The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has made a controversial decision to close biodiversity facilities in Mactaquac, New Brunswick, and Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, citing a poor return on investment. This move has sparked debate and concern among environmentalists, scientists, and local communities, particularly regarding the fate of the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon population, which is on the brink of extinction.
The DFO has been running live gene banks in these facilities for 25 years, conserving and tracking genetic diversity, as well as operating a hatchery and releasing fish into the water. However, the fish return rate averages less than one in 300, and there is no evidence of population recovery. Kent Smedbol, a DFO manager, questions the effectiveness of public resources being spent on these facilities.
The decision to close the facilities comes amidst broader federal budget cuts and a shift in priorities. The DFO has invested $81.7 million over five years for the Atlantic salmon species as a whole, as part of the federal government's Strategy to Protect Nature. However, the closure of these facilities raises concerns about the long-term viability of the species.
Environmentalists and Mi'kmaq argue that the decision could lead to the eradication of the species, while workers at the facilities are upset about the loss of their jobs. Marc Blanchard, national vice-president of the Union of Health and Environment Workers, highlights the emotional connection staff felt towards the species and the impact of the decision on their livelihoods.
The closure of these facilities also highlights the challenges in managing endangered species and the need for a comprehensive approach that considers both scientific research and community engagement. The DFO's action plan for the Atlantic salmon population, released in 2019, recommended continuing the live gene bank program while efforts are made to identify and remedy the causes of low marine survival. However, the poor return rates and lack of recovery suggest that alternative strategies may be necessary.
The fate of the Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon population remains uncertain, and the closure of these facilities has sparked a broader discussion about the role of government agencies in conservation efforts. As the DFO reconsiders its priorities, there is a call for a more holistic approach that addresses the complex challenges facing endangered species and their ecosystems.
