In recent years, the Margaree Salmon Association based in northern Cape Breton has been utilizing electrofishing to monitor fish populations in the Margaree River. This method involves using an electric current to temporarily stun fish so that they can be safely captured, measured, and identified before being returned to the river. According to Michael Fabiano, the association’s conservation co-ordinator, electrofishing operations are conducted from May to late September, with a mortality rate of two percent among the thousands of fish processed each season.
Ensuring the safety of the fish is a top priority for the association, and electrofishing is avoided when water temperatures are deemed too high. Crews carefully regulate the electric current to cause fish to momentarily roll over, using protective gear such as heavy rubber gloves and chest waders to prevent any injuries from working with electricity in water. Fabiano noted that no crew members have experienced a serious shock during his 18 months with the organization.
Surveying various locations along the 120-kilometre river, crews aim to identify the most productive streams and assess the overall health of the fish population. The catch predominantly consists of trout and Atlantic salmon, with occasional sightings of eels and lampreys. This season, the association has caught and released around 1,800 fish across nine streams, showing a decrease compared to the previous year.
The decline in fish numbers may be attributed to the challenging conditions experienced in the previous year, including low water levels and high temperatures during the summer, resulting from a severe drought that significantly impacted the Margaree. Paul MacNeil, the association’s president, highlighted that the group intensified its scientific research efforts due to reduced data collection by Fisheries and Oceans Canada over the past five years. Established in 1982, the association sought reliable data to monitor the river’s health amidst shifting climate conditions.
To address the data gap, the association collaborated with the Chéticamp River Salmon Association to acquire electrofishing equipment. While traditional fish counting methods involve swimming the river, MacNeil emphasized that electrofishing provides more accurate data on juvenile fish populations within specific territories. This method allows for a comprehensive assessment of the juvenile fish population in a targeted area.
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