News Release

2001 STRIPED BASS FISHERY CLOSURE - SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE

MONCTON -- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Gulf Region, announced today that the striped bass fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence will remain closed in 2001. The closure of this fishery is applicable to all aboriginal, commercial, and recreational fisheries including hook and release. Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to remind fishers that possession of striped bass is prohibited, and that any striped bass caught while directing for other species must be returned to the water. Also, fishing gear directing for other fish species must be set in such a manner as not to target striped bass.

This closure is consistent with DFO's 2000 Stock Status Report. The southern Gulf striped bass stock remains at low abundance. The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, but scientists point to stock fluctuations based on a combination of environmental conditions and mortality from regulated fisheries and unauthorized removals.

The stock assessment data indicates that spawners abundance has declined since the closure of directed fisheries in 1996, and remain low in 1999 and 2000 at just under 4,000 fish. This is down from the estimated 18,500 spawners in 1995. The striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is believed to comprise only one stock. The only known spawning area of this fish is in the lower tidal waters of the Northwest Miramichi River. Striped bass are known to migrate to other rivers throughout the southern Gulf.

This closure will remain in effect during the foreseeable future pending recovery of the striped bass population to sustainable levels. DFO encourages the public to participate in the conservation by reporting any striped bass fishing activities to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Internet: : http://www.glf.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/comm-comm/nr-cp/index-e.html