Wayne Baker spends his days in May and June at the Oromocto River in Fredericton Junction, observing and counting his favorite fish, the gaspereau. Known locally as “the Gaspereau Man,” Baker has been fishing for gaspereau for over 70 years and has witnessed a decline in their population. He considers gaspereau a vital species that plays a key role in the ecosystem by transferring nutrients from the ocean and supporting various plant and animal populations.
Gaspereau, which includes alewives and blueback herring, serve as food for eagles, otters, bears, and other wildlife as they migrate upstream to spawn. While commercial fishermen mainly catch gaspereau for lobster bait due to their bony structure, Baker enjoys preparing them by brining, coating with maple syrup, and smoking in his smoke shack for a delicious snack.
Over the years, Baker has monitored the gaspereau population to assess their well-being and numbers. The federal Fisheries Department previously limited the number of gaspereau transported above the Mactaquac Dam to a million fish annually, with surplus fish auctioned off to the highest bidder. However, in 2020, the surplus contracts were discontinued, leading to a significant increase in gaspereau passing the dam for spawning.
Despite the positive impact of increased numbers, Baker advocates for the inclusion of a fish ladder in the dam refurbishment plans to enhance fish passage. Similarly, fisherman Mathieu Cormier supports the removal of the cap on gaspereau passing the dam but emphasizes the importance of minimizing downstream impacts on the fish population.
Cormier operates a fishing business on the Oromocto River, harvesting thousands of gaspereau each season for lobster bait and exportation. He highlights the significance of gaspereau to various activities and traditions within the community, underscoring the need for sustainable fishing practices to preserve the species for future generations.