Ottawa consults on Species at Risk listing for three N.L. salmon populations

Ottawa is consulting until Jan. 29, 2027, on whether to add 12 Atlantic salmon populations to the Species at Risk Act list, including three in Newfoundland and Labrador: two on the island's south coast and one in southern Labrador. A 2025 assessment by COSEWIC, an independent scientific committee, rated South Newfoundland West endangered, Southern Labrador threatened and South Newfoundland East of special concern. Listing as threatened or endangered would make it illegal to kill, harm or possess those salmon without a permit, and require recovery planning. No decision has been made. Feedback goes through the Species at Risk Public Registry.