Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi Watershed Information, upcoming MSA Events and much much more. |
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Merry Christmas from the MSA! |
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As 2020 comes to a close, the MSA would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone who supported us through this challenging year. We truly appreciate your support and generosity!
THANK YOU!
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Reflections on the State of Salmon Stocks on the Miramichi by
Mark Hambrook, retiring MSA President
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Since this is my last article in the Leaper as President of the MSA, I would like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our Directors and members over the past 20 years and hope that our collective efforts have made a difference in maintaining our Atlantic salmon populations. In my view, salmon conservation is a war, not a battle, and wars can only be won when a nation puts all its resources into the fight. Unfortunately, this has not happened and the front-line troops are getting weary and disillusioned; we need a champion in government willing to mobilize the resources needed to get the job done.
Although the battles are many, each battle won is a step closer to victory - and 2021 is poised to be a pivotal year on the battlefields. One major enemy to Atlantic salmon population in the Miramichi is global warming, which creates disruptions in habitat and predator-prey relationships in our rivers and in the ocean. As a global community, we must address climate change to save the planet, but on the salmon battlefield, we must act locally to mitigate the effects of global warming so salmon can adapt and survive. I feel hopeful that if we win enough battles, eventually we will win the war. Here are some of the key battles ahead in 2021:
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MSA's Carleton County Online Christmas Auction Closing December 9th - get your bids in!
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As you are hopefully aware by now, the Hartland dinner committee has put together a fantastic auction full of all kinds of Christmas gifts for the angler or sporting enthusiast in your life. If you haven't had a chance to check it out and would like to, please click the link below and it will take you to the auction site. The auction closes at 9pm on December 9th. We would like to thank all our sponsors for this auction including; McCain Fertilizer, Day and Ross, McConnell Transport, and Valley Equipment. We would also like to thank the many donors that contributed items to this auction. As this is our last fundraiser of the year so we encourage you to participate in the auction and bid generously, keeping in mind that the proceed from the auction support Atlantic salmon conservation in the Miramichi watershed.
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2020 Miramichi Fishing Report by Brad Burns |
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The 2020 Atlantic salmon season on the Miramichi was marked by record low water and warm temperatures. The fishing season, thanks to Covid was canceled altogether for Americans. The notable exception to the negatives this year was that there was a strong early run of both grilse and salmon, and then a solid fall run of salmon. We’ll never have a good statistical handle on the run because due to Covid the Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not operate their trap nets at either Millerton or Cassilis except for a few weeks this September and early October, and then they were only fished for 4 days a week. To read the FULL fishing report please click the link below.
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UNB and Parks Canada announce research chair in aquatic restoration |
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The Government of Canada is investing in research expertise and the future of Atlantic salmon with the establishment of a Parks Canada Research Chair dedicated to aquatic restoration at the University of New Brunswick.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, announced the creation of the first-ever Parks Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Restoration during a virtual event on Nov. 5. A historic milestone for Parks Canada and UNB, Dr. Kurt Samways has been selected to hold this position, funded by a $500,000 contribution from the Atlantic salmon recovery project.
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2020 Upland Season Round Up by Jason Curtis |
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The 2020 Upland hunting season was one of the better ones in recent memory. Bird numbers for both Grouse and resident Woodcock in New Brunswick were excellent. Spring weather conditions were ideal in May and June with very little rain and warm temps making for good chick survival and pleasant days in the field. Full article in link below.
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Savvy looking happy after a nice retrieve. |
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Jason Curtis and his bird dog Lottie |
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Designed on the Miramichi – Early Featherwing Flies
by Gary Tanner
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Miramichi River Atlantic salmon anglers have a vast array – thousands, really – of flies they can employ to try and hook a fish. Most of those flies have been developed wherever salmon swim. Very few, however, were developed hard by the Miramichi. Early featherwing flies led the way before hairwings came into vogue. Following are four featherwing wet flies, developed by men who made fly fishing and fly tying for salmon their passion; for some, their vocation, on the Miramichi. |
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Don't forget to get your toonie in for our weekly
Creel of Fortune draw!
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If you need a number please call the MSA office at 506-622-4000 or if you would like to sign up for an entire year please click the link below. |
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Your 2021 Calendar is in the Mail! |
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The 2021 MSA Annual Calendar has been printed and sent out in the mail so please be on the lookout for it in your mailbox. The 2021 MSA calendar celebrates the tremendous size and diversity of the Miramichi watershed and features photos of the Main Southwest Miramichi and the Northwest Miramichi rivers as well as their many branches and tributaries. Thanks to Greg Sprague for gathering up all the photos and to everyone who responded to our request for submissions. If you would like to purchase a calendar please click the link below. They are $15/each.
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MSA Board of Directors meeting held
November 7th, 2020
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The annual MSA Board of Directors meeting was held on November 7th at the Fredericton Inn. Although not our usual set up for a Board of Directors meeting, everyone in attendance did a great job of social distancing. Directors who felt uncomfortable meeting in person, or who were from outside the area, could attend virtually via Zoom. |
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