Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting of

NASCO

Holiday Inn by the Bay Portland, Maine, USA

12 - 15 June 2018

Cover and inside-cover photos: Views of Portland Head Lighthouse (Courtesy of Kim Damon-Randall) and Portland Harbour at sunset (Courtesy of Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay)

CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Atlantic Salmon in the United States 1 Portland 2 Travel and Accommodation 3 Tipping 4 Social Functions 4 Post-NASCO Salmon Study Tours 5 Additional Information 6 In Conclusion 7

View of Portland from Portland Head Lighthouse (Courtesy of Kim Damon-Randall)

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Introduction At the invitation of the Government of the United States of America, NASCO’s Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting will be held in Portland, Maine, USA from 12 - 15 June 2018. This brochure contains brief background information relating to the Atlantic salmon in the United States and the city of Portland; it also provides details of the meeting arrangements and the post-NASCO tours. A registration form for the meeting, which should also be used for booking accommodation and the post-NASCO tours, is enclosed. The Provisional Agendas for the Annual Meetings of the Council and Commissions and a Draft Schedule of Meetings are also enclosed. Atlantic Salmon in the United States The known historic natural range of Atlantic salmon in the United States was from the Housatonic River (State of Connecticut) in the south to the St. Croix River (State of Maine) in the north. Anadromous Atlantic salmon were native to 45 rivers in this region (New England) and the estimated historic return of adult Atlantic salmon to these rivers is between 300,000 and 500,000 fish. The largest salmon runs in New England in the past were probably in the Connecticut, Merrimack, Androscoggin, Kennebec and Penobscot rivers. By the early 1800s these Atlantic salmon runs had been severely depleted, greatly reducing the species distribution. Natural Atlantic salmon runs had disappeared from southern New England by 1865. By the middle of the twentieth century, the total adult run of Atlantic salmon to U.S. rivers had declined from hundreds of thousands of fish to a probable range of 500 to 2,000 fish, mostly in rivers in eastern Maine.

The current Implementation Plan for the United States indicates that the primary objective for the management of wild salmon is to rebuild the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (GOM DPS) of Atlantic salmon (and the ecosystems upon which they depend) to a point where the protections of the Endangered Species Act are no longer required. The freshwater range of the GOM DPS comprises all anadromous Atlantic salmon whose freshwater range occurs in the watersheds from the Androscoggin River northward along the Maine coast to the Dennys River. There are currently no specific objectives for the management of wild salmon in rivers outside of the GOM DPS. In addition to the recovery programme for endangered salmon, there are two salmon programmes south of the GOM DPS. The state of Connecticut has established the Connecticut River Legacy Program to replace the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program that was terminated in 2012. On the Saco River

Map showing historic principal salmon rivers in New England

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(in the state of Maine), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Department of Marine Resources and the Saco River Salmon Club maintain an Atlantic salmon enhancement project at a private hatchery. These programmes seek to maintain small populations of salmon in targeted watersheds for the purposes of perpetuating the ecological and cultural presence of salmon in the region. The objectives also include supporting biodiversity, public education and awareness about salmon and scientific research on Atlantic salmon. In 2016, a new programme of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ‘Species in the Spotlight: Survive to Thrive’ was announced with the goal of focusing and redoubling efforts to protect some of the species that are currently among the most at risk of extinction, including the GOM DPS of Atlantic Salmon. A five-year action plan was developed with the objective of reducing threats and stabilising population declines through action in four key areas:

• re-connecting the Gulf of Maine with headwater habitats;

• increasing the number of fish successfully entering the marine environment;

• reducing international fishery mortality; and

• increasing understanding and ability to improve survival in the marine environment. Major initiatives related to restoring salmon abundance include major dam removal projects on the Penobscot River. However, the total number of Atlantic salmon returning to rivers in the U.S. remains ‘dire’ and the provisional estimate of returns in 2016 was 626 fish. We will hear more about the situation facing salmon in the United States and the important work being undertaken to conserve and restore them, particularly in the State of Maine. Portland Portland is located on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay with access to many islands in the Gulf of Maine. It was named after the Isle of Portland in the English Channel, and the city of Portland in Oregon was named after Portland, Maine. It is the largest city in the State of Maine with a population of around 67,000. The Greater Metropolitan area is home to more than half-a-million people, representing more than a third of the population of Maine. Portland was the State capital from 1820 until 1851 when it was moved to Augusta. Portland is New England’s largest sea port in terms of tonnage handled and its second largest fishing port. It is the economic capital of Maine with major national financial institutions, law firms and import/export companies based in the city. Modern high-rise buildings adjoin historic districts with centuries old architecture which remains despite four major fires affecting the city. This history is reflected in the city’s seal which depicts a phoenix rising from the ashes. Described as ‘a historic seacoast town with a funky vibe’, Portland has a working waterfront with many galleries, unusual shops and award-winning restaurants. Nearby, the Western Promenade is a public park atop a bluff, offering river and mountain views. Its surrounding district, the West End, has many Victorian-era homes, including the Victoria Mansion museum. Portland Head Light is a historic lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth near South Portland which was completed in 1791 and is the oldest lighthouse in the State of Maine. Guests staying at the conference hotel who wish to explore the area have a complimentary shuttle service around the area until 01.30 hrs available each day.

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Travel and Accommodation Travelling to Portland There are direct flights to Portland International Jetport (https://www.portlandjetport.org/) from many destinations in the United States including New York (JFK and La Guardia), Newark, Philadelphia and Washington DC. Alternatively, if you fly into Boston Logan Airport, there is a very convenient bus service to Portland (https://concordcoachlines.com/route/portland-to-boston-logan-airport/). The journey time is about two hours and fifteen minutes. This bus service takes travellers directly to the Portland Transportation Center and the fare is roughly $50 for a return ticket. If you fly to Boston, we recommend this option given the number of routes this service offers each day. There is also a train service between Boston North Station and Portland known as the Downeaster (https://www.amtrak.com/downeaster-train), however there is no direct public transport link between Boston Logan Airport and Boston North Station. A taxi between the two should cost $20 - $30 or there is also a subway called ‘the T’, but this requires changing subway line in Boston (further information is available using the following website: https://mbta.com/schedules/subway). The journey time from Boston North Station to Portland by train is about two and half hours. There are currently five services per day, and the fare is around $20 - $35 each way depending on class of travel.

Whether you arrive in Portland by air, bus or train, the conference hotel will provide a complimentary pick-up shuttle service for guests staying at the hotel. To use this service, telephone +1 207 775 2311 on arrival in Portland and the shuttle will be sent to collect you. This service is available from 05.00 hrs until 01.30 hrs. If you require transportation outside these hours, a taxi to the hotel from the Portland Transportation Center should cost around $15. A taxi from the Jetport should cost $15 - $25. Taxis can be booked by telephoning +1 207 791 2727.

Map showing US cities with flights to Portland, ME. Boston also shown for reference

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Visa Requirements Visa requirements for entry to the U.S. vary and can be quite complicated. We would advise all delegates to check visa requirements for your country well in advance of the meeting. You may find the following website helpful: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/visas-diplomats.html. The Hotel All the meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay (http://www.innbythebay.com/), 88 Spring Street, Portland, Maine 04101. Our hosts have negotiated an extremely favourable rate of $150 single or double occupancy inclusive of taxes but excluding meals. If you wish to extend your stay after the meeting the hotel will continue to offer these rates subject to availability. Please let us know of your accommodation requirements using the attached registration form no later than 27 April 2018 to guarantee a room at the NASCO rate. Rooms can be cancelled up to 24 hours before arrival without charge. Thereafter, there will be a charge of one night’s accommodation if the room cannot be resold. It is recommended that you book your accommodation early even if your attendance is not yet confirmed. Tipping Tipping in restaurants is an integral part of the wages of waiting staff in the USA. The conference hotel has advised their staff that a separate tipping arrangement will be made on behalf of NASCO delegates, so please do not feel the need to tip any of the hotel staff. However, outside of the hotel, waiting staff and taxi drivers may feel a bit hurt if you forget to add the tip and may well remind you. A tip of 20% is standard. Social Functions Our hosts have generously organized social events on the evenings of Tuesday 12 June, Wednesday 13 June and Thursday 14 June. The Tuesday evening event will be held at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), which is within walking distance of the hotel (a shuttle service will also be provided for those who are not able or do not wish to walk). The event will feature poster presentations relevant to the work of NASCO by scientists at the Institute. The film ‘Atlantic salmon: Lost at Sea’, which was partially funded by NASCO, will also be shown during the event and its producer, Deirdre Brennan, will join us to introduce the film. On Wednesday evening, we will start with a sunset tour of Portland Harbour on the Casco Bay Ferry, which will then bring us to Peaks Island for a lobster bake dinner at the Lions Club. In addition, our hosts have organized an optional social reception for the evening of Thursday 14 June. This event will be a very informal gathering at the Rising Tide Brewing Company in Portland. A staff member will be available to share Rising Tide's story and describe the brewing process. There is no cost for attending this event, but participants will cover the cost of their own beverages. There will also be food available from a local vendor for purchase. The hosts will arrange transportation leaving the hotel at 18.30 hrs. Please indicate on the enclosed registration form if you wish to attend this reception.

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The dress code for all events is casual. Further details will be provided at registration. Post-NASCO Salmon Study Tours Friday 15 June There will be no post NASCO Salmon Study Tour on Friday afternoon but our hosts have arranged for a bus trip to Freeport, Maine. Freeport is a picturesque village on the North Shore of Casco Bay which is well-known for its shopping and quaint restaurants. Freeport is also home to L. L. Bean (https://global.llbean.com/), a large outdoor gear and clothing retailer in Maine. The tour bus will depart the hotel at 17.30 hrs and return by 22.00 hrs. Saturday 16 June (Full day tour - $25) Our hosts have organized a tour of several restoration projects in Maine. In particular, the Penobscot River Restoration Project involved the removal of Veazie Dam and Great Works Dam, as well as the construction of a nature-like fishway at Howland Dam. The tour will highlight these and other recent restoration projects in Maine. The tour will leave from the hotel at 07.00 hrs and aims to return to Portland by 18.30 hrs. However, these times cannot be guaranteed. The tour will include refreshments in the morning and afternoon. Boxed lunches will also be provided. Participation in this tour will cost $25. Places on both the tours are limited and early booking is advised using the registration form enclosed.

Great Works Dam, July 2012 (photo courtesy of George Aponte Clarke)

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Great Works Dam, September 2012 (photo courtesy of George Aponte Clarke) Additional Information As most delegates will travel through Boston, our hosts suggest the following points of interest if you have time while you are in Boston: • catch a baseball game at Fenway Park (www.redsox.com); • take in some local culture at Faneuil Hall (http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com); • enjoy the New England Aquarium (http://www.neaq.org). Then while you are in Portland, be sure to: • catch a baseball game at Hadlock Field (www.seadogs.com). The Portland Sea Dogs are the

minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox; • enjoy at show at the State Pier (http://www.waterfrontconcerts.com/msp); • take a tour of one of the many craft beer breweries (www.visitportland.com/things-to-

do/cruises-tours/breweries-distilleries). Tourist information will be provided at registration but you might like to visit the website https://www.visitportland.com/ for additional information. The weather in Portland should be very pleasant in mid-June, but the evenings may still be cool.

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In Conclusion This will be my first NASCO Annual Meeting and I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with you all. With three new members of the Secretariat since last year’s meeting, NASCO has seen a lot of recent change and I would like to thank those of you I have had the opportunity to work with so far for the support you have given me. I know that Sarah Robinson, our new Assistant Secretary, and Kim Gibson, the PA to the Secretary, are also very much looking forward to meeting and working with you all. There will be a very full agenda for the Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting in Portland with planning for the next cycle of Implementation Plans that will commence in 2019, consideration of progress in preparing for the International Year of the Salmon and negotiations for regulatory measures in both the West Greenland and North-East Atlantic Commissions. Our meeting will also provide us with an opportunity to hear about the important work being taken to restore the Atlantic salmon in Maine. The arrangements made by our hosts and the facilities being provided are excellent and I am confident we will have a productive and enjoyable week.

Secretary Edinburgh

26 January 2018