1.2 When to use this Protocol

During the Atlantic salmon angling season (May to October), environmental and behavioral conditions will be monitored daily to see if established triggers have been reached that require in-season management action that either restricts or reinstates angling activities.

2.0 Science

Peer reviewed science advice was sought to determine environmental thresholds to define management strategies for Atlantic salmon under environmentally stressful conditions (warm and/or low water). In March 2012, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Gulf Region Science held a Science Advisory Process with the objectives of addressing questions linked to the physiology and metabolic rates of Atlantic salmon associated with level and duration of stress (warm water) and their probability of survival under such conditions. Temperature benchmarks associated with the probability of mortality; environmental triggers associated with environmental stress; evidence that Atlantic salmon are susceptible to angling during warm water events; and levels of mortalities associated with catch-and-release fishing were peer reviewed. Environmental (spatial and temporal) characteristics (temperature, discharge, water level) for the Miramichi River were also reviewed. Finally, fishery management options for the Miramichi River were evaluated considering the areal extent of the intervention and the frequency and duration of the management intervention (Appendix A).

2.1 Tolerance of Atlantic salmon during high water temperatures

Salmonids (trout, salmon, charr) have generally the lowest thermal tolerance of many fish groups. For Atlantic salmon juveniles, the incipient lethal temperature, defined as the temperature which the fish can tolerate for a long period (usually taken as seven days), is 27.8ºC. The ultimate lethal temperature for juveniles, defined as the temperature which the fish cannot tolerate even for short periods of time (usually taken as 10 minutes), is in the range of 30 to 33ºC. Thermal sensitivity is size-specific such that adult salmonids prefer lower temperatures and are less tolerant of high temperatures than juveniles. As such, incipient lethal temperature and ultimate lethal temperature of adult Atlantic salmon are expected to be lower than the values for juveniles and therefore; the incipient lethal temperature for adult salmon is likely near 25°C.

6

Adult Atlantic salmon acclimated to 23°C survived for at least three days and 70% of the fish were able to recover post-exhaustive exercise when held at that acclimation temperature. However, adult Atlantic salmon only survived temperatures of 24 to 27°C for a short time period. Since the adult salmon held above 24°C were not able to recover from the effects of exhaustive exercise and anaerobic metabolism, this infers that these temperatures are above the critical temperature (Tcrit). Since some of the adult salmon were able to recover from exhaustive exercise at 23°C, this infers that 23°C is very near the level for Tcrit. Temperature-related stress in juvenile Atlantic salmon has been associated with behavioural changes such as abandonment of feeding territories and aggregations at cool-water seeps. Juvenile and adult salmon have been observed aggregating at sources of cool water when the minimum nighttime temperature remained above 20°C for two consecutive nights. Active feeding also ceased under these warm water conditions.

2.2 Temperature threshold

Based on laboratory studies of fish obtained in the wild, Tcrit for 2-year old juvenile Atlantic salmon was estimated to be 24°C. Tcrit for adult Atlantic salmon has not been measured but the aerobic capacity and thermal tolerance of adults are lower than in juveniles so Tcrit for adult Atlantic salmon is undoubtedly lower than 24°C. In studies of the recovery rate of adult Atlantic salmon acclimated and subjected to exercise to exhaustion at 18°C, 20°C and 23°C, it was shown that most of the physiological endpoints returned to pre-exhaustion (resting) levels after four hours or more although recovery to resting levels for these endpoints took longer than 4 hours when fish were exercised to exhaustion at 20ºC. In these studies, there was a delayed mortality, with 40% of the adult salmon dying when held at 20°C and 23°C. Based on the range observed in other salmonid species, a Tcrit value of less than 24ºC could be assumed. In salmonids, the temperature range differential Tcrit and Topt was estimated to be 6 to 7°C. A proxy for Topt for adult Atlantic salmon could be estimated based on the median water temperature experienced during the migration period of June and July. For the Miramichi River, the median temperature in the river from June 1 to July 31 over a six year period (2005 to 2010) was 19°C. The scope for activity of adult Atlantic salmon at temperatures just below 23ºC is considered to be very small and anaerobic metabolism is required to sustain activities at temperatures above 23ºC. Recovery is more rapid at temperatures close to Topt. Daily fluctuations in temperatures can subject adult Atlantic salmon to temperature stress resulting in the accumulation of anaerobic byproducts. Although potentially exposed to temperatures that exceed 23ºC during the day, Atlantic salmon can recover if

7 temperatures overnight decline to values closer to Topt for even short periods of time, for example for four hours. After exercise to exhaustion, at 23ºC, fish at rest can survive for days and in some instances are able to recover to resting state after exercise to exhaustion. Threshold proposals are based on observed changes in behaviour of Atlantic salmon both in the wild and in experiments with measured physiological responses of adult salmon exposed to exercise at high water temperatures. A daily minimum water temperature rather than a maximum temperature (within the thermal tolerance limits of salmon) is proposed to be the appropriate indicator of physiological recovery and survival. Juvenile Atlantic salmon in the Little Southwest Miramichi form aggregations at cool water sites when Tmin exceeded 20°C for two consecutive nights. Consequently, a Tmin value of 20ºC is proposed as the threshold temperature for assessing physiological stress in Atlantic salmon.

2.3 Water temperature characteristics in the Miramichi River

Water temperature varies on temporal scales of hours, days, seasons and years. In addition, water temperature conditions can be spatially heterogeneous and associated with river size, depth, discharge and other physical features (e.g. elevation, stream exposure, slope, etc). There is a well-defined seasonal pattern of water temperatures (daily minimum, mean and maximum) with peak values for each on about July 30. The highest water temperatures are consistently recorded in the months of July and August and coinciding with low water levels in summer. In terms of the diurnal temperature cycle, the minimum water temperature generally occurs in the morning at around 9:00 AM (DST) and at this index site (Little Southwest Miramichi River) is on average 2.7°C cooler than the mean value for the day. The mean daily water temperature was observed around 1:00 PM and the maximum water temperature was observed around 7:00 PM, the maximum was on average 2.8°C warmer than the daily mean temperature. The diel variability pattern may vary daily, seasonally and annually as well as among sites. Mean water temperatures show spatial structure within each river associated with whether they are main stem or tributary sites and distance (or elevation) from the estuary. Water temperatures were much warmer in the Miramichi River, with the majority of main stem sites (Southwest Miramichi, Renous, Northwest Miramichi and Little Southwest Miramichi) characterized by mean water temperatures exceeding 20ºC. Moderate temperature sites (18 to 20ºC) were located in the upper portions of the main stem sites and tributary sites whereas the few cool water sites (< 18ºC) were located in the upper headwaters of tributaries.

8

2.4 Angling success for Atlantic salmon during warm water T°C

For Atlantic salmon, 20ºC appears to be the inflection point beyond which mortality from angling increases rapidly with increasing temperatures (Dempson et al. 2002). Generally catch rates are lower at higher temperatures but salmon are captured, as evidenced from creel reports from NB Crown Reserve angling stretches and corresponding temperature data from nearby monitoring sites in the Miramichi River. Even though catch per unit effort was lower on those days, many adult Atlantic salmon were caught. The loss of Atlantic salmon associated with increased catch and release mortality in these warm water periods cannot be assessed because the angling data are not collected at an adequate spatial and temporal scale annually. A constant catch and release mortality rate of 3% is applied to the annual catch and release estimates of the Miramichi River. The values are based on general considerations of run timing, angling activities within the season and seasonal variations in water temperature.

3.0 Description of cold water refuges / pools

Twenty-six cold water refuges (pools) have been identified as areas where Atlantic salmon are known to congregate in large numbers during high water temperatures (Appendix B).

The first three pools are part of the Atlantic salmon management plan for the Miramichi River and have been in the angling regulations for several years prior to the establishment of this protocol. During normal environmental conditions, these pools close to all angling starting on July 1 of each year.

These pools are situated at the confluence of the following brooks and rivers:

1. Sutherland Brook (Northwest Miramichi River) 2. Wilson Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 3. Indian Town Brook (Southwest Miramichi River)

9

Twenty-three other pools have been identified for the purpose of this protocol and are situated at the confluence of the following brooks and rivers:

1. Wildcat Brook (Northwest Miramichi River) 2. Trout Brook (Northwest Miramichi River) 3. Harris Brook (Little Southwest Miramichi River) 4. Parks Brook (Little Southwest Miramichi River) 5. Gray Rapids Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 6. Hudson Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 7. (Southwest Miramichi River) 8. Mersereau’s Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 9. Morse Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 10. McKenzie Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 11. Black Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 12. Donnelly Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 13. Mill Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 14. Big Hole Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 15. Betts Mills Brook (Southwest Miramichi River) 16. Porcupine Brook (Southwest Miramichi River 17. Pump House () 18. Butty’s Brook (Renous River) 19. Otter Brook () 20. Cold Brook (Cains River) 21. Salmon Brook (Cains River) 22. Muzroll Brook (Cains River) 23. Six Mile Brook (Cains River)

4.0 Monitoring parameters

Specific parameters are monitored on a daily basis during the weekdays to make an informed decision when environmental conditions become stressful for Atlantic salmon. The same parameters are also monitored to indicate when environmental conditions improve. The following parameters are monitored daily during the salmon angling season: Water temperature, water level, air temperature, long term forecast, fish behaviour.

10

4.1 Water temperature

Water temperature is the main parameter to monitor during the Atlantic salmon angling season. Water temperature will trigger the implementation or removal of in-season management measures for Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi watershed. Secondary parameters will provide supporting evidence that angling restrictions or the removal of angling restrictions are warranted. Water temperature data is available through a water temperature monitoring station owned and maintained by the Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee (MREAC) situated in Doaktown, NB on the Main Southwest Miramichi River. The data is automatically uploaded wirelessly every hour to a server and accessible online in real- time. The probe records temperature data every hour. Every weekday morning, DFO officials review the past 24hrs of data available online on the MREAC’s website. Temperature data from the Doaktown station is currently the only data used to implement and rescind in-season management measures for Atlantic salmon in the entire Miramichi watershed.

4.2 Water level

Water levels play a role in the warming and cooling of the water in the system depending on the air temperature, precipitation, and exposure time to day light. Water level data is monitored during the weekdays by DFO officials using Environment Canada’s real time online data services. This serves as supporting information to implement or rescind angling restrictions (Appendix D).

4.3 Long term forecast

The 7 day forecast (long term) is monitored during the weekdays by DFO officials using Environment Canada’s online weather services. Weather for the town of Doaktown serves as supporting information to implement or rescind angling restrictions (Appendix E).

11

4.4 Fish behaviour

Fish behaviour includes the monitoring of Atlantic salmon movement up the river to their spawning grounds. Under stressful environmental conditions, such as high water temperature and low water levels, Atlantic salmon will congregate to areas where conditions lower their level of stress and improve their capacity of survival. Adult salmon will be the first to seek refuge in these preferred conditions, followed by smolts and other salmonids. Atlantic salmon will not likely take a fly under stressful environmental conditions if they can’t recover from the stress as they would during optimum environmental conditions. Fish behaviour is observed and monitored by partners and fishery officers and is reported when supplemental information is required to make an informed decision. DFO officials request the information from partners, outfitters and fishery officers.

5.0 Management actions

The warm water protocol consists of management actions that gradually restrict angling activities in the Miramichi River based on the water temperature trigger supported by secondary parameters. The opposite approach applies for the removal of angling restrictions. Prior to the implementation of any of the following management actions, consultations will occur with the partners of this protocol. The final decision to implement any management action resides with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

12

5.1 Closure criteria

Parameters Information collected Management action recorded / observed Water temperature < 20ºC Maintain access to the waters while respecting the current management plan for the Miramichi River. Implement angling restrictions to the first 3 pools in Appendix B on July 1 of each year as per management plan. Water temperature > 20ºC ≤ 23ºC Implement angling restrictions to all 2 consecutive days 26 pools defined in Appendix B. Water levels Water levels are lowering Long term forecast High daily temp (next 7 days) Warm nightly temp Few chance of rain Fish behaviour Fish congregating in cold water refuges Water temperature > 23ºC Implement angling restrictions from 2 consecutive days 11:01am until 6:00am the following Water levels Low water levels day. Long term forecast High daily temp Maintain existing closures to 26 (next 7 days) Hot nightly temp pools defined in Appendix B. Few to no chance of rain Fish behaviour Fish congregating in cold water refuges Mortalities observed

13

5.2 Reopening criteria

Parameters Information collected Management action recorded / observed Water temperature > 23ºC Maintain angling restrictions from 11:01am until 6:00am the following Water levels Low water levels day. Long term forecast Hot daily temp Maintain existing closures to 26 pools (next 7 days) Warm nightly temp defined in Appendix B. Few to no chance of rain Fish behaviour Fish congregating in cold water refuges Water temperature ≤ 23ºC > 20ºC Remove angling restrictions from 2 consecutive nights 11:01am until 6:00am the following Water levels Low water levels day. Long term forecast Warm daily temp Maintain existing closures to 26 pools (next 7 days) Cooler nightly temp defined in Appendix B. Few chance of rain Fish behaviour Fish movement Water temperature < 20ºC If conditions are met before July 1, 2 consecutive nights remove angling restrictions to 26 Water levels Low water levels pools defined in Appendix B. Long term forecast Moderate daily temp If conditions are met on or after July (next 7 days) Cool nightly temp 1, maintain closure on the first 3 Low chance of rain pools in Appendix B as per Fish behaviour Fish moving out of cold management plan, but remove refuges angling restrictions to the remaining 23 pools.

6.0 Communication

All variation orders will be communicated as required under the Fisheries Act by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Management actions will also be published on the Gulf Region Recreational Fisheries web page as a Notice to Recreational Anglers under Atlantic salmon. These notices are emailed to the partners of this protocol for distribution at large.

14

Appendix

Appendix A – Science advice (March 2012)

Science Advisory Report 2012/019

Temperature threshold to define management strategies for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fisheries under environmentally stressful conditions

Summary

 Temperature tolerance in Atlantic salmon is size-specific with adult salmon less tolerant of high temperatures than juveniles.  There is limited information on optimal temperatures and critical temperatures that define the aerobic scope for adult Atlantic salmon and inferences are made based on evidence from juvenile life stages of Atlantic salmon and other species.  The temperature thresholds proposed are based on bioenergetic considerations. A daily

minimum water temperature (Tmin) of 20ºC is proposed to be most important for physiological recovery and survival of Atlantic salmon.

 The proposed closure trigger is if the minimum water temperature (Tmin) during each of two consecutive days equals or exceeds 20°C.

 The proposed opening trigger is if the minimum water temperature (Tmin) during each of two consecutive days is less than 20°C.  Mean water temperatures show spatial structure within the Miramichi River and the based on main stem or tributary sites and distance from the estuary.  The management performance of the proposed closing and opening triggers can be assessed by retrospective evaluation using criteria such as the number of closures and the duration of the closures.  The number of salmon vulnerable to mortality from angling activities during warm water conditions is not known. In river mortalities of adult Atlantic salmon are not systematically documented in either the Miramichi or Restigouche rivers and angling statistics at a temporal scale sufficient for assessing the potential impacts of angling during warm water periods are not available.  Other human activities can displace fish and contribute to stress on Atlantic salmon during warm water events including wading in streams, swimming in pools, boat traffic, as well as scientific activities.

This Science Advisory Report is from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, regional peer review meeting of March 15, 2012 on the development of Environmental Thresholds to Define Management Strategies for Atlantic Salmon Fisheries under Environmentally Stressful Conditions.

You can find the full document at the following address: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas-sccs/Publications/SAR-AS/2012/2012_019-eng.html

15

Appendix B – Cold water refuges / pools description (26)

Northwest Miramichi River

Sutherland Brook

The waters of Northwest Miramichi River inside a line drawn from a point on land at grid reference 285336E 5202332N located approximately 100 meters upstream from the mouth of Sutherland Brook, then across to the north side of the river at grid reference 285560E 5202535N then downstream from grid reference 285719E 5202415N to grid reference 285505E 5202205N located approximately 100 meters downstream from the mouth of Sutherland Brook and Sutherland Brook upstream to the highway 420 bridge. (North American Datum 1983)

Wildcat Brook

The waters of the Northwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off the shore, from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Wildcat Brook, and including the waters of Wildcat Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Trout Brook

The waters of the Northwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off the shore, from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Trout Brook, and including the waters of Trout Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Little Southwest Miramichi River (Northwest Miramichi River)

Harris Brook

Waters of the Little Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off the shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Harris Brook, and including the waters of Harris Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Parks Brook

Waters of the Little Southwest Miramichi River, to a point 100 meters off the shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Parks Brook, and including the waters of Parks Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

16

Southwest Miramichi River

Wilson Brook

A portion of the waters of the north side of the Southwest Miramichi River inside a line drawn from a point on land at grid reference 298589E 5196806N located approximately 100 meters downstream from Wilson Brook, southward to grid reference 298667E 5196744N and upstream to grid reference 298518E 5196616N and northward to grid reference 298437E 5196676N located on land approximately 100 meters upstream from Wilson Brook and including the waters of Wilson Brook upstream 100 meters of its mouth, an area locally known as the Bear Den. (North American Datum 1983)

Indian Town Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River inside a line drawn from a point on land at grid reference 287787E 5189991N located approximately 300 meters downstream from Quarryville Bridge across to the north side of the river at grid reference 287692E 5190123N upstream to grid reference 287239E 5189734N and to grid reference 287361E 5189590N located approximately 300 meters upstream from Quarryville Bridge and Indian Town Brook upstream to highway 108 bridge. (North American Datum 1983)

Gray Rapids Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 100 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Gray Rapids Brook, and the waters of Gray Rapids upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to Route 118, an area locally known as Pete’s Brook.

Hudson Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Hudson Brook, and including the waters of Hudson Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Bartholomew River

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 200 meters downstream of the mouth of Bartholomew River, and the waters of Bartholomew River upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to Highway # 8 bridge.

17

Mersereau’s Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off the shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Mersereau Brook, and including the waters of Mersereau Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Morse Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Morse Brook, and the waters of Morse Brook upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to Howard Road.

McKenzie Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off the shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of McKenzie Brook, and including the waters of McKenzie Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Black Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 200 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Black Brook, and the waters of Black Brook upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to South Cains River Road.

Donnelly Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 300 meters downstream of the mouth of Donnelly Brook, and the waters of Donnelly Brook upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to the South Road Bridge.

Mill Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River, 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Mill Brook to a line drawn from grid reference 19T 728610E 5162685N to grid reference 19T 728621E 5162548N up to 50 meters upstream of the mouth of the said brook to a line drawn from grid reference 19T 728392E 5162687N to grid reference 19T 728380E 5162400N. (North American Datum 1983)

18

Big Hole Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River, 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Big Hole Brook to a line drawn from grid reference 19T 716331E 5158713N to grid reference 19T 716324E 5158601N up to 50 meters upstream of the mouth of the said brook to a line drawn from grid reference 19T 716067E 5158724N to grid reference 19T 716116E 5158558N. (North American Datum 1983)

Betts Mills Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 200 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 300 meters downstream of the mouth of Betts Mills Brook, and the waters of Betts Mills Brook upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to Highway # 8.

Porcupine Brook

The waters of the Southwest Miramichi River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Porcupine Brook, and the waters of Porcupine Brook upstream from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River to Story Town Road.

Renous River (Southwest Miramichi River)

Old Pump House

The waters of the Renous River to a point 100 meters off shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the pump house located at grid reference 20T 285909E 5187384N. (North American Datum 1983)

Butty’s Brook

The waters of the Renous River to a point 100 meters off the shore from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Butty’s Brook, and upstream from its confluence with the Renous River to South Renous River Road, an area locally known as Duffy’s Brook.

19

Cains River (Southwest Miramichi River)

Otter Brook

The water of Cains River, 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Otter Brook to a line drawn from grid reference 20T 288745E 5169162N to grid reference 20T 288720E 5169075N up to 50 meters upstream of the mouth of the said brook to a line drawn from grid reference 20T 288945E 5169216N to grid reference 20T 288944E 5169140N, and including the waters of Otter Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth, an area locally known as Brophy’s Place. (North American Datum 1983)

Cold Brook

The waters of the Cains River to a point 100 meters off the shore, from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Cold Brook, and including the waters of Cold Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Salmon Brook

The waters of Cains River, 300 meters downstream of the mouth of Salmon Brook to a line drawn from grid reference 20T 292219E 5165149N to grid reference 20T 292418E 5165212N up to 50 meters upstream of the mouth of the said brook to a line drawn from grid reference 20T 292355E 5164934N to grid reference 20T 292495E 5164866N, and the waters of Salmon Brook upstream from its confluence with the Cains River to South Cains River Road at grid reference point 20T 292771E 5164988N. (North American Datum 1983)

Muzzerol Brook

The waters of the Cains River to a point 100 meters off the shore, from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Muzroll Brook, and including the waters of Muzroll Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

Six Mile Brook

The waters of the Cains River to a point 100 meters off the shore, from 50 meters upstream to 100 meters downstream of the mouth of Six Mile Brook, and including the waters of Six Mile Brook 50 meters upstream of its mouth.

20

Appendix C – Water temperature graphic

Information provided on the Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee’s website

Figure 1 – Real-time water and air temperatures on the main Southwest Miramichi River in Doaktown, NB

21

Appendix D – Water level graphics

Information provided on Environment Canada’s website

Figure 2 – Real-time Water Level on the main Southwest Miramichi River

Figure 3 – Real-time Water Level on the Northwest Miramichi River

22

Appendix E – Environment Canada 7 day forecast for Doaktown, NB

Figure 4 – Environment Canada’s 7 day forecast in Doaktown, NB

Maintain access to the waters while respecting the current management plan for the Miramichi River.

23

Appendix F – Diagram of closure and reopening

Water levels, long term forecast and fish behavior are parameters that are also used in the decision making process to close or to reopen angling activities.

> 23ºC

> 23ºC Maintain angling restrictions from Implement angling 11:01am until restrictions from 6:00am the 11:01am until following day. 6:00am the following day. Maintain existing closures to 26 Maintain existing pools defined in closures to 26 Appendix B. pools defined in

Appendix B. ≤ 23ºC > 20ºC

Remove angling > 20ºC ≤ 23ºC restrictions from Implement angling 11:01am until restrictions to all 6:00am the 26 pools defined following day. in Appendix B. Maintain existing closures to 26 pools defined in Appendix B.

< 20ºC Maintain access < 20ºC to the waters while respecting Remove angling the current restrictions to 26 management pools defined in plan for the Appendix B. Miramichi River.

24

Appendix G – Roles and responsibilities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Fisheries and Aquaculture Management  Monitor parameters – water temperature, water level, long term forecast, and observation of fish behaviour during C&P patrols  Identify and provide information on possible areas of fish congregation during warm water events for protection  Coordinate closure – inform partners when triggers have been met, gather input from partners, prepare variation order, communicate closure via email and online posting on DFO Gulf Region Recreational Fisheries web page  Coordinate working group meetings when necessary  Penholder of this protocol

Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee  Maintain real-time water temperature monitoring station in Doaktown in good working order and maintain accessibility and availability of data to be viewed and downloaded online  Participate in working group meetings when necessary

Miramichi Watershed Management Committee  Provide input in the process to implement or remove closures  Identify and provide information on possible areas of fish congregation during warm water events for protection  Participate in working group meetings when necessary  Communicate closures and openings to members and online

Miramichi Salmon Association  Provide input in the process to implement or remove closures  Identify and provide information on possible areas of fish congregation during warm water events for protection  Participate in working group meetings when necessary  Communicate closures and openings to members and online

New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources  Provide input in the process to implement or remove closures  Identify and provide information on possible areas of fish congregation during warm water events for protection  Participate in working group meetings when necessary  Communicate closures and openings online

25