On this episode of So Fly, we’re joined by Nathan Wilbur, President of the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), to talk about one of the most iconic fish on the planet: the wild Atlantic salmon.
Based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Nathan has spent more than a decade with the ASF working to conserve and restore wild Atlantic salmon across eastern Canada. His work has ranged from developing conservation programs and building coalitions and Indigenous partnerships to advocating for stronger salmon management at the government level. In July 2025, Nathan stepped into the role of President of the organization.
Nathan is also a Professional Engineer with a background in rivers and fluvial geomorphology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick before completing a Master’s in Civil Engineering, where his research focused on cold-water habitat for Atlantic salmon. But for Nathan, salmon and rivers are more than a career.
He’s also a lifelong angler with a deep connection to fish, flowing water and the natural world. We chat with Nathan about the current state of wild Atlantic salmon, the biggest challenges facing populations today, habitat and river restoration, conservation and management, and the work being done to give these incredible fish a better future. Plus, we learn a little about Nathan the angler. Enjoy!
Explore the ASF: https://www.asf.ca/
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