22 juin TOPO MB eperlan

Is the beloved smelt fishing about to disappear? A seasoned fisherman shares his firsthand experience of a drastic decline in catches, noting how a once effortless half-hour haul now takes over an hour. This worrying trend points towards a significant decrease in smelt populations.

Experts are identifying multiple threats to this species. Frantic predation by seals, due to a lack of ice allowing them into bays, and the constant presence of striped bass are making it harder for smelt to survive. Add to this the impact of climate change, and the future looks bleak.

For commercial fishermen, the situation has become unsustainable. Many have invested heavily in equipment and permits, only to find the industry is on the brink of collapse. The practice is no longer profitable, meaning many are forced to abandon their livelihoods.

Even recreational fishing, while sometimes easier than commercial, relies heavily on icy conditions that are becoming less predictable. While some bays freeze earlier, ensuring a chance to fish, the overall outlook is uncertain. Official results from commercial smelt fishing investigations are expected this fall, which may lead to further quota reductions.

#SmeltFishing #FishDecline #ClimateImpact #Eskouminac