arthur poirier-roy

How climate change and human activity are reshaping fisheries in the Gaspé Peninsula 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

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. 

How climate change and human activity are reshaping fisheries in the Gaspé Peninsula  Read More »

Small Steps, Big Impact: Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles & REGIM partner for a greener Gaspésie 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist

CARLETON – At Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, a quiet revolution is underway. Beyond the classrooms and labs, a shift in commuting habits is taking place, driven by a commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the power of collective action. The institution is actively encouraging employees and students to embrace eco-friendly transportation, and the results are impressive. 

Annie Léonard, a Cégep employee, is a prime example. For the past two years, she’s been a regular rider of the REGIM (Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie Îles-de-la-Madeleine), the regional bus service. Her employer subsidizes a portion of her bus pass, making it a financially attractive alternative to driving. But for Annie, the benefits extend beyond cost savings. She’s consistently impressed by the dedication of the REGIM drivers, who go above and beyond to serve the students, whom they also drive to the Cégep since 2014. “The drivers make an incredible effort to best serve the students,” she says. She’s witnessed them adapt their routes to accommodate students, even turning back if they’ve missed a stop. They keep lost items safe and recognize the students who’ve misplaced them, creating a sense of community on the bus. “It’s more than just an environmentally conscious choice,” Annie explains. “It’s a humane experience.” 

For Cégep employees, the incentives are clear. Parking spaces on campus are expensive, designed to discourage single-occupancy vehicles. This has fostered a thriving carpooling culture, with teachers sharing rides and splitting parking costs. The Cégep has also installed electric car charging stations, which are used by a growing number of teachers. This visible commitment to sustainability creates a positive atmosphere, demonstrating that the institution is taking concrete steps to reduce its carbon footprint. 

A partnership between the Cégep and REGIM has further amplified the impact. The REGIM now provides bus service for students, replacing the traditional yellow school buses since 2014, according to the bus company. This collaboration, as Annie notes, fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the municipality and the region. 

Annie has also seen firsthand how raising concerns can lead to positive change. She’s previously requested improvements like better lighting at bus shelters and a crosswalk near a stop, demonstrating that the Cégep administration is receptive to suggestions. 

The financial benefits of taking public transit are undeniable. Considering the wear and tear on a vehicle, the rising cost of fuel, the carbon tax, and on-campus parking fees, the subsidized bus pass, costing Annie only $60 per month (down from $100), is a “no-brainer.” Despite this, the bus service struggles to fill up its seats on some days, showing partial adoption at best from the local population. 

While electric cars may not be accessible to everyone, there are always options for those wishing to lower their ecological footprint. Simply filling up your car with colleagues, instead of driving alone, is a great start. The Cégep’s efforts demonstrate that real change is possible when individuals and institutions work together. All it takes is a willingness to ask. 

Do you have a story to share about commuting in the Gaspésie? The Gaspé Spec invites readers to reach out and share their experiences with public transportation, whether it’s a wish for improvement or a positive story about how the REGIM has helped them. Let’s continue this conversation and work towards a greener future for our region. 

Full disclosure Arthur Poirier-Roy works for the Cegep.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles & REGIM partner for a greener Gaspésie  Read More »

Reclaiming our roots: Can Traditional Farming Save the Gaspésie? 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist

PASPEBIAC – Gaspésie, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant tourism, faces a quiet crisis. While tourists flock to the coast, drawn by the promise of authenticity and local flavour, the very foundation of that appeal – small, traditional farms – is crumbling under the weight of an outdated agricultural model. Many farmers, like a young farmer from the Baie-des-Chaleurs, are struggling to survive, caught between the rising costs of industrial agriculture and the bureaucratic hurdles that favour large-scale operations. 

This farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, paints a stark picture of the challenges facing his family farm. “In Quebec,” he explains, “We don’t see farming as a way to feed ourselves, but as a path to wealth.” This shift in perspective, he argues, is at the heart of the problem. A century ago, farms were family endeavors, not businesses. They operated on a circular model, integrating crops, livestock, and natural resources in a self-sustaining cycle. This fostered a deep understanding of soil health and ecosystem function, a hands-on knowledge passed down through generations. 

The 20th century brought a revolution, heralded by Nobel laureates Fritz Haber, Carl Bosch, and Norman Borlaug, whose innovations in fertilizers and plant breeding dramatically increased yields. Famine became less of a threat, but agriculture transformed into a business. The focus shifted from feeding communities to maximizing profits. Monocultures, mechanization, and pesticides became the norm, slowly eroding the rich biodiversity of traditional farming. 

A new generation seeks to return to smaller, environmentally friendly models, preserving both traditional knowledge and unique crop and animal varieties. But they face significant obstacles. One major hurdle is the mandatory union membership with the UPA required for registered farms. The hefty fees are manageable only for those who scale their operations, prioritizing industrial farming over traditional methods. 

Furthermore, union regulations often restrict on-farm slaughtering, forcing farmers to transport animals to distant facilities, adding to costs and pushing them to sell their meat in cities rather than locally. Ironically, studies, including one from the University of Córdoba, demonstrate that on-farm slaughter often results in better animal welfare and hygiene due to reduced stress. 

For the Gaspé Peninsula, this is particularly troubling. The region’s tourism industry thrives on the promise of unique, local products. Small traditional farms are the backbone of this appeal. Beyond the environmental concerns surrounding industrial agriculture, allowing farmers to return to their roots would revitalize the region’s economy and preserve its unique character. It’s a matter of supporting a sustainable model that benefits both the planet and the people of the Gaspésie. 

The union’s focus on registered businesses also leaves smaller farms invisible, preventing them from accessing crucial support and making it nearly impossible to break even. And the shift from inheriting farms to purchasing them adds another layer of financial burden, as the real estate costs are considerable. 

This shift has left many Gaspésie farmers struggling to adapt. How are they navigating this complex landscape? How are they balancing tradition with the demands of a changing climate? In upcoming articles, we’ll speak with local farmers about their experiences, exploring the innovative ways they’re adapting their practices to survive and thrive in this challenging era. Do you have a story to share about farming in Gaspésie? We invite you to write to the Gaspé Spec if you’d like to contribute to this important conversation 

Reclaiming our roots: Can Traditional Farming Save the Gaspésie?  Read More »

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