GULF SHRIMP MAY FACE MORE DECLINES 

The annual Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Shrimp Advisory Committee  (EGSAC) concluded yesterday in Quebec City with potentially more bad news for 4R harvesters. For the 4R Zone, even with an increase in the fisheries Catch per unit effort (CPUE), the decline in the biomass estimate that was calculated from DFOs RV Survey suggested the best-case scenario will mean a 33% decrease in an already minuscule Total Allowable Catch (TAC).

“There are enterprises already unable to operate and this will definitely be a final blow for most,” says Rendell Genge longtime chair of the 4R Fleet. Genge attended the meeting in-person along with FFAW Secretary-Treasurer Jason Spingle, and has been at the forefront of advocating for a sustainable redfish transition for the fleet. 

“These vessels had a positive fishery this year with increased catch rates compared to 2023 and achieved the same landings – there is absolutely no reason to reduce the quota in that area for 2025,” stated Spingle.

“The 4R fleet has been hung out to dry by DFO mismanagement and now they’re facing another significant blow. I will ensure this issue gets the attention it deserves,” said FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street.