Wayne Baker, also known as “the Gaspereau Man,” has been monitoring fish populations along the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction for decades. As a dedicated fisherman with a passion for gaspereau, he has witnessed a decline in their numbers over the years. Gaspereau, which encompass alewives and blueback herring, play a crucial role as a keystone species in the local ecosystem, transferring vital nutrients from the ocean to sustain plant and animal life.
While commercial fishermen primarily catch gaspereau for lobster bait due to their bony structure, Baker enjoys preparing them for personal consumption by brining, coating in maple syrup, and smoking them in his smoke shack. Monitoring the annual migration of gaspereau upriver, Baker provides valuable data to the Oromocto Watershed Association to assess the species’ well-being.
In the past, a limited number of gaspereau passed through N.B. Power’s Mactaquac Dam via a trap-and-truck system, with surplus fish auctioned off to the highest bidder by the Fisheries Department. However, recent changes have seen a significant increase in the number of gaspereau successfully navigating past the dam, reaching over 4.1 million in the last year.
Despite these positive developments, concerns remain about the impact on downstream populations and the lack of a fish ladder at the dam, which could enhance fish passage and reduce turbine-related fatalities. Fishermen like Mathieu Cormier, who has been fishing gaspereau for over two decades, emphasize the importance of sustainable practices to preserve the species for future generations.
Collaborative efforts between stakeholders, such as the Oromocto First Nation and the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, aim to protect and study gaspereau populations for their ecological and cultural significance. As gaspereau continue to play a vital role in the region’s ecosystem and traditional practices, efforts to ensure their conservation and sustainable management are paramount.
