Friday, April 01, 2005

For immediate release April 1, 2005

St. Andrews – The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) and the Nova Scotia Salmon Association (NSSA) are again donating the entire proceeds of their upcoming joint fundraising dinner in Halifax to acid rain mitigation in Nova Scotia. Both organizations recognize that immediate action is required to save Nova Scotia’s Atlantic salmon and trout populations from the effects of acid rain.

NSSA has taken the first step by ordering and preparing to take delivery of an expensive and sophisticated doser, which is on its way from Norway. Dosing of West River, Sheet Harbour with lime to neutralize the water’s acidity is expected to begin in June. Similar dosers have been used in Norway with great success and the Norwegians have returned many rivers to a state that can support healthy fish populations.

“Last year we raised a substantial $55,000 and we hope to raise at least as much at this year’s dinner,” states David Reid, NSSA President. “Mitigation work is expensive, but we are optimistic that once the benefits of our remedial efforts are realized, we will be able to raise the funding needed to continue with our valuable work. We are beginning our mitigation work this summer on West River, Sheet Harbour.”

Besides threatening the survival of salmon and trout, acid rain affects Nova Scotia’s social and economic wellbeing. Thousands of Nova Scotians find solace, standing on the banks of the province’s streams and rivers with rods in hands, hoping to be challenged by salmon or trout. Without the fish, the province will also lose the $48 million that the recreational fishery contributes to Nova Scotia’s economy annually.

The dinner will be held at the Westin Hotel on Wednesday, April 6, commencing at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the Halifax dinner or to contribute to the ASF – NSSA Acid Rain Mitigation fund, please call Jim Lawley at 902 453-2121.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation is an international, non-profit organization that promotes the conservation and wise management of the wild Atlantic salmon and its environment. ASF has a network of seven regional councils (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine and Western New England), which have a membership of more than 150 river associations and 40,000 volunteers. The regional councils cover the freshwater range of the Atlantic salmon in Canada and the United States.

ASF contact:

Sue Scott - Vice President - Communications

506 529-1027 or 506 529-4581

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