Incidental in the joint marketing plan for the two fishing periods, this agreement establishes a pricing grid developed according to the size of the product. The large Nordic shrimp therefore sees its price go from $ 1.83 to $ 1.88 a landing, while the average climbs from $ 1.63 to $ 1.68. The small shrimp goes from $ 1.53 to $ 1.58 per book and the very small, from $ 1.47 to $ 1.52. These new prices could make it possible to reach an average of $ 1.67 per book, according to the size of the catches.
Season delayed by lobster
The OPCQ director explains that this year negotiations have experienced a very long delay. The reason? Six puncturers first exploited exploratory fishing permits at lobster before turning to shrimp, thus pushing the negotiations. “The fire was not taken for anyone,” illustrates Patrice Element.
This diversification is judicious in a context where transformers show less interest in shrimp due to insufficient yields. Since July 1, only four Quebec shrimps have taken off, to which three New Brunswick fishermen will be added.
Encouraging captures despite the challenges
Although current volumes remain below the standards of ten years ago, the signals are positive. The fishermen today make trips from 30,000 to 50,000 pounds per week, compared to 60,000 to 70,000 pounds per trip to the past. Nevertheless, Mr. Element considers that a trip of 40,000 pounds remains satisfactory in the current context.
The Federal Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans has authorized an authorized total of 3809 tonnes (TAC) this season, an increase of 27 %. According to the OPCQ leader, this testifies to a certain stabilization of stocks, even if they remain fragile.
Changing ecosystem
The shrimp industry has been facing major environmental challenges for fifteen years. The increase in water temperature, the drop in oxygen levels and intensive predation by the Sébaste have contributed to significantly reducing shrimp biomass in the estuary and the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.
However, encouraging signs emerge. A slight stabilization, even a drop in the temperature of the Gulf water in the last year, coupled with an observed decrease in the biomass of Sébasttes, suggests a less dark future for this emblematic fisheries of Quebec.
This tariff agreement, although it does not resolve all the structural challenges of industry, offers puncturers a certain financial recognition of their efforts in a transitional sector. It also testifies to the adaptability of fishermen in the face of climate change that redefines commercial peaches in Quebec.
