Industry withholding data on one of Canada’s largest fisheries, advocates say

Advocates and scientists are expressing concerns over the lack of data available for one of Canada’s largest fisheries, particularly the herring fishery in southwest Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is currently waiting on the industry to provide important data on the herring stock, which has been in decline for decades and is now in the critical zone.

In July, DFO made the decision to reduce the total allowable catch for herring to 16,000 tonnes per season, down from 21,000 tonnes. This quota reduction will remain in place until 2027. However, the Herring Science Council, an industry body responsible for collecting data on the fishery, has not yet provided this crucial information to the department.

As herring is set to be subject to a legally-binding rebuilding plan under the Fisheries Act in the coming year, having accurate scientific data on the stock is more important than ever. Katie Schleit, fisheries director at Oceans North, emphasized that fish are a public resource in Canada and that it is essential for all parties to uphold their agreements in managing these resources.

Data on the herring stock in the Bay of Fundy and southwest Nova Scotia is typically gathered through at-sea acoustic surveys conducted by the Herring Science Council. These surveys provide valuable information on spawning stock biomass and other key indicators. Despite repeated requests for an interview, the council has not provided the data to DFO.

DFO has confirmed that the Herring Science Council is responsible for conducting at least five acoustic surveys each year in specific spawning areas. The data collected is then analyzed by federal scientists to inform DFO’s science advice. In a statement, DFO spokesperson Christine Lyons acknowledged the importance of working with industry partners to gather data on Canada’s aquatic resources.

The reduction in the herring quota has sparked controversy within the fishing industry, with the Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia arguing that the cut was unnecessary and would have negative consequences for fishing communities. However, research conducted by marine ecologist Dan Boyce and his colleagues has shown that fishing has been the primary driver of the decline in herring populations.

Boyce emphasized the importance of having accurate data for effective fisheries management, particularly in light of the ongoing decline in herring populations. He expressed concern over the industry’s reluctance to provide the necessary information and the department’s reliance on industry data for decision-making.

Marine scientist Jack Daly from Oceana Canada described the industry’s refusal to provide data after the quota cut as a game of chicken, highlighting the need for transparency and cooperation in managing public resources. He urged DFO to clarify the situation and for industry stakeholders to provide their rationale for withholding data.

Overall, the lack of data on the herring stock in southwest Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy has raised significant concerns among advocates and scientists. With herring playing a crucial role in supporting various marine species, it is imperative that accurate data is made available to inform sustainable management practices.