Whitefish in Nova Scotia
The Atlantic whitefish is a species endemic to Nova Scotia, meaning that it breeds nowhere else in the world. In Nova Scotia it is found only in the Tusket and Petite Riviere watersheds and may not exist in Tusket River system anymore. Predation by non-native fish species like chain pickerel and smallmouth bass plus acid rain are mostly responsible for the low numbers of whitefish. Overfishing never helped this issue, either.
However, there is a bright light on the horizon. Formed in 2000, the Atlantic Whitefish Conservation and Recovery Team is dedicated to helping the endangered Atlantic Whitefish species recover from the brink of extinction.
Working with aboriginal peoples from the Petite Rivière/Bridgewater area, government and other interested parties, scientists at Nova Scotia Power are studying the Whitefish to better understand why its numbers are falling and find ways to help ensure its survival. One of the spearheads for this project is South Shore resident and biologists, John Whitelaw and Bob Semple (he took the photo), who have done much to help the fish get a new start in the province.
Unfortunately, angling for Atlantic whitefish is strictly prohibited—so observe the closure times and areas for angling on Petite Riviere.
Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 700,
Pictou, Nova Scotia, B0K 1H0
Phone: (902) 485-5056
Fax: (902) 485-4014
Website: www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf
Email: inland@gov.ns.ca
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