Protecting Atlantic Salmon?
The Federal Government recently announced plans to add Atlantic salmon populations in the Penobscot, Kennebec, and Androscoggin rivers to the endangered species list, and Maine officials and citizens alike are making it clear that they are extremely unhappy with this decision.
Hatcheries like this one help stabilize Maine's Atlantic Salmon populations, but are they helping or harming efforts?
The Penobscot River is the only fishery in the United States with a sizable Atlantic Salmon run, and I use the term sizable very loosely. While Maine has an excellent track record in conservation and preservation of threatened species, this latest move by the Feds has all but ignored the efforts of the State government and local Salmon clubs. Shortened catch and release seasons play a vital role in educating the public and maintaining interest in the struggling Salmon populations. With these seasons no longer possible, it is feared that the Salmon clubs that play such a vital role in protecting the fish will soon perish much like the wild Salmon populations have. One can only hope that the clubs will continue to function even in the absence any sport fishing season.
To read more about the Atlantic Salmon controversy in Maine, check out recent articles in the Bangor Daily News and the Portland Press Herald.
I’ll do my best to keep the updates rolling in as they become available, and will continue to track this controversial issue as much as humanly possible. The Atlantic Salmon run is something that Mainers should be concerned about whether they fish or not. Maine’s early history is deeply rooted around the Penobscot River and the tribes that inhabited the area long ago that depended on Atlantic Salmon as part of their daily lives.
Click HERE to read Wednesday’s Bangor Daily article about the survival of Maine’s Salmon clubs to get a better idea of just how important these clubs are to preserving the species. It’s clear even in the articles comments section that Mainers are extremely passionate about their views on either side of the issue. Feel free to join the conversation!
Tight Lines (Just not for Atlantic Salmon)
-Ben
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I just happened to be reading the Maine fishing regs (since we’ve now got two trips planned – one to north, one to the southern coast) which aren’t exactly easy to understand and noticed this section included under Saltwater Fishing Regulations
“Atlantic Salmon The angling season for Atlantic salmon in Maine is CLOSED YEAR ROUND until further notice. It is unlawful, by State of Maine mandate, to angle, take or possess any Atlantic salmon from all Maine waters (including coastal waters). Atlantic Salmon are regulated by the Atlantic Salmon Commission, 650 State Street, Bangor Mental Health Facility, Bangor, ME 04401; (207) 941-4449. Information regarding Atlantic salmon can be obtained directly from the Commission.”
That implies to me that all SEA RUN Atlantic Salmon fishing is banned, but its inclear as to whether landlocked Atlantic Salmon also carry the fishing ban.
I imagine I’ll be contacting the Maine DFW as I have questions on fishing tidal rivers and license requirements, so I can clear it up then, but I thought I’d pass it on.
E
I’m pretty sure it’s just the Atlantics in the listed waters. If I couldn’t catch Landlocks in northern Maine I might as well quit fly fishing.
Ben,
I saw this the other day and thought immediately of the LLS photos you’ve posted.
Do these regulations impact ALL LLS in Maine or just those in the listed waters?
Thanks,
Eric