Education and awareness for the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat in the Bay St. George area of Newfoundland

Intervale and its partners, including First Nations, will implement a three-year project of education and awareness for the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon and salmon habitat in rivers of Bay St. George, Newfoundland where salmon populations are declining. Activities target a reduction in illegal fishing, habitat destruction, and harm to smolts and parr through presentations to adult and youth groups, hands-on youth workshops, and social media dissemination of inspirational video clips of residents speaking about the value of salmon. Newsletters, placemats, and a portable exhibit will inform and promote good work and build ownership. Attention-getting cards, river signs, and household prompts will guard against poaching. Presentations, workshops, echibits, and placemats will be transferrable to other regions, including the Northern Peninsula. Outcomes will be measured by increased numbers of people engaged and volunteering; exit surveys demonstrating increased knowledge; responsive reporting of poachers; and eventually lead to improvements in salmon populations.
Contact: Dr. Kathleen Blanchard, 709-686-5927, kblanchard@intervale.ca