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 Fredericton office at 506 457-2220 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 $200 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
