Wayne Baker, also known as “the Gaspereau Man,” has been monitoring gaspereau at the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction for decades. The gaspereau population, consisting of alewives and blueback herring, plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem as a keystone species. These fish are essential for transporting nutrients inland and sustaining various plants and wildlife.
While commercial fishermen mostly catch gaspereau for lobster bait due to their bony structure, Baker enjoys preparing and consuming them by brining, maple syrup coating, and smoking. He diligently tracks the number of gaspereau migrating upriver to assess population trends.
In the past, a limit was set on the number of gaspereau transported above the Mactaquac Dam by the federal Fisheries Department. Surplus fish were auctioned off, but this practice was discontinued in 2020, leading to a significant increase in the number of gaspereau successfully crossing the dam to spawn.
Despite the positive impact of more gaspereau getting past the dam, concerns exist about the lack of a fish ladder, potentially leading to fish fatalities in the dam turbines. Mathieu Cormier, a seasoned gaspereau fisherman, supports the removal of the transport cap but advocates for a fish ladder to improve fish passage and reduce mortality rates.
Cormier’s fishing operation in the Oromocto River yields a substantial gaspereau harvest annually, with a significant portion used for lobster bait and the remainder processed for food, primarily exported to Haiti. Both Cormier and Baker prioritize the well-being of the species and acknowledge the significance of gaspereau in Indigenous communities for traditional and ceremonial purposes.
The decision to facilitate increased gaspereau passage above the dam has been praised by stakeholders like Patty Savoy from the Oromocto First Nation, emphasizing the importance of gaspereau for cultural practices and ecological balance. The species’ value is underscored by its diverse uses and the critical role it plays in sustaining the ecosystem.
