Chain Pickerel on stoney beach

Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq: Chain Pickerel Project

© Bernadette Kavanaugh via iNaturalist.org, used under CC BY 4.0.

About the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM) is a Tribal Council and non-profit organization based in present-day mainland Nova Scotia. It promotes and assists its eight member First Nations in initiatives that advance their self-determination and community development.

The Department of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management—also known as the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG)—provides policy and program-related support to CMM’s member communities. The department is committed to enhancing engagement and capacity building through environmental education and action initiatives. In doing so, it is restoring the Mi’kmaq law of Netukulimk, “taking only what is needed while ensuring resources remain for future generations”.

Impacts of Invasive Species on Traditional Practices

In 1945, invasive chain pickerel (Esox niger) were illegally introduced into three lakes in Nova Scotia. Since then, they have spread across much of Mi’kmaq territory. As opportunistic feeders with few natural predators, chain pickerel have significantly impacted culturally significant native species, including:

  • American eel
  • Striped bass

  • Atlantic salmon (an endangered species that has declined 90% to 95% since the 1980s)

The impact of chain pickerel is compounded by other introduced aquatic invasive species, such as:

  • Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

  • European green crab (Carcinus maenas)

Atlantic Salmon on ground

© Adamthedeertracker via iNaturalist.org, used under CC BY 4.0.

Small mouth bass being held above water

© milesnojiri via iNaturalist.org, used under CC BY 4.0.

Community Efforts to Combat Invasive Species Impacts

Since its establishment in 2012, the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) has recognized chain pickerel as a serious invasive species of concern. In response, the Department of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management has developed numerous programs and initiatives to:

  • Raise public awareness about the spread and impact of chain pickerel
  • Educate community members on actions they can take to mitigate further spread
  • Promote citizen science and community engagement

Public Communication and Education Initiatives

Education has been a cornerstone of the Chain Pickerel Project, outreach activities include:

  • Distributing educational videos and bumper stickers
  • Hosting education-focused fishing days for elementary school students
  • Encouraging citizen science participation

These efforts have directly engaged hundreds of Mi’kmaq community members in learning about invasive species issues.

Traditional Harvesting and Creative Solutions

The Department of Aquatic Resources & Fisheries Management encourages community members to target invasive species while conducting traditional harvesting practices. Innovative solutions include:

  • Using chain pickerel as fertilizer or pet food

  • Publishing the Chain Pickerel Cookbook (2020), featuring ten community-submitted recipes

  • Advocating for increased fishing, as the bag limit allows 100 chain pickerel per person per day

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq continues to explore grassroots solutions that integrate traditional practices, invasive species management, and community engagement to protect local ecosystems.

Indigenous Leadership on Invasive Species

On behalf of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS), Advocate Strategies collaborated with Indigenous communities and organizations to develop a series of spotlights on Indigenous-led invasive species initiatives. These case studies aim to inspire future projects and promote collaborative action in addressing invasive species challenges.

Learn More About the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq’s Work

Chain Pickerel article