Wayne Baker, known locally as “the Gaspereau Man,” has been observing and counting gaspereau fish along the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction for decades. He reminisces about the days when the gaspereau population was more abundant, emphasizing their vital role as a keystone species in the ecosystem.
Gaspereau, a term encompassing alewives and blueback herring, serve as a crucial link in the food chain, providing essential nutrients for various wildlife species like eagles, otters, and bears. Despite their commercial use as lobster bait due to their bony structure, Baker takes pleasure in preparing and enjoying them in his unique way.
Over the years, Baker has meticulously tracked the gaspereau migration patterns to monitor their population health. Recent efforts by the federal Fisheries Department to enhance fish passage infrastructure at the Mactaquac Dam have led to a significant increase in the number of gaspereau making it upstream to spawn.
While the decision to cease surplus contracts and transport more gaspereau over the dam has been lauded by many, concerns remain about the impact on downstream populations. Fisherman Mathieu Cormier supports the increased fish passage but advocates for additional measures like fish ladders to prevent casualties from dam turbines during the return journey to the ocean.
Cormier’s fishing operations on the Oromocto River have seen steady catches, with a substantial portion used for lobster bait and the remainder exported for consumption. Both Baker and Cormier share a common goal of ensuring the sustainability and well-being of the gaspereau species for future generations.
Collaborative efforts between stakeholders like the Oromocto First Nation and the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council underscore the significance of gaspereau in cultural, traditional, and ecological contexts. The ongoing focus on preserving and understanding the importance of this species highlights the collective commitment to safeguarding the biodiversity of New Brunswick’s waterways.