The closure of the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility, situated near the Mactaquac Dam on the St. John River in New Brunswick, has drawn criticism from the Wolastoqey Nation, Atlantic salmon experts, and conservationists. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans made the decision to shut down this facility, along with another one in Coldbrook, N.S., as part of cost-cutting measures by the government.
The discontinuation of the Atlantic salmon live gene bank program, which is crucial for the conservation of salmon populations, has raised concerns among the Wolastoqey group. They expressed dismay over not being consulted about the closure, highlighting the impact on both the river ecosystem and the salmon species.
Various programs at the Mactaquac facility, including the collection of wild brood stock, fertilization of eggs, and release of baby salmon, play a significant role in maintaining salmon populations in the region. The closure of the facility could lead to dire consequences for the salmon, affecting their survival in the Tobique River and beyond.
The Atlantic Salmon Federation’s New Brunswick program director emphasized the vital role of the hatchery in sustaining salmon populations, stating that its closure could have catastrophic effects. The Wolastoqey Nation is assessing the implications of the decision, particularly in terms of employment, training opportunities, and salmon conservation efforts.
Despite the lack of clarity on the reasons behind the closure, stakeholders are hopeful that alternative solutions or funding will be provided to support salmon recovery programs. The outdated infrastructure of the Mactaquac facility is seen as a challenge, but there is optimism that with improvements, salmon populations can be boosted to ensure their long-term survival.