The Quebec Fishing Industry Association (AQIP) in Canada has voiced its strong opposition to the recent decision to remove northern shrimp and Greenland halibut from the Fourchette Bleue list. This move comes as part of the Fifteenth Annual initiative by the Exploramer Museum, which aims to spotlight St. Lawrence species fished in an eco-responsible manner.

Inconsistencies in Promotion and Policy

AQIP perceives a significant inconsistency in the removal of these species, especially given the ongoing promotion of Quebec seafood products by Exploramer management. Jean-Paul Gagné, the general director of AQIP, emphasized the importance of food sovereignty and criticized the decision, stating, “Now is not the time to boycott our available species, such as northern shrimp and Greenland halibut.”

Despite the removal from the Fourchette Bleue list, shrimp fishermen from Quebec and the Atlantic are still permitted to catch a total of 3,060 tonnes for the entire estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence. This quota is mandated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure the conservation of biomass, as reiterated by Jean-Paul Gagné.

Concerns over Accidental Fishing and Stock Depletion

AQIP further denounces the promotion of species resulting from accidental fishing, emphasizing the potential risks of weakening stocks. Gagné expressed concern that this practice could lead to the destruction of species rather than their conservation until assessed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Jean-Paul Gagné accused the management of Exploreramer and Fourchette Bleue of misrepresenting processors as indifferent to Quebec markets. He highlighted the substantial market share growth within the province over the past five years, emphasizing the necessity of international exports to sustain operations and employment.

Response from Exploreramer and Fourchette Bleue

In response to AQIP’s statement, Sandra Gauthier, the general director of Exploramer and Fourchette Bleue, declined to comment directly. However, she emphasized that AQIP is among the industry and scientific stakeholders consulted annually to establish the Fourchette Bleue list, noting AQIP’s lack of contribution in providing suggestions.