Terms of Reference

The Saguenay Fjord Winter Recreational Groundfish Fishery

Regional Peer Review – Quebec Region

November 21, 2018
Mont-Joli, QC

Chairperson: Charley Cyr

Context

The winter recreational fishery in the Saguenay Fjord is unique in Quebec by its magnitude and the variety of species captured. The main species are redfish, Atlantic and Greenland cod and Greenland halibut. The fishery is currently managed through a fishing season and daily catch limits. The status of this fishery was last assessed in November 2016. This review will provide scientific advice related to the conservation and management of fishery resources harvested during the winter recreational fishery in the Saguenay Fjord.

Objective

Provide scientific advice on Redfish, Greenland halibut, Atlantic cod and Greenland cod stock status of the Saguenay Fjord. This advice shall include:

• Description of the biology of these species in relation to their habitat;
• Analysis of winter recreational fishery data including catches, fishing effort, catch per unit effort and biological data;
• Analysis of data from the DFO gillnet research including catches, fishing effort and biological data;
• Analysis of logbooks data, a new initiative put in place in 2015;
• Perspectives for the 2019 and 2020 fishing seasons based on available indicators;
• The determination of the monitoring process of these populations during the interim years;
• Identification and priorization of research projects to be considered for the future.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings
• Research document

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science and Fisheries Management sectors)
• Parks Canada
• Provincial representatives
• Recreational Fishing industry
• Academia