As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada establish upper and lower limit reference point thresholds for striped bass and adjust them if necessary based on justifiable scientific evidence.

Recommendation 2

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s restoration framework prioritize the long-term balance of fish species in the Southern Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Miramichi River.

Recommendation 3

That a mechanism for controlling the striped bass population include a First Nation commercial and food, socal and ceremonial fishery, and recreational public food catch and possession limits.

Recommendation 4

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada remove the maximum length restriction of 65 cm for the striped bass retention fishery, unless required for protection of spawners and population management.

Recommendation 5

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada invest more resources to obtain better data on the striped bass numbers and life cycle as well as how it is affected by climate change.

Recommendation 6

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada commit to transparent and timely publication of all research and data related to striped bass, including rationale for decisions made on striped bass management and other decisions regarding the Miramichi ecosystem, and that this information is made readily available to the public, and explained to all local stakeholders.

Recommendation 7

That traditional knowledge of First Nations, local stakeholders and stewards be part of the science-based decision-making through meaningful consultations, and that these consultations happen in their communities.

Recommendation 8

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada work to improve the timeliness of public notices regarding recreational angling of striped bass to ensure stakeholders and anglers are aware of the regulations as early as possible prior to the season opening.

Recommendation 9

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada prioritize First Nations food, social and ceremonial fishery when determining the striped bass catch.

Recommendation 10

That the First Nation commercial fishery be given a full annual allotment of striped bass at the beginning of the spring fishing season.

Recommendation 11

That Fisheries and Oceans Canada ensure licences are granted on time to the First Nations to ensure they can legally operate a commercial fishery each year.

Recommendation 12

That other predators of Atlantic salmon be managed; specifically, the eradication of the invasive smallmouth bass from Miramichi Lake using the rotenone pesticide, and a sustainable harvest of the grey seal.