Conflict between mobile and fixed gear herring fishers in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence

Conclusion

During this process, many references were made with respect to the large seiner fishery having endangered the herring stock in the Gulf in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. There was also some reference to the same at Trinity Ledge in southwestern Nova Scotia and Fishermen’s Bank. It was also expressed that many new measures were implemented since these events, and many felt that this should always be taken into consideration. Some of the measures are: the introduction of the 7 fishing areas in the Gulf, the 80/20 quota allocation, large seiner rationalization, increased effort on science (sampling, acoustic surveys, etc.), the introduction of satellite technology (VMS), small fish protocol, fisheries observers, dockside monitoring, closed areas/weekend closures, etc.

At this point, all groups appear entrenched in their beliefs and positions. The challenge remains in exercising appropriate leadership in decision making and establishing processes and mechanisms to support this decision making.

Finally, I believe all parties are hopeful that this process will result in progressing potential solutions to this dispute. I trust that this document provides a good perspective of points of views of the various parties and that some of this information can be used in the short term and/or the long term to address important issues to the herring fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

References

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