Community Management – It’s Time!

Recently I read a reply to our community’s letter to Keith Ashford, federal Minister of Fisheries & Oceans regarding closure of our sport fisheries. The Minister makes it clear that we can expect no help from DFO any time soon.

So what can be done? Well, maybe we should look back to see how we arrived at this point.

Back in the 1980’s the St. Mary’s River was selected by DFO for a pilot project called River Specific Management. This fishery management concept was based upon the premise that river systems differ, requiring specialized management by those most familiar with the river, the people of the river’s community.

The project did result in development of some important ideas but died in its infancy when DFO decided to adopt another management concept – the Index River system. This means that one river was selected as representative of many rivers. Notice  that the two management systems are the antithesis of each other.

The LaHave became the index river for Nova Scotia’s southern uplands because a fish counting facility was present on the river. To this day DFO insists that dwindling LaHave salmon populations are similar to the St. Mary’s despite obvious differences such as timing of salmon runs and the invasion of predacious smallmouth bass in the LaHave.

When our community-based management system project was active, I recall a visit from scouts of a small community group from western Newfoundland. This group is now known as Environment Resources Management Association (ERMA).

This group “had its beginning in 1984 when the Chamber of Commerce in Grand Falls felt that development of the Exploits River as a major Atlantic Salmon producing river could provide much needed employment throughout the entire Region.”

“Spearheaded by local interested citizens this Association embarked on one of the biggest economic developments that would occur in the Exploits Valley. From an annual adult population of 1,000 the River has seen as high as 33,000 Atlantic salmon return for the annual spawning ritual. This not only makes the River a world class producer but ranks second in the largest producing river of Atlantic salmon in North America.”

“During the course of development many other related activities were undertaken apart from the building of Fish ways and the major stocking program to introduce fish to the upper watershed. This included major cleanup of the river shoreline from Grand Falls - Windsor to Bishop's Falls, Public Education and Awareness programs, establishment of a major Tourism attraction at the Grand Falls and the beginning of the Exploits Valley Salmon Festival.”

“During the development years, direct benefits to the entire region were achieved by employing approximately 75 people from carpenters to biologists in the project. For several years the Association was a major employer in the Buchans area who were facing uncertain times following the closure of the Mines. Over $20 Million was spent locally in wages, services and goods during the construction and development phase.”

“Presently ERMA employs approximately 50 people on a seasonal basis. A team of five Managers under the direction of the General Manager conduct the various operations of the Association. All of the management team are long term employees of the Association and have many years experience in their related field. From Administration staff, Freshwater Biologist, Aquaculturist, Senior Technicians, and Public Service personnel, the Association has the ability to acquire and complete many and varied contracts.”

The above is from ERMA’s website:       http://www.exploitsriver.ca/association.php

So, compared to the Exploits project, a salmon recovery program for Guysborough County should be easy. All we need is the attitude, resourcefulness and resolve of the Newfoundlanders!

Here’s a popular Bomber-style dry fly from Newfoundland tied by Sheet Harbour’s Chris Williams.

TWO TONER

Thread:                      White GSP 50 denier

Hook:                          River Magic Streamer Hook, Sizes 4 - 2

Tail:                             White calf tail

Hackle:                       Yellow and orange saddle hackles palmered together over body

Body:                          White deer hair, trimmed to Bomber shape

Wing:                          Single or double wings of white calf tail

Head:                         Black

Please send comments and suggestions to slim@rivermagic.ca

Please stay on the line …