A request to extend scientific fishing for Atlantic halibut

The general manager of Contact Nature and President of the CBBH, Marc-André Galbrand, along with well-known retired fisherman of the region, Rémi Aubin, visited Moncton, New Brunswick on Thursday to present the preliminary results of the past five years of scientific fishing.

Three subjects were at the heart of the discussions of this advisory committee, which brought together important players in commercial fishing, indigenous communities, and representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada: the management and status of cod, halibut, and Atlantic flounder populations.

After presenting the preliminary results of the scientific study on the migratory pattern of halibut, Contact Nature submitted a request to continue the research project for the next three years.

“With a larger quantity. Initially, we had 100 halibut to catch in four years. Now, we are asking for a total of 150 halibut, or 50 halibut per year,” said Marc-André Galbrand, director general of Contact Nature and President of the CBBH.

A request to reopen recreational halibut fishing was also submitted last October, but the director general of Contact Nature did not address the topic with the advisory committee. The organization first wants to gather more information on the presence and impact of Atlantic halibut in the Saguenay Fjord.

“While studying the migratory patterns of halibut, we found that there was cod presence in the halibut’s stomachs, about 30%. Cod is a major predator, and cod populations are not doing well in general,” noted Marc-André Galbrand.

For several years, there has been a moratorium on cod commercial fishing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the Saguenay Fjord, it has been observed that fishermen are catching fewer cod.

“It’s one of the aspects we would like to document further, the impact of a potentially significant presence of Atlantic halibut in the Saguenay, what impact it can have on the different populations with which halibut coexists, including cod,” he added.

Marc-André Galbrand felt a “great openness” from the participants in the advisory committee. Fisheries and Oceans Canada must now review the preliminary results of the first research project and the related recommendations.

He is hopeful to receive a response to this request in the coming months.

The scientific fishing project was initially set to end in 2025 but was extended for one more season in 2026 with a quota of 35 halibut to catch, reaching a total of 100 in four years.

Not all halibut were caught, only 30 were taken out of the waters this year. Seeing how quickly they were being caught, Contact Nature decided to allocate the remaining permits on a per-person and per-sector basis to avoid exceeding quotas.

“We had excellent cooperation from the fishermen, and we thank them for being able to quickly change course, to respect the guidelines. Showing a serious commitment to the process and good collaboration from the fishermen makes a significant difference in terms of credibility and reputation,” remarked Marc-André Galbrand.