Prince Edward Island looks at new opportunities with the resurgence of redfish

The provincial Department of Fisheries and Communities continues to closely follow the resurgence of the redfish stock in an area of the Gulf of St Lawrence known as Unit 1. 

The PEI groundfish industry has been actively involved in the current experimental quota fishery collecting additional science data for Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The province recognizes that the rebound of Unit 1 redfish species represents a tremendous opportunity for all harvesting and processing industries in Eastern Canada to create new exports and employment for many coastal communities in the Atlantic region.

“The Island has a long and significant history in the redfish fishery. Our involvement in harvesting and processing redfish dates back to the 1950s and continued up until the groundfish moratorium in the early 1990s. We know that our fish harvesters, Indigenous communities and seafood processors have been following the recent developments and are expecting equitable and fair allocation of redfish stock.” 

- Fisheries and Communities Minister Jamie Fox.

Prince Edward Island is calling on the federal government to conduct meaningful and transparent discussions on the growing redfish stock that are supported by strong scientific evidence. 

“The new opportunities presented by the recovery and resurgence of this important groundfish specie must be managed in a way that is sustainable and benefits all Eastern Canadian provinces and their sectors,” said Minister Fox.

Historically, Prince Edward Island landed as much as 30 per cent of the total catch in some years while this fishery was operating.

“I await the appointment of the new federal fisheries minister and expect a fair and equitable decision concerning this valuable groundfish resource to all Atlantic Canada,” said Minister Fox. 

Media contact:
Shyra Craig
Department of Fisheries and Communities
Senior Communications Officer
smcraig@gov.pe.ca
(902) 213-0047