Your monthly resource for MSA conservation updates, Miramichi watershed information, upcoming MSA events, and much more.

Since 1953, the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) has worked toward the preservation and enhancement of Atlantic salmon on the Miramichi River. With strength in numbers, the MSA continues to build its membership to support our conservation efforts. We encourage you, if not already a member, to please join us.

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Vol. 79 February 2025

President's Update

By Butch Dalton

As we move further into the new year, the Miramichi Salmon Association remains steadfast in our mission to protect and restore Atlantic salmon populations. However, we continue to be frustrated with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and their ongoing lack of action when it comes to implementing meaningful conservation measures. Despite the mounting evidence of declining salmon numbers and the urgent need for intervention, DFO’s inaction remains a significant obstacle. We will continue to push for science-based decisions that prioritize the long-term health of our salmon runs.

On a more positive note, our hatchery operations are progressing well, and I’m pleased to report that our salmon eggs are thriving. Early indicators suggest we will have an excellent egg-to-fry survival rate this year, ensuring that we can continue to stock the river with healthy juvenile salmon. Our hatchery team has done an outstanding job, and their dedication to this effort is critical to maintaining salmon populations in the Miramichi.

We are also gearing up for the upcoming field season, and our team is eager to get back on the water. From population assessments to habitat restoration, our fieldwork plays a crucial role in our conservation efforts. We look forward to another productive season of hands-on work in the river.

Looking ahead, we have our annual fundraising dinner in Freeport, Maine, on February 22nd. This event is a key fundraiser for MSA, and we hope to see a great turnout. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you can do so by clicking the dinner link below. Your support allows us to continue the important work of protecting and restoring Atlantic salmon populations.

Thank you for standing with us in our fight for the future of Miramichi’s salmon.

Tight lines,

William (Butch) Dalton

President, Miramichi Salmon Association

MSA US Winter Event

Saturday, February 22nd

Join us for an "Evening With The Masters", as we recognize renowned artists,

John Swan and Luther Kelly Hall who have both supported the MSA for over 30 years.

The MSA US Winter Event is taking place Saturday, February 22nd at the Portland Country Club in Falmouth, ME. The evening will begin at 5:00pm EST with an artist reception, followed by the dinner and auction at 5:30pm EST, and will be live-streamed for guests who would prefer to attend virtually. In-person attendees will enjoy an excellent buffet dinner with complimentary wine. Virtual attendees will receive a North Face MSA logo vest instead of food and drink, and be treated to a narrated slide show during dinner. The evening will also include silent and live auctions to fundraise for Atlantic salmon conservation on the Miramichi river.

Purchase Tickets HERE

Summer Student Jobs

Now accepting applications

We are now accepting applications for 2025 summer student positions. Successful applicants will be working closely with the biologist and hatchery staff to conduct multiple field programs and fisheries conservation practices. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the biological or environmental sciences.

For more details about this job listing and how to apply, please click the link below. Application deadline is February 28th, 2025.

Student Job Posting

Bud Bird Award in Salmon Conservation

Submit nominations by February 15th

Awarded annually to a deserving individual, group, organization, or business that has shown lasting commitment to the conservation of the wild Atlantic salmon and environmental integrity of the Miramichi River watershed for the benefit of all species.

The Award recognizes leadership in all areas of activity that have an impact upon environmental protection and conservation of the wild salmon species, including volunteerism and or the practice of advocacy, politics, Indigenous relations, climate action, academia, industry, business, or commercial river management.

Deadline to Submit Nominations is February 15th!

For more information on nomination guidelines and how to submit please visit our website.

Named in honour of J.W. Bud Bird, O.C., the Award recognizes and applauds Bud’s dedicated commitment and service to the conservation of the wild Atlantic salmon.

Bud Bird Award Nomination Guidelines

Fish First at the MSA!

The staff at the MSA can now wear our slogan "Fish First" on our sleeves.

MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel

March 8th - Doaktown Curling Club

Join us at the Doaktown Curling Club on March 8th for the MSA & Outfitters Curling Bonspiel!

For more details or to sign up a team, call Manley Price at (506)369-1890 or email mwprice18@outlook.com.

If you are not able to field a full team of four—just sign up and we will fill the gap.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11th

Tuesday, February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The Miramichi Salmon Association is proud to be represented by strong women who lead and inspire conservation through science.

MSA Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating collecting Broodstock.

MSA Hatchery Manager Holly Labadie transferring salmon eggs.

MSA Hatchery Manager Holly Labadie giving a tour of the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre to the participants of the Miramichi Country Haven's 2024 Women's Fly Fishing Retreat.

MSA Biologist Lyndsay Jay-Keating conducting a Juvenile Assessment by Electrofishing, with the help of summer students Payton and Cole.

Hatchery Update

The egg care continues at the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre. We are very lucky to have two full-time Egg Care Technicians, Joneil Evans (left) and Jesse Corcoran (right) to provide care for the salmon eggs 7 days a week. The eggs are starting to "eye up" now, which means the eyes of the salmon are visible as small black dots. At this stage the eggs are very robust and can be handled for estimating counts.