Implementation of the management framework for the Malbaie River nature reserve in Gaspésie for the conservation of Atlantic salmon

Description: Malbaie River natural reserve of 327ha, includes protected properties by CNC, which extend along 4 km of the riverbanks and in its bed, and includes 14 salmon pools. In summer, some areas in front of the pools attract a large number of visitors who practice different activities such as swimming, board paddling, walking and wildlife observation. In 2023, approximately 1,000 users visited the site. Based on unfavorable weather conditions constraints in 2023, it is suspected that there are more visitors during warmer seasons. Their impact on riparian and aquatic environments are still not significantly documented, however huge numbers of visits of the site incite CNC and its partners to pursue, in a second phase, its collaborative structuring project to oversee recreational activities in order to limit potential negative impacts on salmon habitat and its upriver run. The project consists in promoting and implementing a management framework for the activities in the natural reserve.