Achi news desk-
The Margaree River along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton is known for its salmon fishing and natural beauty, but according to some who live in the area, the body of water has seen better days.
“Two years in a row now, we’ve had to close fishing on the lower Margaree River, basically because the river has become so wide, so shallow… well, look at it here,” said Edsel Hart, who has lived along the Margaree River for decades.
Hart said when the water gets too shallow in the summer, it gets too hot, which is not good for fish, or for fishing conditions.
There is also the problem of bank erosion caused by the river swelling too wide during heavy rains.
Hart said he had lost significant portions of his own land.
“We need a lot of attention, and it seems that no one has come in to give us support,” he said. “I started back in ’13 – 2013 – because I lost 20-to-30 acres of land.”
Blair Phillips, councilor for the area, fears tourism dollars could be at stake and is asking the federal and provincial governments for help.
“Salmon fishing is so important to the area,” said Phillips. “When the river is closed, when the water gets too warm, there are rooms that are cancelled. People don’t spend money in the area.”
Hart said last fall there was enough concern that a Rivers Association was being formed among some community members to monitor the condition of the Margaree.
They are now looking for funding towards a longer term solution.
“The Margaree River needs a major study, and we’re just asking for help,” he said.
The pair noted that some parts of what used to be a flowing river are now bare rock and uprooted trees are a common sight.
“Things have gotten so bad now that you’re basically… a lot of fishermen are saying, ‘Edsel, you’re going to have to dredge the river,'” Hart said.
Their hope is that by spreading the word, the first steps can be taken towards restoring the Margaree River to its full glory.
