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Vol. 16 February 2018

Department of Fisheries and Oceans has released the 2017 Stock Assesssment:

 

Before harvest

Southwest Miramichi: 85%

Northwest Miramichi: 63%

Overall: 78% Conservation requirment

 

After harvest

Southwest Miramichi: 83%

Northwest Miramichi: 60%

Overall 76% Conservation Requirment

 

Estimated Return for the Northwest:

Large Salmon: 3,800 

Small Salmon: 5,000

 

Estimated Returns for the Southwest 

Large Salmon: 10, 700

Small Salmon: 8,100

Click here for the detailed study release by DFO

The MSA would like to introduce Biologist Kelsey McGee. Kelsey has been with the MSA full time since 2015 as the hatchery technician and we are excited to have her on board for the field programs as the lead Biologist here. Kelsey is a real Miramichier, born and raised on the river. Kelsey comes with plenty of field experience including being a field technician with the MSA, Summer Student with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as well as working as a fishing guide at the Upper Oxbow Outdoor Adventures. After finishing her Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation in 2015 Kelsey moved in to her position here with the MSA. Be sure to watch for her regular updates, once the field season starts in May, on our website. (Photo: MSA Biologist Kelsey McGee flying in a helicopter surveying beaver dams in the fall of 2017)

Click here to learn more about MSA's Field Programs

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Northumberland Salmon Protection Association/ Miramichi Salmon Association Dinner and we will be honouring local MSA Director, generous entrepreneur and active conservationist Debbie Norton. Debbie has always had a deep love for wildlife and the watershed, and since the 1990's has played an active role with many conservation groups. Debbie has been instrumental in the Northumberland Salmon Protection Association and has been their President since 1998. She currently sits as president of the Miramichi Watershed Management Committee, is a Director and Chairs the Education Committee for the Miramichi Salmon Association, and is a director of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.

We will be recognizing these and many more of Debbie's ongoing conservation efforts on Thursday March 22nd at the Rodd Miramichi and look forward to having all of MSA's supporters out to celebrate such a deserving local member. Tickets are just $50 and the evening includes a silent auction and live auction. (Photo: Debbie Norton) Click here to find out more information about the event!

This years 64th Annual MSA Conservation Dinner in Boston was held on February 3rd, 2018 at the Marriott Burlington, MA, and honoured long time Director, John Gerstmayr, an MSA (US) board member who was instrumental in incorporating the MSA (US). The evening was well attended and the master of ceremonies and Chair of the Boston Dinner, Andy Dumaine kept everything running on time and smoothly. MSA Director Gary Tanner served as this years auctioneer, offering attendees a chance to bid on beautiful works of art, plenty of one of a kind fishing trips and unique collections of flies and other fishing equipment. The evening also included recognizing four longtime US supporters with Lifetime giving awards in our $5,000 Blue Charm category right up to long time Canadian Director, Debbie Norton who received the Durham shadowbox and pin. The MSA wishes to thank all those in attendance for their continued support and generosity. (Photo: John Gerstmayr speaking at the Dinner) For a full photo gallery from the event click here.

We have been working with our friends at Mighty Miramichi to offer you a new and improved website. Some great new highlights that come along with this is an easier to navigate format, a more mobile friendly site, and a brand new Youtube Channel. As always, we look forward to your feedback to ensure our site suits the needs of our members, so feel free to send any comments, questions or concerns our way.

Just a quick reminder to all the New Brunswick Fishermen that the Applications period for the Crown Reserve Draw closes March 2nd, 2018.

Click here to find out more about eligibility.

The MSA expended a significant amount of personnel, equipment, and over $150,000 toward this project. Be sure to read "Estimating consumption rate of Atlantic Salmon smolts by Striped Bass in the Miramichi River estuary using acoustic telemetry." released by the Atlantic Salmon Federation and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

In some years, it has been confirmed that up to 18% of the Salmon Smolts in the the Northwest Miramichi River are being eaten by the Striped Bass.

The MSA would like to apologize for adding an additional day to April (April 31st) and missing a day in July (July 31st). All months still start on the correct days. We are truly sorry for any incovenience this may have caused and hope that you still enjoy the wonderful photo submissions that populate this years calendar.

Upcoming MSA Events You Don't Want to Miss

 20th Annual NSPA/MSA Conservation Dinner - Miramichi, NB - March 22nd, 2018

Annual MSA/Outfitters Curling Bonspiel- Doaktown, NB- March 9-10th, 2018

MSA's Annual Icebreaker Weekend- Boiestown, NB- April 27th-28th, 2018

Still not a member of the Miramichi Salmon Association?

  Membership in the MSA is the perfect way to express your passion and support for the Miramichi River, for the Atlantic salmon who make it their home, and for the vital work being done by the MSA to protect and conserve both for today and tomorrow!

Click here to sign up today!