Fisheries and Oceans

The committee studied the reopening of the Unit 1 redfish commercial fishery and the issuance of exploratory lobster fishing licences in Quebec. Appearing were Todd Williams, Senior Director of Fisheries Resource Management Operations; Maryse Lemire, Fisheries Management and Aquaculture Regional Director for the Quebec Region; and Jean-Yves Savaria, Regional Director of Science for the Quebec Region, all from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Todd Williams explained that the redfish allocation key was based on historical shares but adjusted to reflect new priorities, including indigenous reconciliation and support for struggling shrimp harvesters. He described the process as more of a policy decision than a scientific formula, balancing stakeholder input, economic factors, and conservation. He noted that only about 5% of the 60,000-tonne quota was landed in the first season due to market challenges, and that offshore vessels have not yet fished in the Gulf. He recommended no specific changes but emphasized ongoing monitoring and market development.

Maryse Lemire detailed the exploratory lobster fishery in zones 17, 18, and 19, where 74 licences were issued, with roughly 50% allocated to First Nations and 50% to owner-operator fishers. She stated that the decision to skip experimental fishing and proceed directly to exploratory licences was based on existing scientific data showing healthy stocks and increasing abundance indicators, as well as years of industry reports. She acknowledged that in some sub-areas no prior data existed, but defended the cautious, phased approach. She disagreed with suggestions that the process violated DFO’s emerging fisheries policy, arguing that the policy allows for direct exploratory fishing in certain circumstances.

Jean-Yves Savaria confirmed that scientific stock assessments for lobster rely on multiple factors, including post-season surveys and at-sea observer data, and that any additional data collection would improve accuracy. He did not make specific recommendations.

Several members questioned the allocation percentages, with some arguing that giving 50-55% of exploratory lobster licences to First Nations, who represent a smaller share of the regional population, was disproportionate. Others challenged the redfish allocation, noting that offshore fleets received nearly 60% of the quota while struggling inshore fleets got smaller shares. Witnesses defended the allocations as balancing reconciliation, economic opportunity, and adjacency principles. No procedural motions or votes occurred during the meeting.