Counting Salmon in River Tributaries:
Improve Salmon Counting Methods in Baie Johan Beetz, LaCorneille River, Québec
Improved Methods for Tracking and Assessing Salmon Populations
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Québec is home to numerous salmon rivers that contain large and abundant salmon species, establishing the province as a staple for nature and fishing enthusiasts (Atlantic salmon fishing).
Salmon is an important resource in Québec, with its influence extending across cultural, economic, and environmental perspectives. Salmon is an important food source for many. However, salmon has a particular cultural importance for Indigenous people. In addition to being a crucial food source and essential for food security, salmon also holds significance in shaping their identity and spiritual beliefs (Atlas et al. 2). Economically, salmon holds the 4th position in the top 10 fish and seafood exports from Canada to the world in 2021 (Government of Canada). Salmon fishing also encourages local tourism and recreation in Québec, producing approximately $50 million in revenue each year (April and Arvisais 13). Environmentally, salmon are a key food source for many species and form the backbone of complex ecosystems (Pacific Wild).
While salmon hold considerable importance in our society, their population experienced a steady decline in the 1980s, and eventually stabilized in the 2000s at a low abundance (April and Arvisais 5). Furthermore, the impacts of climate change have become another stress on salmon ecosystems, further threatening their population size (Atlas et al. 2). Therefore, the improvement of fishery management practices, and the development of more effective methods for tracking and assessing salmon populations is of increasing importance (Atlas et al. 2; April and Arvisais 5).
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