The fate of Canada’s shrimp industry hangs in the balance as Member of the House of Commons, Diane Lebouthillier, is set to announce a pivotal decision that could shape the industry’s future. The announcement, scheduled for the end of January, has garnered widespread attention, leaving industry stakeholders and coastal communities anxiously waiting for clarity on what lies ahead.

Industry Braces for Reduced Quotas

Recent scientific assessments from the Federal Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) have confirmed the grim reality of collapsing shrimp stocks. This revelation has left the shrimp industry in a state of uncertainty, with most participants preparing for the inevitable reduction in quotas.

The economic crisis has cast a shadow over shrimp fishermen who are eagerly awaiting the DFO’s decision. Patrice Element, the director of the Office of Shrimp Fishermen of Quebec (OPCQ), is bracing for dire economic consequences, regardless of the outcome. With only 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of the 14,500-tonne quota harvested this year, companies are grappling with profitability challenges due to dwindling volumes.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Despite the bleak outlook, Claudio Bernatchez, the general director of the Association of Captains-Owners of Gaspésie (ACPG), remains hopeful. A diversification committee has been established, uniting fishermen and processors to brainstorm solutions for a more resilient industry. However, Bernatchez acknowledges that there are no quick fixes to rescue the entire Gulf shrimp fleet.

Bernatchez predicts that fishing companies and processing plants may face closure, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs in coastal communities. He attributes this crisis to insufficient shrimp stock management, despite repeated warnings from scientists. If the decline persists, Quebec’s shrimp industry may be at risk of extinction.

Processors Struggle with Low Catch Rates

Processors are equally concerned about the industry’s future. Jean-Paul Gagné, the general director of the Quebec Fishing Industry Association (AQIP), fears that only one processing plant can operate profitably with the current low catch rates, unless they resort to costly frozen shrimp imports.

The scientific outlook for shrimp stocks in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence paints a bleak picture, with historically low abundance levels since 1990 and a continuing decline since 2005. According to Hugo Bourdages, a biologist responsible for assessing DFO shrimp stocks, the changing ecosystem conditions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence are unfavorable for shrimp. Increased redfish predation remains a significant factor negatively impacting shrimp populations, with no immediate signs of improvement.

Redfish Fishing Authorized to Compensate for Shrimp Decline

In response to industry pleas for relief, Minister Lebouthillier recently announced the authorization of redfish fishing, beginning this year. This decision has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, as redfish is seen as the only species capable of replacing the volumes of shrimp for processing. However, businesses will need to invest in marketing, equipment, and groundfish processing licenses to make this transition successfully.