Due to the dry conditions and extremely low water levels in June and early July, only a few salmon migrated up the Cheticamp River. In response, CRSA President Rene Aucoin contacted Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Nova Scotia Power to explore increasing the flow from D1 (the Cheticamp flowage) to encourage salmon migration.
CRSA field technicians, Luca Kordsmeyer (right) and Adam Stewart (left), conduct a swim-through of the Cheticamp River following the water release.
After productive discussions, it was decided to increase the flow to up to 53 cubic feet per second for a three-day period. During this time, the CRSA, in collaboration with the Margaree Salmon Association, monitored the river conditions and looked for salmon using snorkel surveys at the start and end of the release. Unfortunately, the surveys and angler reports indicated that the increased flow did not successfully attract salmon into the river.
Adam Stewart (CRSA) snorkeling through Long Pool looking for Salmon
The CRSA thanks Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia Power, and Aaron Allen from the MSA for their support and volunteer efforts during the snorkel survey.