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The Richibucto River system is the second largest drainage basin in Southeastern New Brunswick. In the past, communities of First Nations, Acadian and English heritage living along its shores were able to participate in a strong commercial and recreational shellfish and finfish fisheries.

Over the years, citizens had been witnessing and complaining about habitat degradation, increased pollution, declining fish stocks and increased sedimentation in streams. Closures had been imposed on important shellfish harvesting areas denying citizens this valuable resource.

The formation of the Richibucto River Association (RRA) came about in March, 1994 as a result of intensive discussion and consultation with the above-mentioned communities and stakeholders. The RRA recognized that its mission could be best achieved by being proactive and encouraging co-operation between individuals and/or groups interested in any aspect of the Richibucto watershed.

Interaction and partnering began with environmental groups within the scientific community, namely the Southeastern Anglers Association (SAA) and the Richibucto Environmental and Resource Enhancement Project (REREP), a subsidiary programme under the direction of the Environmental Sciences Research Centre (ESRC) of the Université de Moncton. Along with several studies being performed, an "Action Plan" was developed in 1997, in collaboration with ESRC. Problems with goals, objectives and actions to resolve them were identified and/or prioritized and continue to be the focus of the RRA's environmental initiatives to date.