ABOUT

Photo Credit: Donald Fougere

Founded in 1977, the Hammond River Angling Association (HRAA) is a dynamic, community-rooted non-profit organization leading nearly five decades of innovative, science-based conservation to protect and preserve the Hammond River watershed through education, conservation, and community interaction.

With nearly five decades of experience, HRAA combines ecological expertise, trusted leadership, and a powerful network of collaborators to drive large-scale, impactful environmental action. Our work includes Atlantic Salmon conservation, advocating for the establishment of a “Below the Dam Outer Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon Working Group”, riparian restoration (stabilizing more than 4,200m² of salmonid habitat in 2024), land protection (planting more than 6,700 native trees in 2024), species-at-risk research, fish passage improvements, and extensive water quality monitoring. In 2024, we launched New Brunswick’s first watershed-led glyphosate monitoring project and distributed over $125,000 in equipment to watershed partners across the Wolastoq to lead the province’s largest cyanobacteria monitoring collaboration. We offer engaging programs for all ages- from our Hammond River Nature Camp to Youth and Adult Fishing Clubs and mobilize hundreds of volunteers through citizen science and stewardship. We work in close partnership with Indigenous communities, schools, municipalities, watershed groups, and all levels of government. HRAA is a proud affiliate of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, NB Salmon Council, NB Environmental Network, the Saint John River Management Advisory Committee, and the Ritchie Lake Management Advisory Committee. Through trusted partnerships, scientific expertise, and an unwavering commitment to conservation, the HRAA continues to be an essential force in safeguarding the Hammond River and Wolastoq-Saint John watershed by uniting communities in the shared mission of environmental stewardship.

OUR ORIGINS

The HRAA has come along way since our humble origins as a group of concerned anglers wanting to protect the Hammond River and its Atlantic salmon population. The first meetings were held in a basement with 45-50 people in attendance. It wasn't until the late 1990's that the HRAA was finally set up in a proper building, with land donated by Arthur Irving and materials donated by Jim Irving. Today, the HRAA still resides in that lodge, known as the Hammond River Conservation Center. We have approximately 325 members, a 12 person Board of Directors, full time staff, many summer staff, a popular nature camp, and over 10 research, conservation and education projects on the go each year.