ivers and lakes abounded year-round with species of freshwater fish, including brook and lake trout, whitefish, pickerel, pike, and perch. Many spawning saltwater species such as gaspereau, salmon and striped bass also arrived in great numbers, and were heavily fished during their various spawning seasons. Expert knowledge of fish behaviour and seasonal spawning patterns was key to community survival and the replenishing of food stores. Large quantities of fish could be caught through communal efforts using technologies such as specialized weirs, nets, and hooked lines.