Conservation Takes People
Atlantic salmon conservation takes a community of people who care. People who fish for salmon are important stewards of wild rivers and wild fish.
Here's what they have to say:
“We all have an important role and responsibility in managing the salmon for the next seven generations, to help assist with the identification of areas of priority for improvements, and to treat the salmon with respect.”
Kyle Denny, Eskasoni First Nation
I was lucky to be exposed to the beauty of natural environments and to sport fishing from a young age. Interacting with nature and wildlife gives us the chance to rejuvenate mentally and spiritually. Today, as a mother of a family, I want my children to have the same opportunities for years to come, to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of our salmon regions.
Amélie Thériault, mother and salmon angler
“If Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered, it is likely to limit our ability to protect these treasured fish and their homes. This alone is cause for concern, but in addition, it will prevent us from molding our children into the next generation of conservationists. Atlantic salmon need us involved and active in restoration and recovery efforts, and as such, I cannot support any listing that would hinder our ability and that of future generations to fight for these majestic wild fish.”
Matt Dort, Father and conservationist
“Potentially closing various Atlantic salmon rivers on the East Coast puts me on the endangered list as well. In the off season, I plan and prepare to cast a line on certain rivers. In the fishing season, I do so in Anticosti, the Gaspé and in Nova Scotia. These rivers and their fish are the magic that keeps me alive and active. We have a special relationship. If the dreams are taken away, I undoubtedly will age before my time.”
Katharine Mott, Age 86
“Spending extensive time on the river has opened my eyes to the wonder of the natural world, but also to a large community of passionate individuals who care deeply for Atlantic salmon and for preserving their habitat. The conservation-related learnings that have been shared with me riverside, from people of all backgrounds, have proved invaluable in my development as an angler and more importantly, as a conservationist. It’s undeniable that Atlantic salmon need ALL of us today. Collectively, we as humans have the obligation to listen, learn and work diligently to ensure the survival of wild Atlantic salmon. It’s not the time to allow them to be hidden within layers of legislative red tape.”
Deirdre Green, angler and conservationist
“Caring for Atlantic salmon and their habitat is at the heart of our mission. We are proud to be part of a community that is rich and passionate about nature, angling and emotions. Contact with the king of the rivers, with nature, in all its strength and vulnerability, mobilizes us around its conservation.
Quebec has endowed itself with a networked community sport fishing management system which has demonstrated its effectiveness and whose monitoring requirements meet the highest standards recognized throughout the world.
This entire network, including citizens, anglers, wildlife organizations, salmon river management organizations as well as the provincial and federal governments, is what motivates the common cause of protecting the Atlantic salmon and the rivers they depend on. Adding Atlantic salmon to the endangered species list would put the strength of this network at risk.”
Myriam Bergeron, Director General, Fédération québécoise pour le saumon atlantique (FQSA)
