fisheries

Striped bass are not a threat, according to the Department of Wildlife

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The striped bass is not considered one of the main threats to salmon in the Gaspé Peninsula according to the Department of the Environment, Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. 

While some anglers cite striped bass as a reason for the declining salmon runs, the department explains that the fear expressed by some stakeholders associated with the salmon fishing industry is linked to a scientific article published in 2018. This study assessed, using telemetry data, the consumption of smolts by striped bass in the Miramichi system in New Brunswick. 

“However, the main conclusion of this study is that predation rates by bass vary considerably from one year to the next and that the spatial and temporal overlap of the two species is a determining factor in this annual variation,” explains the department by email. 

“In addition, the situation is very different in Quebec, because the level of interaction between smolts and striped bass is much lower than that of the Miramichi. Indeed, studies show that the majority of smolts have already left the rivers when striped bass arrive at their mouths in the spring in the Gaspésie,” adds the ministry. 

Striped bass are opportunistic predators that feed on a wide variety of prey. Between 2014 and 2019, the ministry carried out several projects examining the diet of striped bass in Quebec. 

As observed across its range, the diet of striped bass consists of a wide variety of forage fish and crustaceans, as well as worms, insects and other invertebrates. 

A 2022 report confirms that striped bass in freshwater can consume a certain number of juvenile salmon in freshwater. “However, the presence of striped bass in the freshwater portion of the salmon rivers of the Gaspé is relatively limited and highly variable from year to year, thus minimizing the impact on salmon populations,” maintains the ministry, which adds that another study carried out in the Miramichi system and on the diet of striped bass, published in 2020, concludes that the narrow window of spatio-temporal overlap of the two species means that juvenile salmon represent an insignificant contribution to the striped bass diet. 

The report includes findings from a project carried out in 2016 and specifically focused on the diet of striped bass in areas conducive to the presence of juvenile American lobsters. 

This species was observed in the stomach contents of 16% of striped bass that had consumed prey. It represented 1.2% of the number of prey ingested and 13% of the total volume. However, the relevance of these findings is limited since the sampling targeted areas identified as “nurseries” for lobster, and lobsters were not found in the stomachs of striped bass caught elsewhere in the Gaspé Peninsula. 

As for crab, some were found in the stomach contents of striped bass analyzed as part of the department’s projects. 

However, they could not be identified as the species. Given their marine habitat preferences, it is unlikely that they are snow crabs, as they prefer deep and cold waters, while striped bass are more commonly found in coastal waters. 

“With regard to the low salmon runs observed in 2023 and 2024 in Quebec rivers, predation by striped bass is not one of the potential causes. The impact of significant predation, if any, would likely be felt locally on one or a few rivers concerned and not in a generalized manner throughout the species’ distribution area, as has been observed for two summers in Quebec,” explains the ministry. 

The striped bass observed in the Gaspé Peninsula mainly belongs to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population, whose main spawning ground is located in the Northwest Miramichi River. 

Their migration has been monitored via telemetrically since 2013, which allowed for an updated knowledge about the distribution of the two striped bass populations in Quebec as of 2018, leading to updates in recreational fishing areas. 

Monitoring of the abundance of adult striped bass is conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Gulf Region, particularly in the Miramichi River. Additionally, the ministry has implemented a monitoring program in recent years to assess the presence and relative abundance of this population in Quebec. Other projects are also underway, including the annual monitoring of recreational fishing in Quebec through a survey of fishermen. 

These projects provide information on the distribution of striped bass in the Gaspé Peninsula as well as their frequentation of the territory. 

The ministry emphasizes its commitment to maintaining favourable conditions for the stock of striped bass that visit the Gaspé Peninsula, which supports the recreational fishery valued by fishermen in the region and elsewhere. 

On this subject, the annual fishing survey shows that about 80% of the recreational fishermen surveyed come from other sectors of Gaspésie, contributing significant economic spinoffs to the region, according to the ministry. 

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Quebec government invests $6M in training for fisheries sector workers

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

SAINTE-ANNE-DES-MONTS – The Quebec government is investing more than $6 million to train up to 500 workers in the fisheries and marine product processing sectors in Eastern Quebec. 

This assistance was granted at the request of the Comité sectoriel de la main-d’oeuvre des pêches maritimes, a large group of employers, who felt that there were needs to be met in terms of ongoing training. The assistance announced on September 6 will meet the needs of approximately twenty companies in the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands, Lower Saint Lawrence and North Shore regions. 

“This is a need that has been expressed. We know that there are technological changes currently, but we are also facing environmental changes that are forcing the entire industry to review its practices. We are responding to this with customized training for each company,” says Employment Minister Kateri Champagne Jourdain, who made the announcement in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. 

“Do we need to increase digital literacy? Do we need to train the workforce on new methods of doing things? It will be based on the needs of the company. Ultimately, we want people to be more versatile and to adapt to technological changes more quickly, or to changes in production lines. We want to better equip the workforce,” explains the minister. According to her, around fifteen companies have already shown interest in the program set up in collaboration with the Chic-Chocs, Îles, René-Lévesque, Moyenne-Côte-Nord and Litoral School Service Centres, as well as the Eastern Shores School Board. She hopes that others will join the initiative. 

This 315-hour paid classroom training promotes learning related to real-life work situations. 

“The fishing industry is going through a period of uncertainty, and its companies are facing multiple challenges. This assistance aims to provide additional tools to workers in the fishing sector, while the industry must focus on innovation to continue to stand out,” notes Stéphane Sainte-Croix, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Gaspé and Government Assistant for Fisheries. 

“It has been proven that improving basic skills makes workers better equipped to deal with unexpected and new developments. As climate and technological changes rapidly change the world of fisheries, this training will be very useful for staff and, consequently, for their employers. It will also undoubtedly help develop other skills such as adaptability, inclusion and problem solving,” says the executive director of the sector committee, Marjorie Chrétien. 

Workers will have the opportunity to accumulate insurable hours towards employment insurance benefits. 

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Stéphane Sainte-Croix’s priority is housing

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – As the fall session gets underway at the National Assembly in Quebec City, housing is the top priority for Gaspé Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Stéphane Sainte-Croix.

“We are working with our partners to ensure that we complete as many projects as possible so we can resolve our housing issues for as many customers as possible,” says Stéphane Sainte-Croix, acknowledging that it is a complex problem.

In August, when France-Élaine Duranceau, the Minister of Housing, visited the Gaspé, the MNA discussed the issue of housing with him.

“We looked at our issues, our projects, but it is an ongoing effort that mobilizes several stakeholders and the only way to achieve this is to do everything possible at the municipal, government and private levels to support the projects,” says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

The stakeholders in the region have suggested the possibility of tax credits for construction to the minister. “These are things that we will bring to the attention of our Minister of Finance. These are measures that could contribute to a search for a solution. Everything is part of the National Assembly session,” explained the MNA.

Fisheries Sector

The crisis in the fisheries sector remains a key aspect of the economy of the Gaspé Peninsula. The MNA mentioned the announcement of six million dollars to support worker training made during the first week of September in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. That money will allow them to be resilient in technological changes and processing lines. “This is a step in the right direction to support the fisheries sector but it must not stop there,” says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

The salmon situation also concerns the MNA, as the Federal Minister of Fisheries suggested last week, in Quebec, that action is needed due to striped bass intercepting the species as it enters and exits rivers.

“We have become aware of the low rate of salmon spawning. Striped bass appears to be a problem but also a solution for the fishing industry. The file has been sent to the Environment and MAPAQ (Quebec Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food),” explains Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Analysts are looking into the issue and the Parliamentary Assistant for Fisheries is conducting consultations to document the possibility of a project based and exploratory fishery.

“To see how we could quietly take advantage of this resource to perhaps ultimately arrive at a commercial fishery. But it is complex. We are at the beginning of the process and have been engaged for several months already,” says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is the third major focus for the MNA,  especially since the Premier reiterated his commitment to this energy sector at his party’s caucus last week in Rimouski.   Wind power will be a strategic sector in Quebec’s future energy landscape.

There remains the issue of the insufficient capacity of transmission lines in Eastern Quebec to transport energy from the Gaspé Peninsula to major centres.

“It is obvious that the distribution line will have to be considered. It remains to be seen over time when these investments will actually be made but, one thing is certain, they will be dedicated in time and place,”  says Mr. Sainte-Croix.

Gasoline Prices

On the issue of gasoline prices, Mr. Sainte-Croix indicated that work is continuing within the government as retailers are collecting profit margins of around 30 cents per litre, compared to the 13 to 16 cents average over the last year.

“We proceeded with the abolition of the floor price. It remains to be seen what part of the information is available to consumers. We are thinking about it and we hope to come up with one or two measures at this level in the near future but, indeed, this is the observation we make regarding the price of gasoline and we are working on it,” said Mr. Sainte-Croix.

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Quebec once again asks Ottawa to collaborate in the fisheries sector

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Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – Quebec Fisheries Minister André Lamontagne took advantage of the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers on August 15 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to once again urge the Department of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to intensify its collaboration with fishermen, processors and the provinces, as climate change is impacting several fisheries.

While in Gaspé on July 5, Mr. Lamontagne deplored this lack of collaboration at a time when the industry is going through a crisis and must define its future.

He mentioned that the federal government does not seem to have a clear vision for the future.
In the current crisis, it is more than necessary that future actions be the subject of real consultation in order to ensure the sustainability of coastal communities, said Mr. Lamontagne.

Using the example of shrimp, the Minister mentioned that despite repeated calls from Quebec for increased collaboration between levels of government to respond to this crisis, the federal government has still not indicated its intention to offer substantial structural and financial support measures for struggling fisheries sectors, including Quebec’s shrimp fishery, as the Quebec Shrimp Fishermen’s Office recalled on August 15.

Last year, 4,500 tonnes of shrimp were landed by Quebec fishermen out of the 8,193-tonne quota. This year’s quota is set at 3,060 tonnes.

Another example is the resumption of redfish fishing, which should have benefited this sector. However, the 5,500-tonne quota currently allocated to Quebec shrimp fishermen is far too small to contribute to the restructuring of this fleet, which is in a very precarious situation.

The Minister also met with his counterparts from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island to discuss the pressing fisheries issues they share.

They agreed that federal government intervention was necessary to support shrimpers and any fisheries in difficulty, emphasizing the importance of joint management of fishery resources overseen by the federal government.

“Several fisheries are currently experiencing major upheaval. I saw this again during my recent visit to the Magdalen Islands, the Lower St. Lawrence, and the Gaspé Peninsula. In the middle of the fishing season, it is inconceivable that boats have to remain docked. I took advantage of the meeting to reiterate the federal government’s responsibility to contribute to the measures needed to ensure the restructuring of fishing fleets in difficulty, particularly shrimp fishermen. We must develop a common vision, which will be supported by jointly developed strategies and action plans. Silos have no place in fisheries,” says the Minister.

Mr. Lamontagne mentioned turbot, where the quota fell by more than 50% between 2021 and 2023, from 4,500 tonnes to 2,400 tonnes, with landings of only 179 tonnes last year.

He also mentioned that since 2023, fishing for winter flounder and yellowtail flounder in the Gulf of St. Lawrence has been subject to a moratorium. While the federal government is dragging its feet, the Minister mentioned that Quebec has stepped in to provide support to the various stakeholders in the shrimp sector since 2023, including the creation of a working committee made up of fishermen, processors and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ).

Financial assistance of more than $3.5 million has been granted to the shrimp sector, including $528,000 to fishermen in difficulty.

In addition, the Quebec government guarantees loans to those at risk for an amount of nearly $20 million.
Projects to support the sector and hire resources, presented by associations and regional county municipalities, were also funded during this period.

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Ian Lafrenière visits the Gaspé Peninsula

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GESGAPEGIAG – The Minister responsible for relations with First Nations admits that there is still a lot of work to be done before trust can be reestablished with the government.

While visiting Gesgapegiag and Listuguj on August 15, Ian Lafrenière indicated that efforts are ongoing to improve relations with these communities.

“It’s obvious that these are difficult relationships. Why? We are talking about 400 years of history, punctuated by moments that have not been glorious as Canadians and Quebecers. There is certainly mistrust. I am not comfortable telling you that everything is fine, but I am comfortable telling you that we are moving forward. We are gaining trust one file at a time. It will take time,” says the Minister.
In Gesgapegiag, the first subject that was discussed between the minister and the community was the salmon fishing conflict that escalated in late spring.

An agreement that had provided compensation to members of Gesgapegiag for 16 years expired on March 31. “The Wildlife file was transferred from the ministry, and it was more complex. Together, we agreed that we need to reach a medium and long-term agreement to avoid this type of situation that creates uncertainty and tension. We want to reach an agreement to provide more predictability,” the Minister explained.
Given the difficulties in capturing other species, alternative possibilities were also discussed. Additionally, several other priorities were mentioned.

The Minister also took the opportunity to visit the memorial dedicated to Aboriginal Veterans, a significant moment for him as a veteran, and a project in which the Quebec government contributed.
In Listuguj, Mr. Lafrenière reviewed completed projects. “In all cases, these are projects that have respected both the budget and the deadline. I am thinking of the school and the police station. There is a lot of movement and it is very positive,” the Minister mentions.

However, Mr. Lafrenière did not visit Gespeg due to a tight schedule but also for another factor.
“We know that there is a pre-election period in Gespeg. That is why I did not continue my trip. I would say that in terms of schedule and geography, I couldn’t do it. And in addition to this pre-election period, I refrain from visiting the communities. It will be soon,” he says, adding that he has visited the 55 communities in Quebec.

“It’s important to see the communities. That’s where we learn things. It’s not in our office,” maintains Mr. Lafrenière.

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