Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on June 24th at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in north-east Margaree with approximately 25 people in attendance. President Wall opened the meeting with a moment of silence for those who’ve passed in the last year. He then provided an address wherein he indicated that management of Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada has to change dramatically if the species is to survive. He remarked that the same government department that is managing the species is the same one that oversaw the collapse of the cod fishery. A department that is reluctant to take much advice from anyone it seems. He indicated that there needs to be a wholesale change in Atlantic salmon management methods. For too long the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has ignored the fact that wild Atlantic salmon need help, beyond hook and release to survive. They have, with a couple of exceptions, abandoned hatcheries after the closing of the commercial fishery which, in reality, was a put and take fishery. Now the Federal government has indicated a desire to return Atlantic salmon numbers to 1975 levels. If that is the case, the only way it will be done is through the judicious use of more hatcheries. And, they better be put in place soon because statistics indicate the number of Atlantic salmon returning to rivers is only about a half million and those figures are questionable. Things look grim for the future of Atlantic salmon and for all who enjoy the opportunity to angle for them. If current management practices continue it will get worse.
The topic of stock assessment was also raised by Leonard Forsythe, our scientific advisor. He indicted in his comments that the Department of Fisheries has, and continues to do a very poor job. No surprise there.
A member, Greg Lovely, who is also a member of the Margaree Salmon Association provided an overview of a 3.2 square kilometer clear-cutting operation that’s to take place in the Forest Glen area of the Highlands. This operation is at the headwaters of the Margaree and will likely impact the river considerably. The membership agreed we should support the Margaree Salmon Association in their endeavours with respect to this situation.
Despite the poor outlook for Atlantic salmon, in general, our affiliates, the Inverness South Angler’s Association and Richmond County Wildlife Association continue to work hard on projects to help bring them back.
Along with their work our fundraising chair, Lowell Weir, has been knocking on corporate doors in search of money to help us meet our goals of putting fish in rivers. He has been successful with bringing one bank aboard and, recently, a private donor has stepped forward with a yearly financial commitment.
All members of the board agreed to serve another term and those up for re-election were confirmed. After several draws for door prizes, generously provided by Board members and Larch Wood Enterprises Inc., the meeting was adjourned.