ATLANTIC SALMON RETURN TO SPAWN IN THE CREDIT RIVER

For Immediate Release
December 05, 2008

ATLANTIC SALMON RETURN TO SPAWN IN THE CREDIT RIVER
McGuinty Government Works With Partners To Restore Salmon

News

After a 150-year absence, Atlantic salmon are once again spawning in the Credit River.

Since mid-summer, adult Atlantic salmon introduced into Lake Ontario’s tributaries as part of the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program have been returning to the Credit River. The ministry has worked with the Credit River Anglers Association to ensure the adult salmon are transported to high-quality spawning habitat. Spawning activity was confirmed in early November.

Atlantic salmon have also been returning to Cobourg Creek and Duffins Creek, the two other streams targeted for restoration.

QUOTES

“This is an historic step in the journey to restore Atlantic salmon to Lake Ontario and we are honoured to celebrate this exciting milestone with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Australia’s Banrock Station Wines, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and our many other partners,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “The steps that have been taken towards bringing back this important part of our natural heritage are a tribute to what can be achieved when conservation organizations, communities and governments work together. ”

“The OFAH is pleased to be working with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Australia’s Banrock Station Wines and more than 50 other public and private organizations on the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program,” said Mike Reader, OFAH executive director. “It is gratifying to see indications, even at this early stage, that our hard work and commitment to this important conservation initiative are succeeding in bringing back the salmon.”

“Bring Back the Salmon is one of our most significant global conservation initiatives, and we’re immensely proud of what is growing out of our $1.25 million commitment,” said Banrock Station Manager Tony Sharley. Australia’s Banrock Station Wines is a partner in this project. “We are thrilled with these early signs of success and treasure our role in this unique conservation partnership.”

QUICK FACTS

• Atlantic salmon were extirpated (eliminated) from Lake Ontario by the late 1800s mainly due to habitat loss in streams.
• Young Atlantic salmon are first able to spawn after spending a year in Lake Ontario. First-time spawners return to the lake and continue to grow. Atlantic salmon can return repeatedly to their home stream to spawn.
• The Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program involves over 50 partners and sponsors.

LEARN MORE

• Find out more about the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program at http://www.bringbackthesalmon.ca.
• See photograph of a female Atlantic salmon on a nest.
• See footage of young salmon being stocked in Duffins Creek in 2006

High-resolution (for media) – http://www.box.net/shared/qm7uq911nl

Related Information

Backgrounder: LAKE ONTARIO ATLANTIC SALMON RESTORATION PROGRAM UPDATE

For More Information

Ivan Langrish, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

Barry Radford, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2123

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)