Question Period Note: Atlantic Herring (4t Gulf)

• The Department recognizes the importance of the Atlantic herring fishery in the Southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
• The Department will continue to make decisions based on the best available science information following consultations with members of the Gulf Small Pelagics Advisory Committee.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to working with representatives from the herring fishery in the Southern Gulf, including Indigenous groups and commercial stakeholders, to put a viable rebuilding plan in place for this important species.

• Atlantic herring in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (SGSL) is comprised of two distinct stocks: spring spawning and fall spawning components. These two components are managed independently with separate total allowable catch (TAC) and management measures for their respective fisheries.
• In 2017, landings in 4T Gulf fishery were valued at $12,787,589 (22,691,764 kg).
• Within the Gulf Region herring is the second most landed species, accounting for an average of approximately 30% of total landed volume within the region over the past five years. However, with an average per pound price of about 20¢, the fishery accounts for only 3% of the Region’s total average annual value. The Gulf Region’s spring fishery is mainly sold commercially or kept as bait while its fall fishery is used to produce roe, smoked products, filets and sardines.
• Since 2004, the spring herring stock component has been in the critical zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework and TAC was 2,000 tonnes annually from 2010 to 2017 with catches being in the range of 1,000t each year. In 2018, the interim TAC decreased to 500 tonnes and 2019 TAC was set at 1,250 tonnes with preliminary catches of 542t.
• A spring herring rebuilding plan working group was created in 2018. Meetings occurred in December 2018 and in February 2019. The plan is being finalized and should be posted online in 2021.
• The latest stock assessment, completed in 2018, showed that the fall herring stock component in the SGSL has decreased and remained in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach framework since 2014. The TAC was reduced to 22,500t in 2019 with preliminary catch estimates of 16,178t.
• DFO’s science advice is pointing to reducing fishing activity for conservation and rebuilding purposes. Stakeholders would like some continued opportunity to fish this stock.
• Recommendations for the 2020 fishery will be established following consultations with the Gulf Small Pelagics Advisory Committee later this winter.

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