OCTOBER 10, 2023

The New Brunswick Salmon Council (NBSC) is pleased to announce that Mr. James (Jim) Marriner of Coverdale, NB has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation..

The New Brunswick Salmon Council (NBSC) has 22 affiliate fish and game, and conservation organizations.  Its work is carried out by a delegation of volunteers who are interested in the wise management, protection and conservation of New Brunswick’s  wild Atlantic salmon and their habitats.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation was created in 2000 by the NBSC in partnership with the Honorary Patron of the Council, the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.  Recipients of the award are selected by a committee appointed by the NBSC.

The award is officially announced by the Lieutenant Governor each year at an autumn reception held at Government House in Fredericton. The recipient is recognized for having gone above-and-beyond the call of duty in their contribution to salmon conservation.  Each of the recipients has a distinguished record when it comes to conserving the wild Atlantic salmon.

The physical award, which is on display throughout the year at Government House in Fredericton, is a distinguished piece of bas-relief art that was hand carved from a piece of native New Brunswick black cherry by the late Bill Page.  The image depicts the hand of an angler beneath the water’s surface after having safely released an Atlantic salmon back to the water.  The award will be presented to Mr. James (Jim) Marriner by the Hon. Lieutenant Governor, Brenda Murphy, at Government House residence in Fredericton on the morning of Wednesday, October 12, 2023, the ceremony beginning at 11:00 AM.

In making the announcement of Mr. Marriner’s selection for the 2023 award, , NBSC President, Charlie LeBlanc remarked: “The Lieutenant Governor's Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation celebrates the contributions of New Brunswickers to Atlantic salmon conservation.  Since 1978, Jim has given untold hours of his time and energy to wildlife-related issues including the conservation and restoration of Atlantic salmon.  His dedication to this cause is truly the epitome of the service that this Award seeks to recognize.”

New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Brenda Murphy noted “The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation recognizes New Brunswickers who, like Mr. Marriner, dedicate their time and efforts towards the preservation of Wild Atlantic Salmon. Our province’s natural beauty, fauna, and flora must be protected for future generations to enjoy. I encourage all New Brunswickers to interact with nature in a sustainable and environmentally-responsible manner.”

On accepting the award, Mr. Marriner remarked “I’m humbled to be recognized with such a prestigious award.  Its receipt has been made possible  through the combined effort of many other volunteers. Salmon conservation is a team effort and without the dedication of those who care, none of what we have accomplished to date would have been possible.”

Mr. Marriner has been an active volunteer for over forty-five (45) years with various conservation groups and on a number of fronts.  The following provides a sample of Jim’s participation and contributions to the conservation of New Brunswick’s Atlantic salmon, wildlife and their habitats:

• Committee member and co-chair of several Atlantic Salmon Council/Atlantic Salmon Federation Moncton Fundraising Dinners:
• Member and Vice-chair NB Advisory Board of the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation
• Member, New Brunswick Fish & Game Advisory Board
• President and Secretary of the Petitcodiac Sportsman’s’ Club and Moncton Fish & Game Association
• Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Fur Institute of Canada
• Member and twice Chair of the NB Wildlife Trust Fund Council
• Member of the Wildlife Sub-Committee of the Premier’s Round Table on the Environment
• Member and Chair of the Provincial Advisory Committee to Minister of Natural Resources on Protected Natural Areas
• Education positions including Hunter Education Instructor, Firearms Safety Instructor, and Trapper Education Instructor.

To add to this impressive list, Jim has been active in the NB Salmon Council having been:

• A Director from 2008 to 2022,
• Represented the Petitcodiac Sportsman’s Club, 2008-2013
• Represented St. Leonard Fish & Game, 2013-2014
• Been a Director-at-Large, 2014-2022
• Secretary, 2010-2018
• Chair of the Fisheries Committee, 2011-2018
• Chair of the Governance/Policy Committee 2011 -2022Member of the Executive Committee 2010-2022

Jim’s crowning work has to be his roles with the NB Wildlife Federation (NBWF) of which he is an Honorary Life member.  During the 1978 to 2022 period he has held every Executive and membership position the NBWF has to offer: Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, President, Executive Director, and Zone Vice-President.

Mr. Marriner continues to be engaged in conservation activities and provides an outstanding and inspirational example of the role and contributions that volunteers can make to the conservation and protection of New Brunswick’s fish and wildlife resources.

Her Honour Brenda Murphy and Mr. James Marriner - the recipient of the 2022 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation