Question Period Note: Redfish – Unit 1

• On May 31, 2024, I announced the management plan for the 2024 Redfish Unit 1 commercial fishery, including a total allowable catch of 60,000 tonnes.
• The total allowable catch includes a reserve allocation of 5,000 tonnes that is accessible by application to licence holders who participated in the index and/or experimental fishery, have planned projects, or are ready to fish.
• In making my decision on the management plan, I considered all information from industry stakeholders, Indigenous communities and organizations, and provincial partners shared at the Redfish Advisory Committee meetings and in written submissions
• The Unit 1 commercial fishery is now open to all fleets. We have seen a modest level participation so far.

BACKGROUND
• There are two species of redfish, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes fasciatus, managed as one biological stock.
The one biological stock is managed in two management units, Unit 1 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Unit 2 in the Laurentian Channel.
• Redfish stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Unit 1) experienced significant growth in biomass as a result of three strong recruitment year classes, born in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The 2023 stock assessment placed Sebastes mentella in the healthy zone, and Sebastes fasciatus is likely in the healthy zone, but the status remains uncertain.
• Unit 1 was under a commercial moratorium from 1995 until 2024. An annual experimental fishery was in place from 2018 to 2024, ranging from 2,500 tonnes (t) to 5,000 t, to allow for the collection of data to inform management measures for a future commercial fishery.
• On January 26, 2024, the re-opening of the redfish Unit 1 commercial fishery and a modernized allocation key were announced. On May 31, 2024, a total allowable catch of 60,000 t and the management plan for the 2024 season were announced for Unit 1 redfish.
• The 2024 Unit 1 commercial fishery opened in late June to the midshore, offshore, and Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp fleets. The inshore and Indigenous fleets were opened to fishing in early August 2024.
• The Unit 1 stock area overlaps with five other groundfish stocks in the critical zone of the Precautionary Approach framework and for which rebuilding plans have been approved, pursuant to sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Fisheries Act. The 2024 Unit 1 redfish management plan includes measures to limit and monitor bycatch of these stocks .
• The most recent stock assessment (2023) indicated that the redfish have exhibited limited growth in body size for the past three years, and there has been no significant recruitment (new baby fish) into the fishery since the strong cohorts of 2011-2013. In addition, natural mortality may be higher than anticipated in recent years, possibly reducing the duration of the fishery.
• The next redfish stock assessment is planned for 2025. The Department anticipates both stocks will remain in the healthy zone.
 

If pressed on Why was the fishery opening delayed?
• I announced that the fishery could open as early as June 15. After the announcement of the management plan, the Department worked with each fleet to establish management regimes and develop conservation harvesting plans. Once that step was completed, there was some additional time required for translation, payment of fees, and licence issuance.
If pressed on the restrictive management measures
• Rebuilding plans, including limits on bycatch, have been established for a number of depleted groundfish stocks.
• Strict management measures are in place to limit bycatch of these stocks and other lucrative stocks such as Atlantic halibut. Based on the best available science advice, these measures are the most effective to limit bycatch, thereby preventing the Redfish fishery from being closed due to bycatch limits being reached.
• My department will continue to consult with stakeholders, Indigenous communities and organizations, and provincial partners to refine the management plan for redfish for future years.

If pressed on when is Phase 2 expected to commence?
• As I announced in January 2024, the commercial fishery for Unit 1 Redfish will be managed in two phases. Phase 1 is now underway. The Department will soon launch consultations with Indigenous communities and organizations, inshore and midshore fleets on longer-term distribution of allocations for Phase 2. My Department will also continue to work with all stakeholders through the Redfish Advisory Committee to refine the management plan for Phase 2.