Significant Decline in NS Brook Trout Populations - Action is Needed !

In 1995 this scientific article authored by Nova Scotia Inland Fisheries titled "An Overview of the Smallmouth Bass in Nova Scotia" was published in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management .

It made it very clear that in 1995 we had a serious invasive species issue that was contributing to the significant decline in Brook Trout.

A citation from the research paper...

"1995 that there was a substantial increase in SMB catch beginning in 1987, and the 1992 catch was 4.2 times greater than the 20-year average (1971- 1990).

In contrast, the estimated catch for brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis (the most popular game fish in Nova Scotia) decreased after 1983 and in 1992 was 36% lower than the 20-year average.

In 1992, average catch per angler for smallmouth bass was four times greater than the 20-year average, whereas for brook trout, the average catch per angler was 20% lower than the 20-year average. Although in 1992 the average catch per angler for smallmouth bass was much lower than that for brook trout, the majority of anglers were targeting brook trout; smallmouth bass were only targeted in certain areas. Angler log books indicated that in most cases, catch per hour for smallmouth bass was considerably higher than for brook trout".

Overview of Smallmouth Bass in NS 1995

Fast forward to 2023 and we have the spread of invasive species continuing to happen at alarming rates while our native species stocks continue to dwindle because of this.

Do you support further protection of native species and an immediate need to manage invasive species?

If so, please sign this petition .