Polamuwok Back | Save Wolastoq Salmon 

WOLASTOQEY HOMELAND – The Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick (WNNB) is demanding that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) keep the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility (MBF) operational. A recently announced federal budget decision will close the facility without alternative conservation measures to restore Wolastoq salmon (Polamuwok). 

“This facility keeps salmon in the Wolastoq alive,” said Chief Justice Gruben of Bilijk (Kingsclear). 

This year, hundreds of salmon are expected to be released into the Wolastoq from this facility to help restore the population on the river. If this facility closes before alternative measures are in place, they will likely die before they can spawn, and crucial salmon conservation programs will cease. Fisheries scientists and conservation groups have spoken out about the impacts of this closure. It will be immediate and lasting: irreplaceable salmon genetics will be lost, upstream populations risk extinction, fish passage outcomes will weaken, and New Brunswick will lose Wolastoq salmon recovery efforts. 

“DFO’s unilateral decision sends the message that they have given up on restoring salmon in the Wolastoq. We cannot let this happen,” Gruben continued. “While the Mactaquac dam’s life is being extended, the mitigation efforts to protect this vital species are being eliminated. This is shortsighted and in direct breach of the government’s obligations.” 
 

The federal government’s decision to close the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility threatens the Wolastoq’s entire ecosystem. The Minister made this decision without consultation with the First Nations who are critical in stewarding the recovery of salmon in the Wolastoq and without consideration for future mitigation efforts. The Wolastoqey Nation has requested to discuss this decision with the Minister and has received no response. 

“Officials in Ottawa are pitting river systems against each other by investing in salmon conservation in other watersheds while eliminating mitigation efforts in the Wolastoq.” Gruben said. 

The Wolastoqey Nation is launching a public campaign and petition to demand that DFO reaffirm its commitment to Wolastoq salmon by keeping the Mactaquac Biodiversity facility operational, at minimum until adequate mitigation measures are in place.

Media contact: Erin Brandt Filliter | media@wolastoqey.ca | 613-295-5637