All-inclusive island retreat!

This image is overlooking the world’s first marine conservation farm located in Dark Harbour, on the island of Grand Manan, NB. Over the past century Atlantic salmon have experienced large population declines as the result of many causes such as habitat loss, overfishing and marine mortality. The inner Bay of Fundy population have experienced some of the greatest declines, being pushed to the edge of extinction with less than 250 wild individuals remaining. Working alongside commercial partners, Fort Folley Habitat Recovery, Fundy National Park and Fundy Salmon Recovery, my study is located on the modified aquaculture site pictured here. Dark Harbour, located on the back side of the island is protected from the open waters of the Bay of Fundy by the naturally formed seawall, making it a prime location for a conservation site. I am applying a variety of feeding regimes to optimize growth and fitness for increased survival and spawning of mature adult salmon following their release into their natal rivers. The optimal feeding regime will be implemented in following years and may act as a guideline for the formation of other conservation farms.