The Margaree
– A Good Example for Us
This from a 2011 study and report commissioned by the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF). Nova Scotia’s Margaree
was one of four rivers selected as case studies.
“Margaree (NS) - The Margaree-Lake Ainslie River System is a designated Canadian Heritage River with protection afforded for both cultural
and natural heritage values. Compared to the other case study rivers, it has exceptionally high export value since it boasts
the highest rate of international angler attraction at two-thirds of all anglers on the Margaree. Annual spending of $2.9
million generates $2.5 million in GDP, 70 full-time equivalent jobs, and $2.1 million worth of income.”
“Extending 120 kilometres in length, the Margaree captures water from a 1,100 square
kilometre drainage area. There are two main branches, one originating from the plateaus of the world famous Cape Breton Highlands
National Park (Cabot Trail), and another flowing from Lake Ainslie, the largest natural lake in Nova Scotia. The two tributaries
join at Margaree Forks and meander through Acadian and Scottish farmland and fishing communities that border the Gulf of St
Lawrence. The river shows its full splendour in fall when uncommon maple-elm climax hardwood stands express their brilliant
colours among spruce-fir stands winding down along the river valley.”
“The
community around the Margaree River is most closely defined by Census Subdivision A of Inverness County including the three
main communities of Inverness, Margaree, and Chéticamp. The combined total population is 5,859. The unemployment rate
stands at 17.1 % while there are 3,145 persons aged 15 or over with average earnings of $21,144. The total community earnings
are therefore just over $66 million. The top three industry sectors according to employment are: services (27%), agriculture
(17%), and health care (12%). Tourism and recreation falls within the services sector and is therefore one of the most significant
local employment generators.”
“About 23% of the 12,381 fishing days in the county are spent
fishing for salmon, however visitors to the province are much more focused on salmon than local residents. Canadians from
other provinces were spending 61% of their time targeting salmon and visitors from abroad were spending 73% in contrast with
just 17% of the days spent by local residents fishing salmon.”
“The total expenditures
wholly attributable to salmon fishing were just over $2.5 million. Residents of the province are responsible for just 23%
of all expenditures, while visitors from other countries account for two-thirds (67%). Major purchases, packages, and direct
spending represent 56%, 3%, and 41% of the total respectively. The top three major purchase items are vehicles (30%), boating
equipment (27%), and land and buildings (17%). Of all other expenditures the top three items are travel costs (34%), food
(27%), and supplies (13%). Based on the total number of salmon fishing days, anglers spend an average of $206 per day.”
“There is over 80% public support in Eastern Canada for a sustained 20-year program with new annual investments
of $53M - $157M that will “likely” or “very likely” restore Atlantic salmon abundance to 40% - 80%
of historic highs.”
I can’t help but wondering how much public support (and opposition) there is for new salmon farm proposals!
This example proves that
Atlantic salmon angling contributes significantly to Inverness County’s economy. The same was true for Guysborough County
and that fishery can be restored to its former glory.
What’s needed is a plan that includes a salmon
hatchery for Guysborough County – that‘s what made the difference for the Margaree!
Please send comments and suggestions to:
slim@rivermagic.ca
Please stay on the line
…
