The Souris & Area Branch has received $24,200 from the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund to maintain these stocks by enhancing stream habitat to ensure these healthy stocks will continue to exist.

The Souris River has been designated a "Research River", on Prince Edward Island for the stocking of Atlantic Salmon. Souris River was selected as a "Research River for the following reasons: a) a history of agricultural influence, b) implementation of modern, environmentally friendly farming practices within the past decade, c) extensive stream enhancement efforts done by the Souris Wildlife staff, d) historical efforts from a strong conservation group like the Souris Wildlife Branch.

The cooperation of the local farmers and our local watershed group has been the driving force for the restoration of the Souris River. The Souris River Watershed has the potential to be used as a model on PEI in developing future salmon habitat.

Wildlife Staff installing the first digger log of the year

Electrofishing the Souris River for Rainbow Trout Removal

During the summer of 2009 the emphasis has been on enhancement of the Souris River to maximize salmon habitat. Our crew worked nonstop in the preparation for this Salmon Project. Souris River has been maintained in its entirety, as well, endless work has been done to the riparian zones and in-stream constructions have been installed.

Five hundred trees were planted around the Souris River for riparian zone enhancement.

Approximately 30 digger logs have been installed in preparation for the Atlantic Salmon stocking. Debris was removed from the fish ladder in Harmony Junction to allow for easier fish passage. A total of six access roads were constructed to make fish transportation easier. The Souris River has been electro-seined on multiple occasions for research reasons.

Fred Cheverie receiving cheque from Lee Murphy (representative from the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Fund)

For research purposes, there are three sections on each branch (East & West) that are being evaluated individually. For 100m zones on each branch (East and West) there is one section where a series of digger logs have been put in place. In the next section of 100m a number of Rainbow Trout were removed and transplanted into Paul Gallant's Pond. Here, they will serve our needs for our annual Family Fishing Day. The third section of 100m will be left as a control zone. No alterations will be implemented on this section of the stream, it will be left natural. Approximately 4000 Atlantic Salmon (parr and fry) were stocked in Souris River in late summer. A series of digger logs (25-30) were installed to create pristine wintering habitat pools adjacent to spawning grounds. This project is the beginning of a restoration of a once plentiful Atlantic Salmon population in Souris River.