Q-1195 , 45th Parliament, 1st session May 26, 2025, to present

With regard to the recreational groundfish fishing seasons in the Lower St. Lawrence, in Gaspésie: (a) why, in recent years, has recreational groundfish fishing not been continuous in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization area 4ST, but instead intermittent with a spring opening followed by a fishing prohibition lasting several weeks that varies by sub-area, but generally falling in July and early August; (b) what criteria does the Department of Fisheries and Oceans use to determine the recreational groundfish fishing season in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization area 4ST; (c) does the status of groundfish stocks determine recreational fishing seasons, and, if so, what scientific evidence supports this determination; (d) is the availability of fishery officers to ensure enforcement considered when determining recreational fishing dates, and, if so, what has been the impact on recent decisions; and (e) are school holiday and summer vacation periods considered when determining recreational fishing dates, and, if so, what has been the impact on recent decisions?