Bring Back The Salmon 2025

Atlantic Salmon stocking plays a vital role in restoring a species that once thrived throughout Southern Ontario’s rivers and Lake Ontario. Overfishing, habitat loss, dams, and declining water quality led to their disappearance more than a century ago. Stocking programs, combined with habitat restoration and improved water management, help re-establish Atlantic Salmon as part of the region’s natural biodiversity. These efforts support healthier river systems by strengthening food webs and encouraging the protection of clean, cold, well-oxygenated water that many other native species also depend on.

Beyond ecological benefits, Atlantic Salmon stocking fosters public awareness and community stewardship of local waterways. Volunteer events, classroom hatcheries, and conservation partnerships connect people directly to the rivers and lakes in their own communities, turning restoration into a shared responsibility. By reintroducing this iconic native fish, Southern Ontario continues to invest in long-term ecosystem resilience, environmental education, and a future where restored rivers support both wildlife and people.