Atlantic salmon survey open for public feedback

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking public feedback on the state of the Atlantic salmon population from residents of New Brunswick.

The Atlantic Salmon Survey is asking for opinions on how the federal government is doing with its management of the salmon stocks in the Maritime provinces.

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• Federal report outlines strategy to protect Atlantic salmon

Miramichi Salmon Association president Mark Hambrook said he expects there will be thousands of responses after the 2015 ban of all salmon fishing other than catch and release.

"I think you need people's views to see how hard you should conserve, or how liberal you are. So these surveys will help make [the department's] decision. But fundamentally conservation comes first," Hambrook said.

A longtime salmon conservationist, Hambrook said the survey is a platform for the average angler who cares about the salmon population to state his or her views. 

"You don't have to. You can trust the government officials to make the right decision for you, or some of the groups like our association. But if you have a different opinion then this is your chance to make your opinion known," Hambrook said.

The survey can be found on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website and is available to the public until the end of February.