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

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Vol. 56 March 2023

Hi everyone,

February was a busy month for MSA meetings and events! Thank you to the MSA US folks who hosted a successful MSA US event at the Portland Country Club on Feb 4, and to the many members who attended and supported both in-person and virtually. Various MSA committees met in preparation for the board meeting held on February 17. Now, we are shifting our focus to upcoming fundraisers, our AGM, and spring preparation.

Our ’70 on 70’ event will be held on April 29 at the Rodd Miramichi. Join us to celebrate 70 years of the Miramichi Salmon Association as well as past president Mark Hambrook’s 70^th birthday, our 150^th anniversary of the hatchery, and Mark’s retirement. This will be a jam-packed event with something for everyone- good food, good music, unique fundraisers, and more! For more information, please visit our website, and make plans to join us on April 29.

The MSA is partnering once again with the Miramichi Watershed Management Committee to host our annual science day. This year the event will be held at the Fredericton Inn and via Zoom on Tuesday, April 18. All are welcome to attend, and more details will be shared on our website soon. This is a great opportunity to hear about projects on the Miramichi River, learn from other groups, ask questions, and build collaborations.

Our Annual General Meeting and next board of directors meeting will be held on Saturday, June 3^rd in Boiestown, followed by the Icebreaker event at the Woodsmen Museum. Make plans to join us for these meetings and take part in the always-fun Icebreaker event!

The MSA has been working closely with like-minded groups to push for ecosystem balance in the Miramichi River watershed, particularly around the striped bass population. We will once again conduct our smolt estimate on the NW system and partner with groups who work on striped bass predation research. We are also urging DFO to begin a long-term study to better understand the effects of the striped bass population on other native species- including Atlantic Salmon, gaspereau, smelt, and mackerel. Our other critical initiatives- like cold water restoration, notching beaver dams for spawning migration- are all for naught unless we can decrease the predation from striped bass and restore ecosystem balance. From speaking with anglers, outfitters, members, and community members, I know this issue is top of mind, and we will do everything we can to promote balance.

Our new Vision Document was approved at the February board meeting. Thank you to Kevin Harris and the strategic planning committee who led the charge for this document, and the many directors who provided valuable feedback. Launching this new document is well-timed with the 70^th anniversary of our organization and as we make plans for the future.

A brief reminder again this month that the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation frequently holds webinar from folks working on salmon conservation. I encourage you to visit this link (https://www.salmonconservation.ca/webinar-e/) to learn more about upcoming webinars or watch past events.

Thank you for your continued support,

Robyn

The Miramichi Salmon Association is thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating the MSA's 70th anniversary and the retirement and 70th birthday of our esteemed colleague and friend, Mark Hambrook, at a special dinner event. The event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at the Rodd Miramichi.



The evening will begin with a cocktail reception with live music, followed by a buffet dinner and a program of remarks and tributes to Mark. The event will also include a celebration of the Miramichi Salmon Association's 70th anniversary, recognizing the organization's ongoing commitment to the conservation of Atlantic salmon and its habitat in the Miramichi watershed. In addition, we will be hosting a live and silent auction and a short comedy set by Miramichi’s own – Jimmy McKinley.

Tickets for the retirement dinner and birthday celebration are available for purchase starting on March 13th at a cost of $70. We kindly request that you indicate any dietary restrictions or special needs when you purchase your ticket.



To purchase your ticket on March 13th, or for more information about the event, please contact us at 506-622-4000 or by emailing admin@miramichhisalmon.ca . We encourage you to purchase your ticket early, as space is limited and we expect this event to sell out quickly.

We are excited to bring together a community of conservationists, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate the Miramichi Salmon Association's 70 years of accomplishments, and to honor Mark Hambrook's invaluable contributions to the organization. We hope you will join us for this special event.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rodd and will be available until April 1. The rate is $140 per night . To reserve a room Call 506-773-3111 or email miramichi@roddvacations.com

On February 4th, the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) hosted a successful fundraising dinner at the Portland Country Club in Yarmouth, Maine. The event was co-chaired and hosted by Brad Burns and David Fenderson and supported by a dedicated dinner committee.

The evening was filled with a variety of exciting fundraising activities, including a live auction led by auctioneer Gary Tanner, a silent auction, and a paddle raise. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner and had the opportunity to bid on a range of items, including fishing trips, fishing gear, artwork, and other items of interest.

The dinner was a great success, with attendees (both virtual and in-person) generously showing their support for the MSA's conservation and enhancement initiatives in the Miramichi watershed. The funds raised from the event will be used towards promoting the MSA mission of preserving and protecting Atlantic salmon, habitat restoration, community outreach and other important initiatives.

The MSA would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the dinner, including the Portland Country Club. The MSA would also like to extend a big thank you to dinner co-chairs Brad Burns and David Fenderson and the dinner committee for their hard work and dedication.

The MSA would also like to acknowledge Marc Cabot, long time life member and MSA supporter, who made a generous donation at this event during the paddle raise. It is through the continued generosity of donors like Marc that the MSA is able to continue with our important work in the Miramichi watershed - we greatly appreciate your donation, generosity and long standing support for the MSA! Thank you Marc!

Overall, the MSA fundraising dinner at the Portland Country Club was a fantastic way for members and supporters of the MSA to come together and make a positive impact on the future of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi watershed.

Brad Burns introduces Zoom attendees to long-time MSA super-supporters Bud Bird and Marc Cabot

MSA director, Gary Tanner, auctioning some of the many exceptional items on offer at the dinner.

MSA president, Robyn McCallum providing an MSA update to the dinner attendees.

The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) is excited to announce our upcoming "Spring into the Season Auction and Raffle." The raffle will run from March 3rd until April 29th, and tickets can be purchased for $50 each by visiting the MSA website. Keep your eyes open for our online auction which will be launching in April. It will be jam packed with items of interest for just about everyone.

The grand prize for the raffle is a two-night, three-day salmon fishing trip to Rocky Bend Fishing Camp (from 2pm on August 23rd to 12pm on August 25th). The prize includes accommodations, meals, and guided fishing on the world-renowned Miramichi River.

The MSA is grateful for the support of our members and donors and their contributions in helping us to promote Atlantic salmon conservation initiatives in the Miramichi which are critical to the long-term health of the Miramichi River.

Don't miss out on your chance to win this incredible prize and support a great cause at the same time. Visit the MSA website today to purchase your raffle tickets.

In this month's blog post, MSA US president Brad Burns tells us about his recent interview with 2nd generation master Maine guide, Michael Jones, in the Fly Line Podcast series. To check it out, go to the Fly Line Podcast link in Brad's blog and click on "episodes", you will be able listen to the podcast featuring Brad. It's worth a listen!



This month's blog also includes spring salmon prospects in the Miramichi, how-to tips, and more. For a link to the Fly Line podcast or to read Brad's entire blog post please click the link below.

The Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) is pleased to announce the renaming of the MSA Photo Contest. It will now be called the Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest, in honor of the late photographer Brian Smith, who passed away on January 3rd, 2023. The newly renamed photo contest will run from April 15th until October 30th. Bates Custom Framing and Laminating has generously agreed to sponsor the photo contest.

The Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest is an opportunity for photographers to showcase their best shots of the Miramichi River and its surroundings. The MSA invites participants to submit their best photos capturing the beauty and diversity of the Miramichi watershed. Categories include: Miramichi people, angling, Miramichi scenes, and kids.

The contest is open to all amateur photographers, and participants may submit up to two photos per category. The winning photographs will be selected based on their originality, technical excellence, and overall impact. The top photos may be featured in a future MSA annual calendars, and winners will also receive a cash prize generously donated by Bates Custom Laminating and Framing.

The MSA invites all amateur photographers to participate in the Brian Smith Memorial Photo Contest, and to share their passion for the Miramichi River and its natural wonders. More details about the contest, including rules and submission guidelines, can be found on the MSA website. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and support the MSA's mission to protect and enhance the Miramichi watershed! MSA will be accepting submissions starting on April 15th.

The Miramichi Watershed Management Committee (MWMC) and the Miramichi Salmon Association (MSA) are pleased to announce the upcoming MWMC/MSA Science Day, taking place on April 18th, 2023, at the Fredericton Inn. This year's theme is "Working Together for the Miramichi: Fostering Collaboration and Partnership in Ecological Conservation Projects."

The MWMC/MSA Science Day will feature a diverse range of speakers. Participants will have the opportunity to hear about innovative conservation projects and initiatives, discuss pressing environmental challenges facing the region, and share best practices, lessons learned, and research findings.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the MWMC/MSA Science Day," said MWMC Chair, Debbie Norton. "This event is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and organizations interested in conservation research to come together, share knowledge, and foster collaboration and partnership."

Registration for the MWMC/MSA Science Day is required. For more information about the event and registration details, please click the link below.

• MSA Outfitters Curling Bonspiel -

March 4th - Doaktown, NB

• MSA "Spring into the Season" Raffle -

March 3rd- April 29 2023

• MWMC/MSA Science Day -

April 18 - Fredericton Inn - Bi-Centennial Ballroom

• "70 on 70" - Celebrating Mark Hambrook's 70th Birthday and Retirement and the 70th Anniversary of MSA

April 29th - Rodd Inn - Miramichi - Featuring Comedian Jimmy McKinley

• MSA Annual General Meeting -

June 3rd - Upper Miramichi Rural Community Centre - Boiestown

• Icebreaker Dinner and Auction -

June 3rd - NB Woodsman Museum - Boiestown

Miramichi Salmon Association

485 Route 420, South Esk, NB

E1V 4L9

506-622-4000| www.miramichisalmon.ca