Sackville River Gets Stocked Today

Each year, more than one million salmon and trout are released into lakes and rivers throughout Nova Scotia to strengthen the province's fish population.

The Sackville River was stocked today, Dec. 10, with 2,000 speckled trout at five sites along the river.

"Our fish-stocking program enhances our recreational fishery and improves fish populations for species at risk," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This program helps maintain angling as a fun, outdoor activity enjoyed by thousands of Nova Scotians."

In addition to the trout released into the river, several more were placed in an aquarium to support public education programs at the Sackville River Association's office.

The association has helped conserve and enhance the Sackville River watershed for 21 years.

"The Sackville River Association deserves our thanks for all the wonderful work they have done to restore the Sackville River watershed," said Mr. Belliveau. "Through its efforts, everyone living within the watershed has greater knowledge and interest in protecting a valuable river system."

In 1988, the Sackville River was littered with garbage, old cars and grocery carts. A group of concerned citizens worked to clean up the river, which was the early beginning of the Sackville River Association. Today, the association has 300 members. Its projects range from enhancing sport fish habitat to Adopt-A-Stream, co-ordinating the River Watch Program, and helping with the trout-stocking program.

Association members secure and maintain access to stocking sites and help hatchery staff release fish.

The inland fisheries division of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture stocks more than 400 waterways in the province with fish from provincial fish hatcheries in Margaree, Inverness Co., Frasers Mills, Antigonish Co., and McGowan Lake, Queens Co.