Ottawa, Ontario - The protection and conservation of our natural environment and wildlife is core to our Canadian identity. The Government of Canada is committed to working with all Canadians to protect and restore critically important biodiversity. In Atlantic Canada and Quebec, Atlantic salmon hold significant economic, cultural and spiritual significance, and we remain committed to working with communities, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to take action to conserve this important species.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced that the Government of Canada is conducting consultations on 12 Atlantic salmon populations for potential listing under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The populations range across five provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Building upon previous engagement, this important step comes after the recent reassessment of Atlantic salmon populations by the independent Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking feedback from Indigenous Peoples, communities, recreational fishery groups, and other stakeholders. This feedback, alongside information received with respect to broader socio-economic and environmental implications, will help inform listing recommendations.
Feedback can be provided via the Species at Risk Public Registry. The consultations will run from November 2, 2026, to January 29, 2027.
List of Populations:
- Atlantic salmon (Anticosti Island population)
- Atlantic salmon (Gaspé Peninsula population)
- Atlantic salmon (Inner St. Lawrence population)
- Atlantic salmon (Nova Scotia Southern Upland East population)
- Atlantic salmon (Nova Scotia Southern Upland West population)
- Atlantic salmon (Outer Bay of Fundy population)
- Atlantic salmon (Quebec Eastern North Shore population)
- Atlantic salmon (Quebec Western North Shore population)
- Atlantic salmon (South Newfoundland West population)
- Atlantic salmon (South Newfoundland East population)
- Atlantic salmon (Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton population)
- Atlantic salmon (Southern Labrador population)
