Nova Scotia will spend $100,000 to protect Atlantic salmon in the Margaree River from climate change. The funding will go to the Margaree Salmon Association through the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.
Climate change is warming the river and extreme storms cause debris to sometimes block the river, affecting the salmon’s movement during spawning, said the government new release.
The salmon association said they will install structures that help fish move and hire two technicians to monitor and help manage the watershed.
Inverness MLA Kyle MacQuarrie said the Margaree River is a “beautiful and beloved” part of Cape Breton and the county.
“The river also attracts fly fishers and visitors from around the world, supporting our local economy,” MacQuarrie said. “Our government is pleased to support the association’s work, which will help keep the Margaree River and Atlantic salmon healthy and resilient to climate change for generations to come.”
The work will benefit anglers, guides, local communities and recreational fishing, said Paul MacNeil, president of the Margaree Salmon Association.
“Our association’s work is vital not only for the conservation of Atlantic salmon, but also for maintaining the health of the entire Margaree River ecosystem,” said MacNeil.
The Margaree Salmon Association is a non-profit that has worked to protect the river’s ecosystem and its fish since 1982.
Since launching the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund in 2021 as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, Nova Scotia has spent $10 million towards its legislated climate change commitments.
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