Graph above shows the numbers of Atlantic salmon returning to North American rivers, 11 months before that time. Graph from Gerald Chaput, DFO, Atlantic Salmon Advisory Committee Meetings April 2009.

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Welcome to the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF).

ASF is an international non-profit organization that promotes the conservation and wise management of wild Atlantic salmon and their environment.

In fewer than 300 years, wild Atlantic salmon's numbers have decreased by 90 percent. Since 1973, the number of wild Atlantic salmon destined to return to North American rivers fell from 1.8 Million to an all-time low in 2001 of 418,000. Since 2001 numbers have recovered slightly, to about 650,000 - with the help of measures such as the Greenland Agreement negotiated by ASF and its conservation partners.

Without help, many populations of wild Atlantic salmon could face extinction, as some populations remain extremely low, and in the southern portion of the range many rivers have entirely lost their Atlantic salmon.

There is hope for wild Atlantic salmon. With numbers steadying since 2001, there is an opportunity to build on the present situation to bring back Atlantic salmon runs. As a symbol of wild rivers the Atlantic salmon is important to all of us, and we need effective conservation programs for the numbers to rebound.

Through the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations who share the federation's goals, ASF has worked to save salmon from the detrimental effects of over-harvesting, pollution and habitat loss since 1948.

ASF has a conservation network composed of seven regional councils (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Maine and Western New England) and 140 affiliate organizations that represent more than 40,000 conservation volunteers.

A Leader in Conservation

ASF has worked with other conservation organizations and governments to implement some life-saving measures and programs for wild Atlantic salmon and the rivers they inhabit.

Since 2002, a Conservation Agreement with Greenland has been instrumental in protecting migrating salmon that gather in the ocean off Greenland to overwinter and feed before returning to natal rivers.

ASF has worked with the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) to implement this agreement that not only saves salmon but provides long-term economic alternatives for Greenlanders. This program has resulted in significant increases in large salmon that survive to return to many North American rivers.

To improve the survival of wild Atlantic salmon that have successfully completed their ocean migration, ASF and our Regional Councils carry out education and incentive programs that promote live release by anglers and work with government to improve protection in rivers and curtail poaching.

A Murder Mystery at Sea

Despite conservation measures, wild Atlantic salmon are dying at sea by the thousands, and while no one is entirely certain of the reasons, ASF is a leader in conducting research at sea to solve the mystery.

For the past 17 years, ASF has led in the development of pioneering sonic telemetry techology, following Atlantic salmon down rivers, across vast stretches of ocean, and finding out the details of both migration, and the mysterious mortality impacting the species.

Please visit the various sections of our web site for the details of all our programs and activities.

asfbrochure_en_fr.pdf