The Gespe’gewa’gi Institute of Natural Understanding (GINU) is actively researching the effects of climate change on Atlantic salmon, a species increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures. We’ve deployed two real-time temperature monitoring stations downstream from the Matapedia and Restigouche Rivers. These stations are crucial for understanding the immediate environmental conditions, relaying information about air and river temperatures to the GINU website every twenty minutes.

Atlantic salmon face significant challenges from heat stress. When water temperatures reach 23 degrees Celsius, salmon experience severe stress due to lower dissolved oxygen levels. We are observing more frequent and extreme weather events, including unprecedented floods and droughts, which directly impact water temperatures and further threaten salmon populations.

Our Valued Partners

This vital research is made possible through the collaboration and support of our dedicated partners:

• Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation (ASCF)
• Restigouche River Watershed Management Council (RRWMC)
• Listuguj Fisheries
• Local camp managers
• Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS)

Explore the Data: Below, you’ll find an interactive map displaying various temperature stations, including those from Environment Canada, CEHQ, and GINU, providing a comprehensive look at monitoring efforts in the region.