St. Mary's River revival as Atlantic salmon river still in jeopardy even after decades of hard work
When you see environmental stories on the news, most often it's bad news – biodiversity and habitat loss, pollution and species at risk.
But concerted conservation efforts can make a difference and decades of stewardship is paying dividends for the wild Atlantic salmon returning to eastern Nova Scotia's St. Mary's River and it may soon pay off for anglers too.
"People on this river will tell you 'should we be reopening a catch and release fishery on this river?'" Tom Cheney said.
Decades of stewardship is paying off for the volunteers of the St. Mary's River Association (SMRA), like president Scott Beaver and director Deirdre Green.
"Our group has been doing a lot of hard work for 42 years now," Beaver said.
Green started angling in 2015, which gave her a new appreciation of Nova Scotia's wild places.
"I think it's important to work to restore our rivers because we want them to be healthy and productive and beautiful aesthetically for future generations to enjoy," Green said. "And it's mind-boggling to me stepping out of HRM and coming to an area like the St. Mary's River how you are transported a beautiful pristine natural paradise."
A new video released along with the Atlantic Salmon Federation documents how concerted efforts can help assist the species, which has disappeared altogether from so many maritime rivers.
The St. Mary's River is about 250 kilometres and long flows through five counties -- Guysborough, Antigonish, Colchester, Pictou and Halifax Counties.
Improving habitat has been a major focus.
"That's rock structures, holding these spots for Atlantic salmon, spots of refuge," Beaver said. "That's 23 km or river work. More work to do, but we're very happy with where we're at and what we've accomplished."
But pressures remain on the wild Atlantic salmon, like over-logging, a proposed gold mine, and acid rain.
"We just started liming last year," Beaver said. "Over 200 acres with about 850 tonnes of lime to bring down that acid problem that we're having."
The SMRA hopes continued improvements will make it possible to open up a catch and release fishery much like the one that exists on Cape Breton's Margaree River.
"Perhaps we can open up a recreational model for the future," Beaver said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.