I had reached the third management recommendation, so I'll continue from there.
There are risks associated with overfishing, not only in rivers, but in oceans as well. This overfishing calls for increased monitoring. I should mention commercial salmon fishing in the Atlantic, notably in Greenland; it is clearly extensive enough to have a deleterious effect on the salmon population here. In this regard, we suggest adopting an integrated management of this species at the provincial, federal and international levels— with a place for first nations at each level—to determine catch levels consistent with salmonid conservation.
Several participants decried the catch-and-release method. They consider it a major cause of mortality, illness and vulnerability in salmon. Several salmon are found dead along the banks after being caught and released into the water, in so-called sport or recreational fishing. The effects of release on the salmon should be looked at and analyzed seriously.
The fifth point is predation, primarily by seals, but also by striped bass. Both species are becoming more numerous in the region. In fact, last summer, our association commenced a study on the presence and distribution of adult striped bass along the southern Gaspé coast, to get a better idea of the scope of the phenomenon.
Sicknesses affecting salmon in certain rivers could be related to water contamination and climate change, whose effects on salmon are still not well-known.
Invasive species constitute the seventh issue. Certain participants referred to the rainbow trout, which was introduced in certain waterways, and constitutes a potential threat to smolts.
The eighth point is about the fisheries agreements. The Mi'kmaq of Gesgapegiag entered into an agreement with the provincial government to temporarily stop fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes, so as to facilitate salmon population growth in the Cascapedia River. The agreement appears to have been successful, but today, several members of the community would like to resume salmon fishing, which is a fundamental component of the traditional Mi'kmaq diet, and way of life. Efforts should be deployed to facilitate the resumption and pursuit of this traditional activity.
The last matter I will mention is raising awareness about the rights of indigenous peoples. In our study, it was noted that awareness-raising efforts are needed to enable the general public to better understand and accept the rights of first nations to fish wild Atlantic salmon.
I would personally add two recommendations to those made as part of our study. The first is about oil and gas. Exploration and development activities risk seriously damaging or destroying ocean feeding areas that salmon need to use before returning to the rivers to spawn.
There is also genetically modified Atlantic salmon, an aquaculture product approved last spring by Health Canada, which will be the first genetically modified animal to make its way to our grocery shelves. The approval was given unbeknownst to aboriginal peoples, without consultation, and, in our view, without having assessed the risks for wild salmon populations. One accident is all it would take to inadvertently contaminate the Atlantic salmon genetically. As far as these points are concerned, I think it would be in the federal government's interest to be much more prudent about the potential repercussions, not only for the salmon, but for our ecosystems generally.
I will conclude by quoting Mr. Terry Shaw of Gespeg, a director of our association, who took part in our study:
This species holds symbolic meaning for our traditions and for our identity as an aboriginal community. My ancestors fed on this fish for many generations, and our people continue to to do so. [...] I believe it's our responsibility and duty to ensure the salmon population remains present and accessible, because, for me, the species is culturally emblematic, and represents us as an aboriginal people.
As you can see, then, the wild Atlantic salmon is intimately connected with the culture and way of life of our Mi'kmaq and Maliseet communities. Several factors threaten this population, but there are solutions to secure the future of this species, today and for future generations.
Thank you very much.