Atlantic Salmon Smolt Research on the Miramichi River 2024

Description: Adult Atlantic salmon returns to the Miramichi River in 2019 were the lowest on record, according to DFO (Fisheries and Oceans Science Branch), with very little change in 2022 and 2023 numbers. This project targets the Northwest Miramichi, which has had the poorest adult salmon returns for decades. The purpose of this project is to assess the impact of smolt survival during migration to the estuary on adult salmon returns in comparison to ocean mortality. The MSA will utilize rotary screw traps to collect, tag, and recapture smolts. The data collected will allow the MSA do estimate the number of smolts leaving the Northwest Miramichi. In conjunction with this estimate, the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) will use the collected smolts for an acoustic tracking study to determine the number of smolts leaving the estuary. Fisheries and Oceans Science Branch (DFO) will use collected smolts to determine the effects of episodic acid and aluminum events on smolts. Smolts may also be provided to other organizations that have obtained a science collection permit from DFO. This research will be a collaboration between the MSA, Anqotum (an AAROM body through North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council), ASF and DFO.