Pooling conservation resources

A group of salmon anglers hope their presence on local rivers will help deter illegal activity detrimental to the conservation of valued species.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) representatives were on hand in Carmanville last Tuesday to help kick-start a River Watch Program in the area.

John Kelly, a member of the Ragged Harbour River Conversation Group, said a similar program in the area had disappeared.

"A couple of meetings ago, we saw DFO were bringing back their River Watch Program, and we said we'd try to get one going here for the Ragged Harbour River," said Mr. Kelly.

The River Watch Program encourages volunteers to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity involving fish harvesters on inland waters.

Mr. Kelly said such a program is necessary for aiding conservation efforts in the region.

"We've always said the presence of anglers on the river is a deterrent to poaching."

Max Holwell, who works out of DFO's Twillingate detachment, said his coverage area runs from Cape Freels to Lewisporte.

"We have salmon fishery officers for that area and nine river guardians," he said. "With that amount of freshwater to cover, there's no way we can cover it and offer the kind of surveillance that's needed. With this voluntary program in place, it really is of benefit to us, but more so the rivers and the sustainability of the rivers."

The program aims to collect information on violations related to rivers, and its members have no enforcement powers.

"If you see something going on, stand back and document it," said Mr. Holwell.

He said one of the most important parts of the River Watch Program is to be able to take good, accurate, and relevant notes.

"What you need is good notes, and we need good information to investigate."

Once members of the River Watch Program observe illegal activity, Mr. Holwell said they should report to a DFO officer, who will then conduct its own investigation.

In the past, there have been incidents where people were caught using nets to catch salmon on the river, said Mr. Kelly. According to DFO regulations, recreational fish harvesters may only use a rod and line.

The Ragged Harbour River Conservation Group has focused much of its own efforts on educating young people, who will one day inherit the responsible to look after the riches of the water.

"That way we hope as the older guys die off, poaching will pretty well end, hopefully," said Mr. Kelly. "You're not going to change some of the older guys who have been at it for years and years, but if you can get the kids coming out with the right attitude, hopefully you're not going to have as much poaching."

In conjunction with the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the group has set up aquariums filled with salmon smote.

"It helps the kids understand the lifecycle of the salmon, and hopefully become attached to them."

Ragged Harbour River is designated a Class III river by DFO, meaning anglers may catch two fish in a season. According to 2009 preliminary data, there were 849 rod days used to catch 244 salmon.

The Gander River, currently classified as a Class I river, where six fish can be caught, saw 7,783 rod days used to catch 2,303 salmon.

Mr. Holwell advised DFO are willing to help set up the program wherever people show interest.

The salmon fishery began June 1.

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