Description
The Bras d’Or Lakes CEPI is concerned with the status of all fish species in the ecosystem. In 2006, a workshop was held to address concerns about Atlantic Salmon populations in the watershed and also the rest of Unama’ki/Cape Breton. Fish and fisheries was identified as a top priority for research and monitoring at the 2009 Science Priority Workshops.
The plamu/Atlantic salmon holds a position of significance in the history and culture of both
Mi’kmaq and non-aboriginal peoples. Mi’kmaq and non-First Nations communities across
Unama’ki/Cape Breton have expressed concern regarding the state of the plamu/Atlantic salmon populations throughout this region. Scientific and anecdotal reports indicate that most plamu/Atlantic salmon populations in Unama’ki/Cape Breton are in decline and/or are at low population size relative to historic levels.
The Collaborative Salmon Initiative (CSI) of Cape Breton was formed to allow Mi’kmaq and
non-aboriginal users, assisted and supported by the appropriate provincial and federal
government agencies, to collectively address issues surrounding the salmon/plamu resource for the benefit of all users. This discussion led to the development of a stewardship strategy for the Cape Breton/Unama’ki salmon/plamu resource. The stewardship strategy recognizes the treaty and aboriginal rights of the Mi’kmaq as well as the economic importance of the recreational fishery to Cape Breton Island. Its focus is on sustainability: how to conserve or enhance salmon populations while concurrently meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This document provides direction on where groups can access information to assist in their stewardship activities, including measuring the quality of the existing habitat, ways in which habitat protection and restoration activities can be determined, and how they can be prioritized. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to provide direction and support to community groups who want to conserve, rebuild, or restore salmon populations in rivers throughout Unama’ki/Cape Breton.
