Salmo salar (Saumon atlantique sauvage)
- Did you know that during the COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) last evaluation, wild Atlantic salmon population within the Bay of Fundy was classified as an endangered species? The Atlantic salmon is presently being evaluated in other regions of the province?
- The Atlantic salmon hatches in rivers and goes to the ocean for 2 to 4 years to grow and fatten up. It feeds on fish, insects and crustaceans.
- Humans, seals, otters, some birds and fish are some of the predators of the wild salmon. According to the Atlantic Salmon Federation, humans must carry a large share of the blame for the decline of the species through fishing, dams, industrial waste, acid rain and agricultural runoff.
- Wild Atlantic salmons can travel more than 4 000 km and still find its native river. They recognize by its smell and will swim against the current to lay their eggs.
- The salmon is more active early in the morning or just before dark. During hot weather, it hides in deep water, in the shade or at a spot where there is current.
- To fish Atlantic salmon, you need a fishing license even during the Fish NB Days.
- For centuries, wild Atlantic salmon was used as food, income and even fertilizer in the fields. In 2010, Atlantic salmon bought in the stores were raised in the Bay of Fundy aquaculture sites. Aquaculture salmon sales, in New Brunswick, are estimated at $192 millions and the industry provides 1400 direct jobs and 800 indirect jobs.
Actions – interactions
- Learn more about the wild Atlantic salmon and its endangered survival.
- Visit the Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown or the Biodiversity Centre in Mactaquac.
- Join a local watershed group.
- Send your observations to the Pays de Cocagne Sustainable Development Group.
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