Three weeks into the opening of the northern shrimp fishery in Canada, the Acadian Peninsula finds itself grappling with a concerning reality: not a single fisherman has ventured out to sea in search of the prized crustacean. The industry laments the trifecta of challenges plaguing their operations: dwindling stocks, a dearth of buyers, and soaring costs.

Shrimp Fleet Remains Idle on Acadian Shores

The majority of shrimp boats along the Acadian Peninsula remain anchored in dry dock, with only a meager two vessels venturing out for experimental redfish fishing since the season’s commencement.

This year, the entire Atlantic and Quebec fleet faced a disheartening allocation of a mere 3,060 metric tons, a stark consequence of the alarming collapse in northern shrimp stocks. President of the Island Fishermen’s Cooperative Association Board of Directors, based in Lamèque, voices stark concerns over the insufficiency of this allocation to sustain a viable shrimp fishery in 2024.

Processor Disengagement Adds to Industry Woes

Compounding the fishermen’s plight is the disengagement of processors, who have opted to abstain from participation this year, exacerbating the challenges faced by the shrimp industry.

Despite the gloomy outlook, some fishermen are contemplating shifting their operations to alternate zones, particularly the Esciman area near Newfoundland. Here, shrimp allocations are comparatively higher, offering a ray of hope amidst the industry’s bleak circumstances.

Calls for Government Intervention Remain Unanswered

The industry’s frustration is palpable as calls for governmental intervention, including license buyback initiatives and revisions to license pricing structures, remain unanswered. Shrimpers express dismay at the lack of communication from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) since the onset of the season.

With redfish fishing hailed as a potential lifeline for the beleaguered shrimp industry, all eyes are on the impending DFO fishing plan. The hope lingers that the plan will offer a glimmer of reprieve, with expectations pinned on a higher quota than initially proposed by Minister Diane Lebouthillier.

Tentative Steps in Redfish Fishing Yield Promising Results

Amidst the uncertainty, tentative steps into experimental redfish fishing offer a sliver of optimism. Initial catches hint at abundant stocks, with the size of predatory goldfish exceeding expectations, potentially bolstering market appeal.