The Trudeau government is gearing up to make a crucial decision on the allocation of fishing access to the extensive redfish population in the Gulf of St. Lawrence by the end of the month. The highly anticipated decision is causing a mix of anxiety and optimism within the fishing industry in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Nova Scotia, facing potential losses, is cautioning Ottawa about the possible impact on “hundreds of jobs” if it loses its longstanding share of the fishery. The redfish population collapse in the early 1990s led to a shift in the Gulf of St. Lawrence quota, with Nova Scotia companies initially holding half in an area known as Unit 1.
Nova Scotia companies have since conducted redfish science surveys, maintained a small fishery in adjacent areas, and invested millions in anticipation of regaining half of the allowed quota, given the estimated four million metric tonnes of redfish in the region.
As the redfish population thrives, Nova Scotia operators are apprehensive about other provinces, such as Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, lobbying for access to compensate for reduced shrimp quotas in their regions. Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith is urging Ottawa to maintain historic shares for Nova Scotia’s fleets, emphasizing the economic hardship and potential destabilization of seafood investments if quotas are altered.
While Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier did not directly respond to Nova Scotia’s concerns, she indicated that the allocation decision, expected later in January, aims to ensure everyone gets a fair share. The industry is anxiously awaiting the decision, with stakeholders emphasizing the importance of respecting established quotas to avoid negative consequences for communities and existing participants.
