Fewer than 200 Atlantic salmon returned to Conne River in 2020 according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Nick Kelly, a DFO stock assessment biologist, says the salmon population in Conne River has dropped dramatically since monitoring began in the late 1980s, from about 10,000 salmon then to fewer than 200 last year. Kelly said the population at nearby Little River has also dropped to near zero, with fewer than 10 salmon returning to the river in 2020. Nick Kelly, DFO stock assessment biologist, says the possibility of local extinction shouldn't be taken lightly. - Mi'sel JoeMi'sel Joe, chief of the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River, said the community has been working to help the salmon population of Little River for years, and will now focus efforts on Conne River.

Source: CBC News March 15, 2021 14:26 UTC