HALIFAX - The federal Fisheries Department is actively seeking input on the impending reopening of the redfish fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, following a prolonged moratorium due to depleted stocks. In a recent news release, the department announced the conclusion of four days of discussions with the industry-government redfish advisory committee in Halifax, with a focus on establishing sustainable catch limits and conservation measures.
Participants in the meetings included representatives from Indigenous groups, industry stakeholders, provincial governments, and environmental organizations. Key topics of discussion centered on determining total allowable catch limits and implementing effective management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the fishery.
Stakeholders have until March 18th to provide additional feedback before the Fisheries Department makes final decisions regarding catch limits and other regulatory measures. Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier previously announced the lifting of the moratorium, which has been in effect since 1995, with an initial minimum total catch quota set at 25,000 tonnes.
"We face a significant challenge ahead – collectively, we must devise a plan to reopen this fishery in approximately three months in a manner that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and economic viability for harvesters and their communities," stated the department.
This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on March 8, 2024.
Source: Atlantic News (Mar 08, 2024). Talks continue on catch limits before moratorium lifts on East Coast redfish fishery. https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/talks-continue-on-catch-limits-before-moratorium-lifts-on-east-coast-redfish-fishery-1.6800069
