Warm Water Protocol for Gulf Region's rivers
Why a Warm Water Protocol?
The Atlantic salmon population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has been declining for several years, so it’s important to protect the species as much as possible.
Since 2015, recreational fishing for Atlantic salmon has been mandatory catch and release in the Gulf Region.
Another management measure in place to help protect salmon is a Warm Water Protocol that is in effect in four rivers in the Gulf Region: the Miramichi, Restigouche and Nepisiguit rivers in New Brunswick and Margaree River in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
A Warm Water Protocol is a tool developed by the Department, in collaboration with provincial governments and local partners, such as fishing associations, conservation groups and watershed management committees, to implement angling restrictions in rivers when the water warms up.
Salmon are cold water fish. In warmer water, they become weaker and have more difficulty recovering after being caught and released. Restricting the fishery during these periods reduces the stress caused by fishing to increase their chances of survival.
How does a Warm Water Protocol work?
A Warm Water Protocol is activated when certain predetermined temperature thresholds are reached. In addition to water temperature, other factors are taken into consideration, such as water levels, weather forecasts and fish behaviour. Restrictions may include reducing the number of fishing hours allowed or complete closure of recreational fishing in a river or sections of a river. When environmental conditions improve, restrictions are lifted according to the conditions set out in the protocol.
What fisheries are affected by Gulf Region's Warm Water Protocol?
When a Warm Water Protocol is activated, restrictions apply to all recreational fisheries, of all fish species, not just salmon. Therefore, no fishing is allowed for any species in a river or section of river closed by the protocol. This is to avoid the risk of salmon bycatch during high water temperature. Bycatch means catching a fish other than the one you intended to catch.
Be informed before you go fishing
Before going fishing in one of the above-mentioned rivers, whether for salmon, striped bass, trout, etc., it is important to check if there are any restrictions. Closure and re-opening notices are found on the DFO Gulf Region recreational fisheries page, in the salmon section.
As with all conservation measures, Fishery Officers monitor compliance. Those who fail to comply with the restrictions are subject to penalties. To report any suspicious fishing activity, please contact the nearest Conservation and Protection detachment in the Gulf Region or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.