Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi Watershed Information, upcoming MSA Events and much more.

Be sure to stay up to date with videos and photos by liking us on Facebook or Twitter:

Vol. 59 June 2023

Hi everyone,

Our field team did a great job of operating smolt wheels this season. The wheels were lifted on June 3 and will be removed shortly. Thanks to Lyndsay and her team, many other groups will benefit from data collection and research findings. I want to thank the UNB and CRI teams who helped with wheel installation earlier in the spring.

The Icebreaker event was held on Saturday, June 3^rd and was a huge success! Thank you to the many folks who came out to support the MSA, and who bid generously in both our live and silent auctions. The venue was perfect, the food was delicious, and the company was incredible. Thanks for helping us celebrate 70 years of the MSA and 150 years of the hatchery, at the ever-popular Icebreaker event. It takes a ton of volunteer hours behind the scenes, and I’m grateful to everyone who stepped up to make this event a success.

Our AGM and Board of Directors meeting were also held on June 3. Committees continue to serve actively for salmon conservation. I appreciate the strong in-person attendance and the volunteer hours our directors and members dedicate to the MSA. The HR committee recently approved two title changes for Butch Dalton and Vanessa McLaughlin. Butch will now serve as Director of Development, and Vanessa will serve as Membership and Communications Coordinator. We are very fortunate to have both Butch and Vanessa on our team and are pleased to offer these new titles.

Fry stocking is now underway throughout the watershed. We were pleased to receive so much interest from volunteers and hope to continue to increase engagement with our field programs. Both our traditional fry stocking and research-based fry stocking are in effect this month.

The salmon protection barriers we operate on behalf of the province at Dungarvon and Northwest locations are gearing up for another season. The rain we received the first week of June was much needed but does delay barrier installation as we prioritize safety. We will hopefully be collecting data at the barriers shortly as water levels recede.

Schools continue to visit our hatchery facility as they release fry from the New Brunswick Salmon Council’s Fish Friends program into the river. Our public tours will soon be opening, and for more information, please visit our website at www.miramichisalmon.ca

Have a great month, and hope to see you on the river!

Boiestown, NB - The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) continued with celebrations in honour of our 70th Anniversary, this time at the 26th Annual Icebreaker dinner held on June 3rd at the NB Woodsman's Museum. With a turnout of over 150 attendees, the dinner was a resounding success and a testament to the continued support for the MSA and our work.

The culinary delights served up at the Icebreaker were exceptional, like every year, with a mouthwatering menu that included delicious roast beef, salmon and fiddleheads, and a variety of trimmings. Thank you to the Woodsman's museum staff who once again demonstrated their expertise in preparing the meal, ensuring that every guest was treated to a delicious dinner. Thank you to Cooke Aquaculture for providing smoked salmon for our appetizer and salmon fillets for our dinner. They were delicious and we are truly thankful for your support.

In addition to the great food and attendance, the evening was filled with excitement and camaraderie as guests participated in a robust and lively fundraising auction. The auction featured an array of enticing items and sparked friendly bidding wars among attendees. Additionally, the event included some fun door prizes and a 50/50 draw. We thank all of our silent and live auction donors, our members, directors and supporters for making this fundraising event a success. We truly appreciate all that you do! The funds raised during the auction and other activities will contribute to the MSA's ongoing conservation efforts and initiatives.

MSA's 26th Icebreaker dinner was one for the books! Through a combination of community support, engaging activities, and delectable cuisine, the event celebrated the MSA's 70th Anniversary in style while reinforcing our shared commitment to conserving and protecting the iconic Miramichi salmon. The success of the evening highlighted the significant impact that the MSA has made, and continues to make in the Miramichi.

Full house at the MSA Icebreaker Dinner this year in Boiestown!

MSA Director, Manley Price, recruited a young helper for the door prize draw

MSA Chair, Joe Palmer and his partner Hilary Crain, enjoying a night out.

MSA president Robyn McCallum and Vice- Chair Richard McGuigan, cutting a ceremonial cake

Doaktown, NB - We are excited to announce that MSA's highly anticipated First Cast Program for this summer is now fully booked. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the enthusiastic participants who have registered for this exciting event. However, for those who missed the chance to secure a spot in this year's First Cast Program, fear not! We encourage you to reach out to the MSA office and add your name to our waiting list. Opportunities may arise, and we want to ensure that everyone interested has a chance to participate in this extraordinary experience.

First Cast is an annual weekend program hosted by the MSA, designed to introduce participants to the art of fly fishing. What makes this program truly special is that it has no age limit! Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, First Cast offers a unique opportunity to learn and engage in fly fishing with the support of dedicated volunteers from the MSA.

Over the course of two memorable days, participants will receive mentoring from experienced anglers, immersing themselves in the world of fly fishing and developing a deep appreciation for our natural environment, where our beloved Atlantic salmon thrive. It's a chance to forge lifelong connections with nature, create lasting memories, and cultivate a newfound passion for this timeless sport.

Whether you have a child or grandchild whom you've been longing to share your love for fishing with, or if you've always yearned to explore the art of fly fishing but never had the opportunity, we urge you to seize the moment and be a part of this incredible journey.

Don't miss out on future updates and opportunities! Contact the MSA today to join our waiting list and stay informed about upcoming events and programs. Together, let's embrace the wonders of fly fishing and foster a deeper connection to the remarkable world of our cherished Atlantic salmon.

South Esk, NB - The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) is working to finalize the 2023 Smolt Estimate, a crucial endeavor that sheds light on the well-being and abundance of smolts in the region's river systems. With the use of smolt wheels, this year's estimate focused on the Northwest Miramichi River and the Dungarvon River. Through the deployment and shared use of our smolt wheels, the MSA extends its commitment to scientific research and collaboration. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Anqotum Resource Management, Canadian River Institute (CRI), University of New Brunswick (UNB) and the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) all stand as valued partners who benefit from the provision of smolts for their respective research and study programs.

As the field season progresses, the MSA will gear up for a diverse lineup of projects including; fry stocking, electrofishing, cold water pool restoration, broodstock collections, and beaver dam management. Our Dungarvon scientific study is also ongoing, and we will have updated results to come later this fall.

The MSA’s stocking program has geared up for another year. Our team is currently stocking streams and brooks with Atlantic salmon fry along the Southwest Miramichi, focusing on the Cains River and Juniper areas. These first-feeding fry are from the 2022 broodstock collection and have been overwintering as eggs at the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Center (MSCC).

The MSA's electrofishing program, is set to continue this year. During the latter part of the summer, researchers and volunteers will venture out onto the Miramichi River in an effort to collect data which will help evaluate the health and abundance of juvenile Atlantic salmon. This program serves as a vital benchmark for understanding the current state of the salmon population and gauging the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Building upon previous restoration work, the MSA's dedicated team will conduct follow-up activities at cold water pool sites. Armed with snorkeling gear and wet suits, MSA staff will perform thorough surveys, monitor water temperature, and assess potential obstacles impeding water flow. These assessments will guide decision-making processes, ensuring optimal conditions for the development and survival of salmon populations.

The MSA's commitment to sustainable salmon populations also extends to broodstock collection. This coming fall, the organization will resume the collection of wild salmon on the Southwest Miramichi River, marking a critical step towards their 2024 stocking program. By carefully selecting healthy broodstock, the MSA aims to promote genetic diversity and bolster the resilience of future salmon generations.

Our field crew are excited to continue with MSA’s beaver dam management program. The MSA will assess potential sites and commence the project in the upcoming fall. This proactive approach ensures optimal river conditions, allowing for unimpeded salmon migration and safeguarding the integrity of their natural habitat.

MSA Biologist Lindsay Jay- Keating and the field crew getting ready to put a smolt wheel in the river at Wayerton Bridge on the Northwest Miramichi river.

Volunteers stocking fry in the headwater of the Miramichi at Juniper

Volunteers getting ready to release some fry. All released fry undergo vigorous health testing before being released.

Portland, Me - In retrospect there was mixed news on the Miramichi spring fishing this year.  On the good side were reports of solid numbers of large salmon – something that I can vouch for myself – and that speaks well for last fall’s spawning. There were also better numbers of 1 to 3 pound sea run brook trout than in most recent springs.

Byron Coughlan of Country Haven reported the increased catches and said that he hoped that maybe the trout were learning to cope with the incredible numbers of bass. One positive thing about the trout situation is that only a small percentage of brook trout head down stream to become sea runs. The whole Miramichi system is fed by brook trout streams, so in that regard there is a large and consistently available spawning biomass of Miramichi brookies to potentially become sea runs. The salmon aren’t quite that lucky, as all young salmon that survive to smolthood have to run the striper gauntlet.

Miramichi, NB - Attention Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) members and supporters! We are excited to announce that the MSA is accepting entries for our highly anticipated annual 'Brian Smith Memorial' Photo contest. It's time to showcase your exceptional photography skills and capture the captivating essence of the Miramichi River and its surrounding beauty.

This contest is a celebration of the extraordinary sights and experiences that the Miramichi River offers, and we invite all amateur photographers to participate. Share with us your finest photographs of fishing, salmon, scenic views, and the joyous moments of children embracing the wonders of the river.

The contest is open until October 15th, giving you ample time to select your most breathtaking shots and submit them for consideration. We're excited to see the stunning images that portray the spirit and allure of the Miramichi River.

To make things even more exciting, cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners. Additionally, the winning photographs may earn a coveted spot in our annual calendar, which reaches a wide audience of MSA members and supporters.

If you have a photograph that you believe showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Miramichi River, we encourage you to seize this opportunity and share your artistry with us. Simply click on the link provided below to submit your entry. We eagerly await the visual stories you have to tell through your lens.

Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to celebrating the enchanting wonders of the Miramichi River through your photographic talents.

Blackville, NB - Join us on July 16th from 2pm to 4pm at the brand new Miramichi Valley Visitors Center located at 168 Main St in Blackville for an exciting day filled with exploration and information. The Miramichi River Valley Visitors Day will feature a question and answer session with the MSA President, Dr. Robyn McCallum, who will share insights about MSA's salmon conservation efforts. In addition to an engaging presentation and discussion, attendees can enjoy a complimentary BBQ and have the chance to win some fun door prizes. To fully immerse in the wonders of the area, there will also be an interpretive walk along the newly developed interpretive trail, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and ecology of the Miramichi River Valley. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, learn about MSA's work, and make lasting memories in Blackville's picturesque setting.

South Esk, NB - We are thrilled to highlight the remarkable efforts of Gretna Green School, an active participant in the New Brunswick Salmon Council's long standing Fish Friends program, in collaboration with the Miramichi Salmon Association. This engaging initiative has empowered students to take an active role in the preservation and conservation of the iconic Miramichi salmon.

As part of the Fish Friends program, students at Gretna Green School have had the unique opportunity to incubate and hatch salmon eggs right within the confines of their classrooms. Witnessing the delicate transformation from egg to fry, they have tenderly cared for these young salmon, nurturing them throughout their early stages of development. This hands-on experience has allowed the students to forge a deep connection with these majestic creatures, fostering a sense of responsibility and a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems.

Recently, the students embarked on an exciting excursion to our smolt wheels located along the Northwest Miramichi River. Accompanied by knowledgeable MSA staff, they had the privilege of observing the workings of smolt wheels. But the adventure didn't end there! The students were also treated to an exclusive tour of our state-of-the-art hatchery facility, where they delved deeper into the essential work carried out by dedicated MSA experts helping to ensure the perpetuation of healthy Miramichi salmon populations. From learning about the intricate details of salmon rearing to witnessing the meticulous care and expertise demonstrated by the hatchery staff, the students were captivated by the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in safeguarding the future of these remarkable fish.

Participation in the Fish Friends program has had a profound impact on the students of Gretna Green School, instilling within them a deep-rooted sense of environmental stewardship and a genuine love for nature. Through their engagement in this hands-on educational program, they have become passionate advocates for the preservation of our natural heritage and the conservation of the Miramichi salmon.

We applaud Gretna Green School for their unwavering dedication to cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. Their participation in the Fish Friends program exemplifies the power of experiential learning and the transformative potential of community partnerships. By nurturing the innate curiosity and empathy of these young conservationists, we are sowing the seeds for a future where the Miramichi salmon and its pristine habitat thrive for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the students, teachers, and all those involved in this exceptional program. Your commitment and passion serve as an inspiration to us all, as together, we strive to protect and preserve our natural heritage and the cherished Miramichi salmon.

Kids being kids! - taking a fun picture at the MSA hatchery

MSA biologist, Lyndsay Jay-Keating showing students the wonders of the NW River

• 11th Annual MSA First Cast

June 24-25 Doaktown and Blackville

• Miramichi River Valley Visitors Day

July 16th Blackville Interpretive Center -

BBQ, MSA Update and Interpretive walk - 2pm-4pm

• MSA Fredericton Dinner

October 3rd at the Fredericton Inn

• MSA Saint John Autumn Dinner

October 25th at the Delta Brunswick Square



Miramichi Salmon Association

485 Route 420, South Esk, NB

E1V 4L9

506-622-4000| www.miramichisalmon.ca