Arthur Poirier-Roy
CASCAPEDIA-SAINT-JULES – The Gaspé Peninsula, a region celebrated for its natural beauty and abundant resources, faces a growing challenge: the dwindling wild salmon population. For those whose livelihoods and passions are intertwined with the rivers and the sea, the scarcity is a stark reminder of the changing times. Todd Cochrane, who has worked at Sexton & Sexton, a fishing shop in Cascapedia, for 33 years and has fished for over 50, has witnessed these changes firsthand.
“It’s not just the salmon,” Mr. Cochrane explains. “Everything’s changing. The water’s warmer, the ice isn’t as thick, and the weather’s unpredictable.” Small fishing cabins that once dotted the water pools around New Richmond, Bonaventure, and Miguasha now stand empty, stark white patches against the snow. The ice, once reliable, is now too thin, making winter fishing a risky endeavor.
While Mr. Cochrane fishes for various species, his thoughts immediately turn to salmon and trout. He points to the rise in predator populations, particularly striped bass and seals, as a significant factor in the salmon’s decline. Both species prey on juvenile salmon, and their numbers have increased dramatically in the past 15 years. While striped bass are recreationally fished, demand remains low. Seals, though legally huntable, are rarely targeted; there’s little market for their meat or pelts anymore.
The way people fish has also changed dramatically. Fifty years ago, it was primarily an American pastime, with tourists traveling north for the region’s renowned salmon. Now, Quebecers make up the majority of anglers. The sport, once elitist, has become more accessible. But the biggest shift, according to Mr. Cochrane, has occurred in the last 15 years. Fishing equipment has become incredibly efficient, and social media has revolutionized how skills and techniques are shared. He recounts the story of a man who, having never held a rod before, learned through YouTube and displayed better casting technique than seasoned fishermen.
Mr. Cochrane emphasizes that catch-and-release fishing, now the norm for salmon, is a necessity. With so many anglers and such effective equipment, without this practice, the rivers would be emptied in a single season. This adaptation has also spurred new ventures, like guided fishing trips and cabin rentals, creating a form of eco-tourism that helps maintain the infrastructure necessary to protect the salmon population. For Mr. Cochrane, fishing is a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. “I’m releasing that fish,” he says, “so that our children can go on and catch it. It’s up to us.”
Research supports Mr. Cochrane’s observations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has studied the impact of striped bass predation on juvenile salmon, finding it significant in some areas. Other studies have linked mining activity, particularly dewatering and associated contaminants like copper, to declining salmon populations. The increase in recreational activity around salmon habitats has also been suggested as a contributing factor.
The Quebec government has proposed restrictions for the 2025 salmon fishing season due to historically low salmon runs.
The Gaspé Spec invites readers to share their stories and information about the changes in the fishing sector, the impact of climate change on their lives, and what can be done to help. Let’s explore these challenges and work towards a sustainable future for Gaspésie’s fisheries.