Redd-y, Set, Grow: Riparian Restoration for Redd Conservation

Description: This project will rely on HRAA’s members, dedicated volunteers, and participants of HRAA’s Angling Committee to assist in juvenile electrofishing surveys, redd count surveys, and riparian restoration. Project activities will also include restoration of habitat, including tree planting and bank stabilization in the riparian buffer area along the eroded banks of Salt Springs Brook, which offers critical Atlantic salmon nursery and spawning habitat. Collection of Atlantic salmon tissue samples from the Hammond River, Kennebecasis River, Wolastoq-Saint John River and Belleisle watersheds will increase understanding of genetic diversity of Outer Bay of Fundy populations and will assist in Live Gene Bank contributions. The HRAA will continue our extensive database of Atlantic salmon redd count surveys within the Hammond River watershed and will assist other Wolastoq-Saint John River watersheds in redd count survey training and provide preliminary drone surveys to help narrow focus for survey areas. The HRAA will improve fish passage through debris removal techniques in a target of 2 culverts and notching a target of 5 beaver dams in 2024. Public educational outreach is a core activity of the HRAA, and this will continue in the 2024 season with the deployment of our fishing line recycling bins, “flybrary bins” (give a fly, take a fly), educational signage, educational video and social media content, meetings, and hosting the Youth Fishing Club to educate young anglers on fish identification, fishing techniques, importance of catch and release and proper fish handling throughout 2024.