Field Activities
The MSA conducts field programs where members can observe or participate. The programs are:
Observe, Record and Report - if you observe any illegal activity on the river, write down as much information
as possible and call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips(8477). Both DFO and DNRE are members of Crimestoppres
and the information will get to them as quickly as possible. In addition, there are a few problem areas of the Miramichi
where the MSA is recruiting volunteers to watch specific areas to try to curb illegal activity. If you would like to
assist our Conservation Officers, give Mark Hambrook a call at 506 622 4000.
Merganser survey - join the MSA field staff to count broods of merganser ducks along the Miramichi
this summer. The survey will be conducted by canoe and kayak along as much of the Miramichi Watershed as possible during
the first 3 weeks of July to establish the number of birds on the river. Call the South Esk office at 506 622 4000 if
you would like to participate.
Electrofishing survey - the MSA field crew assesses the number of juvenile salmon on the Miramichi each
year to determine the success of spawning and to find low density areas where stocking may be required. The
program will run until late September. To observe or participate, call the South Esk office at 506 622 4000.
Adult salmon collections for broodstock - the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre collects wild adult
Atlantic salmon broodstock from different tributaries of the Miramichi every year for spawning. Members are invited
to participate in seining operations, beginning in August until late October.
Salmon marking - the Miramichi Salmon Conservation Centre has approximately 500,000 fingerling salmon
to mark each year before releasing them to the various Miramichi tributaries. This involves removing the little
adipose fin with a pair of scissors from the little fish while they are asleep. The activity starts in August and
runs through to late October, and if you can spare a day or a few hours, join our crew at the Conservation Centre and give
a hand. Call the Conservation Centre at 506 622 4000.
Beaver dam breaching - the MSA will be identifying beaver dams that are obstructing key spawning tributaries
of the Miramichi River during the month of September and we will be seeking authority to partially breach these dams when
adult salmon are migrating upstream. The dams will not be removed, just a small opening will be created to concentrate
the water flow and allow salmon that are waiting below the obstruction, the opportunity to reach spawning grounds upstream.
No harm will befall the beaver, as they can repair the dam in 1 or 2 days and the adult salmon usually have little difficulty
finding their way back downstream after spawning. Contact the South Esk office at 506 622 4000 if you would like to
participate in this program.
Dinner Committees
The major revenue source for MSA activities is our fundraising dinners and auction. Dinners are held at various
times of the year in a variety of locations including Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Hartland, Boiestown, Miramichi and
Boston. Call the South Esk office at 506 622 4000 to get involved in any of the dinner committees.
Youth Fishing Camp
A Youth Fishing Camp is offered to twenty children between the ages of 10-14, generally during the second week of August
each year, at a cost of $100 for all inclusive meals and accommodations at three participating lodges (Tuckaway
Cabins, Pond's Resort and Wilson Sporting Camps); fly fishing and fly tying instruction; water safety and much more.
MSA
acknowledges the importance of inviting and keeping our youth involved so that they too can continue to appreciate the bounty
of the wonderful reources at our doorstep - the Atlantic salmon and the Miramichi River - and to become conservationists on
behalf of those resources that will benefit them and generations to come. For further details on this Youth Camp, please
contact the MSA South Esk office at 506 622 4000
