Assessment of the Salmon Cove River Watershed

Description: The Salmon Cove River watershed in Conception Bay has been surveyed in the past by both the federal government (DFO) and industry (Vale NL) for potential habitat degradation and enhancement opportunities. Vale NL enhanced a barrier to anadromous migration to the upper portions of the river and enhanced three reaches for spawning. The results were beneficial to Atlantic salmon with large increases in juvenile salmon production. While monitoring the success of that program was conducted for 10 years, it was deemed there was no further need to monitor or assess upon completion of the program. The two local community councils were kept informed of the enhancements as monitoring results were collected. Stewardship was also initiated with local involvement in the enhancement program; however, now that the monitoring commitments are completed, no further community engagement has occurred.

Since the completion of these enhancements and monitoring in 2018, there have been reported fish kills in the lower portion of the river (Forest Pond) and residents and anglers are concerned about water quality and temperatures.

SAEN will conduct additional monitoring of stream thermal and habitat conditions and meet with local anglers and community leaders to assist with understanding the possible implications of temperature change and other watershed activities to the river system. This will be valuable information that will guide the development of a watershed plan to enhance the presence and survivability of salmon.