Watershed Science
Current Projects
Algal Occurrence and Cyanobacteria Monitoring
We have been monitoring the occurrence and proliferation of algal blooms which occur periodically within the Oromocto River. In 2023, we used 30 test kits during two periods to determine if any algal blooms were producing harmful cyanotoxins or microcystins. All sites were negative. Funded by ACAP St.John and the Environmental Trust Fund.
Atlantic Salmon Population Monitoring
Using electrofishing and closed-site methodology we collect and examine the various fish species living within the tributaries around the catchment to provide densities (#/100m2). In attempts to find Atlantic Salmon within the Oromocto Watershed. All fish species are measured, weighed, examined for externa features and released back into the site unharmed. All data is sent to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Province of New Brunswick to help with management decisions and inform potential restoration activities. Funded by the Foundation for Atlantic Salmon Conservation with in-kind donations by Willowbrook Watershed Services and Oromocto First Nation.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
The biological effects of the water chemistry results found through our water quality project are measured using benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) using the CABIN method. By using the standardized CABIN methodology and analyzing kick net samples collected from various key indicator streams we can detect natural versus anthropogenic changes that may be occurring and how water quality may be affecting aquatic biota/species. Funded by the Environmental Trust Fund of New Brunswick.
Exploring the Range of Atlantic Salmon and examination of thermal refugia
Using catch per unit effort methodology (CPUE) we explored new areas within the Oromocto River catchment to better understand where Atlantic salmon may be surviving in areas where monitoring sites do not exist. This allows many sites to be done quickly and with less effort than traditional multiple sweeps within a closed area of river. Funded by the Wildlife Trust Fund with in-kind donations by Willowbrook Watershed Services and Oromocto First Nation.
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Fish Friends
Atlantic salmon populations have declined significantly from historic levels. The Outer Bay of Fundy salmon population which includes St.John/Wolastoq and Oromocto/Welamukotuk fish, have been designated as an endangered species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Since 2008, the Oromocto River Watershed Association has been delivering the Fish Friends program an educational hands-on learning experience for school-aged children generally from Grades 3-5. The children raise salmon from eggs to fry to be released into a local stream The program is paired with a curriculum developed by the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
For more information: https://www.nbsalmoncouncil.com/index.php/en/programs/fish-friends
Contact for Fish Friends:
Andy Smith
Telephone: 506-449-2824
Andy.Smith@forces.gc.ca
Ice Observations
A Provincial initiative aimed at assessing river conditions in real-time from Dec to April to monitor for potential flooding and hazards. Locations monitored by ORWAI include the North and South Branches of the Oromocto River.
Joint Projects
Fishing Line Recycling Boxes: Through the Hammond River Angling Association we received fishing line recycling boxes to collect lines for recycling and (help) protect wildlife. Boxes are located at the Moore Bridge in Rusagonis, Fredericton Junction, French Lake Bridge and the South Oromocto Lake public boat launch.
‘Clean, Drain, Dry’
Through the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council we received ‘Clean, Drain, Dry” signs as an initiative to bring awareness and prevention to the spread of aquatic invasive species. Signs have been placed at various boat launches in the Town of Oromocto, Lincoln and other publicly accessible boat launches such as Pride’s Landing and South Oromocto Lake.
Tree planting and riparian restoration
We are planting 4250 trees in 2024 in riparian areas on public and private land. These trees will help mitigate the impact of climate change and stabilize riverfront properties which have been subject to erosion.
Funded by the federal government’s Two Billion Trees Program through funding obtained by the World Wildlife Federation (WWF)
Water Quality Sampling
Starting in 2018, the Oromocto River Watershed Association with Willowbrook Watershed Services has used bedrock and surficial geology combined with discharge (Q) to determine surface vs groundwater contributions to water chemistry. The northern section of the catchment
is underlain with Late Carboniferous bedrock while the southern sections contain felsic and
mafic volcanic lithography and bicarbonate-rich deep water clastic bedrock. This project is. Funded by the Environmental Trust Fund of New Brunswick.
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