News
Atlantic Salmon Rebound
August 18th, 2008
After years of decline, wild Atlantic salmon rebound in eastern North America
CANADIAN PRESS
FREDERICTON — After years of decline, it looks like wild Atlantic salmon are making a comeback in the rivers of eastern North America.
While scientists and anglers are tempering their enthusiasm until a clear trend is established, there’s no question this is a record summer for young salmon called grilse returning to home rivers after one year at sea.
“People are talking about runs they haven’t seen for a decade or more,” says Gerald Chaput, a biologist with the federal Fisheries Department.
On the storied salmon rivers of New Brunswick, heavy rains and high waters are providing perfect conditions for salmon.
“People are seeing fish and they’re catching fish,” says Mark Hambrook, president of the salmon association on New Brunswick’s Miramichi River, which produces more than 20 per cent of North America’s Atlantic salmon. [Read more…]