ASF - Restoring Robert Brook: Collaborative Conservation for Wild Atlantic Salmon

Last summer, important restoration work was completed on Robert Brook, a tributary of the Chéticamp River, thanks to the efforts of the Chéticamp River Salmon Association (CRSA) and its dedicated partners. The Chéticamp River is part of ASF’s Wild Salmon Watersheds program, which focuses on the long-term conservation of healthy salmon populations. This project represents a significant step toward improving habitat conditions for Atlantic salmon in the Chéticamp River system.

Unlike most tributaries of the Chéticamp, which are steeper and have waterfalls acting as barriers to fish passage, Robert Brook has the potential to provide easier access to high-quality spawning and rearing habitat for Atlantic salmon. As a cold-water tributary, it plays an even more critical role in supporting salmon, especially in the face of rising water temperatures due to climate change. However, previous developments have impacted the watercourse, reducing habitat quality and connectivity. In 2023, CRSA field technicians conducted habitat suitability assessments that identified several issues, including over widened channels and limited pool habitat, which can create thermal barriers and impact ease of access. To address these challenges, CRSA worked with habitat consultant Charles MacInnis to develop a restoration design incorporating rock sills, deflectors, and groynes.

CRSA biologist Jillian Baker (right), Réné Aucoin CRSA president (middle), and Archie Doucette, Parks Canada Impact Assessment Specialist (left) working on installing some in-stream structures.

The restoration work, which took place over four days in early September, involved installing a series of instream structures designed to enhance habitat complexity and improve conditions for juvenile salmon. These structures help narrow the channel, enhance pool formation, and improve thalweg depth, creating a more favorable environment for salmon. The team focused on a 200-meter stretch of Robert Brook, spanning approximately 10 meters in width. Over the course of the project, they installed four rock sills, each with a rock deflector, one channel blocker for a back channel, and two small groynes. These structures will help improve water flow and habitat complexity, removing barriers that will benefit juvenile and spawning salmon within the restored area and restore ease of access to the cold-water habitat higher up in Robert Brook. This type of restoration is essential for maintaining and rebuilding wild Atlantic salmon populations, particularly in systems that have experienced habitat degradation over time.

Before and after restoration work. On the right (after restoration) you can see the concentration of water along the far bank. This will help build a pool below the rock sill and develop a riffle upstream as well as create a narrow more meandering stream.

The success of this project was driven by a strong network of partners. ASF staff provided leadership and expertise on-site, joining CRSA’s restoration crew. Additional support came from the Margaree Salmon Association, the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, and Parks Canada, along with financial support from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association’s Adopt-a-Stream Program, and the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. In total, 13 people from five organizations collaborated to install the instream structures, demonstrating the power of teamwork in conservation efforts.

“The CRSA prioritized Robert Brook because it has potential for quality salmon habitat, but previous developments degraded its conditions,” said Jillian Baker, a CRSA biologist. “Our restoration plan aims to improve spawning and rearing areas by narrowing the channel and increasing pool habitat.”

Before and after restoration work. Upper most rock sill and deflector. The concentration of water to the left side of the picture will deepen the water creating a holding pool for larger fish while creating excellent rearing habitat for juveniles upstream. When coupled with the deflector that was later installed on the right side of the picture, the restoration work will help narrow the stream, build point bars, and create favourable hydrology that will continue to support and build good habitat conditions downstream and for years to come.

“While the restoration work completed on Robert Brook will hopefully ultimately benefit the Atlantic salmon population on the Chéticamp, I already see this project as a success given the high level of collaboration from our partners” added CRSA President Réné Aucoin. “With five organizations working together, it was a true example of teamwork and partnership.”

This project shows the power of partnerships in conservation. By working together, organizations can pool their knowledge, skills, and resources to restore and protect critical habitats for wild Atlantic salmon. ASF is proud to support CRSA’s work and remains committed to the long-term conservation of the Chéticamp River and other vital salmon watersheds.

ASF’s Regional Director for Wild Salmon Watersheds, Kris Hunter, in the stream-side safety meeting with the four partners discussing the day's approach to installing the lowermost rock sill and deflector.

Stay tuned for more updates on restoration efforts and the ongoing work to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon populations!