2024: It Wasn’t All Bad

Warm weather protocols, too little rain. Norway closes rivers to salmon angling. Matane and other Quebec river counts way down. There was plenty of bad news, but don’t despair; here are our top 10 good news stories of 2024!

1. Miramichi Monster

Angler Kit Barrow caught a rare 28-pound salmon on the Miramichi River this year. Amid a bad year for the Miramichi, the river proved that it still has some world-class Atlantic salmon.

2. Record Salmon Returns in Labrador

The estimated median returns of small and large salmon to Labrador in 2023 (reported in 2024) were the highest in the past 54 years. Small salmon returns increased by 58% compared to recent averages, and large salmon returns soared by 92%, affirming Labrador’s status as one of the healthiest regions for Atlantic salmon.

3. Second Annual Wild Salmon Watersheds Network Meeting

The Wild Salmon Watersheds program held its second annual networking meeting, bringing together partners from across Eastern Canada. The event strengthened collaborative efforts and outlined next steps for expanding the program.

4. Headwaters Program Expands into Canada

ASF’s Headwaters program has officially crossed borders, expanding into Canada this year with river restoration projects in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island.

5. Increased Striped Bass Bag Limits

Significant changes to striped bass management in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence were implemented, including increased recreational bag limits and expanded Indigenous commercial fishing opportunities. These changes aim to create a better ecosystem balance and reduce predation pressure on vulnerable salmon and other native fish species.

6. Leadership Transition at ASF

After 29 years as CEO of ASF, Bill Taylor is stepping down, and Louie Porta is taking on the leadership role. Louie brings a wealth of experience from his time as founder of Oceans North and his work on large-scale marine conservation projects. His leadership is already bringing new energy and vision to ASF.

7. Atlantic Salmon Fly International Returns

After a hiatus since 2018, the fourth Atlantic Salmon Fly International was back this year. The event gathers anglers and fly-tying enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate and promote the tradition of salmon fishing.

8. Documenting Atlantic Salmon’s Natural History

Cinematographer Nick Hawkins received a Trebek Initiative grant to create a comprehensive archive of the natural history of wild Atlantic salmon. ASF is supporting Nick’s project, providing logistical and technical help throughout the filming process.

9. Canada’s Wild Atlantic Salmon Strategy Takes Shape

The draft of Canada’s wild Atlantic salmon strategy has been released, signalling a commitment to supporting wild Atlantic salmon populations. The finalized strategy is anticipated to provide much-needed resources for long-term salmon conservation.

10. Smolt Wheels Deployed on New Rivers

This spring, ASF deployed smolt wheels on the Nepisiguit and Terra Nova rivers. This is the first time smolt wheels have been used on these rivers. The deployment on the Terra Nova is also the first on the island of Newfoundland. The new smolt wheels are part of the Wild Salmon Watersheds program and will provide essential data to guide targeted conservation efforts.