MONCTON,
NB, July 15, 2024 /CNW/ - The recreational
striped bass fishery in the Gulf Region has experienced remarkable
growth in recent years, bringing significant socio-economic
benefits to Indigenous and coastal communities.
As the striped bass stock in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence continues to show signs of
growth, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced today an additional
allocation of up to 125,000 striped bass for the development of
communal commercial fisheries in Indigenous communities in the Gulf
region. This is in addition to the 50,000 striped bass already
allocated to the indigenous community of Natoaganeg, as part of a
pilot project to develop a sustainable and viable communal
commercial fishery. In the coming weeks, the Department will also
begin consultations with commercial fish harvesters in the southern
Gulf of St. Lawrence, including
lobster harvesters, to assess the possibility that they could
retain a certain number of striped bass caught as bycatch as early
as 2025.
In recent years, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has taken
steps to sustainably manage the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence striped bass stock by providing
progressive access to Indigenous food, social and ceremonial
fisheries, a communal commercial fishery, and recreational
fisheries.
Quotes
"After a collapse of the stock in the late 90s,
the southern Gulf striped bass is now making a comeback, even to
the point of competing with other valued species in the region.
With today's announcement, our government is taking concrete
actions to control the striped bass stock, creating economic
opportunities for coastal communities, and advancing on the
important path of Reconciliation."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
- In 2018, the community of Natoaganeg First Nation was allocated
a quota of 50,000 striped bass as part of a pilot project focused
on market development towards the establishment of a communal
commercial fishery. The allocation of 125,000 striped bass
announced today is in addition to this existing allocation, and
will be shared among Indigenous communities in the region who show
an interest in this fishery. Today, 175,000 striped bass will be
available to continue the development of Indigenous communal
commercial fisheries.
- This year, recreational anglers are allowed to retain a maximum
of four striped bass measuring between 50 and 65 cm per day, as
long as they respect the possession limit at all times, as well as
four striped bass. This is an increase from the three-fish limit in
place since 2018, and represents the highest allowable limit in all
of eastern North America.
- The catches recorded in 2022 by DFO benchmark trap-net
scientists, independent of the fishery, confirm the maintenance of
a relatively stable spawning abundance of striped bass in recent
years, which corresponds to the cautious zone in the precautionary
approach.
Associated links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Striped Bass
- Recreational Striped Bass Fishery in the Southern Gulf of
St. Lawrence in 2024
- Update on spawner abundance and biological characteristics of
the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the southern Gulf of
St. Lawrence
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YouTube and LinkedIn.
- Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
and YouTube.
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada