The Miramichi Chapter of the Striped Bass Association has voiced strong concerns in a press release over a recent management order issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for striped bass in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The association claims that the DFO’s decision appears to disregard scientific data, raising questions about the transparency and basis of the new policy.

The DFO order of June 19, 2025 mandates that fishers catching gaspereau must also retain up to 500 striped bass incidentally caught each day. Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson justified the move, citing the need for urgent action to address perceived threats to fishery management—though she did not include the supporting memorandum in her official release.

An official from the association has called on DFO to disclose the scientific evidence behind the order and is requesting a meeting to discuss the implications of recent management changes. Nick Noel, spokesperson for the association, pointed out that current population estimates for striped bass are around 345,000—just above the threshold that signals caution—indicating the population is in decline and should be managed conservatively rather than expanded.

Noel on Facebook:  

Meanwhile, the Maritime Fishermen’s Union has reported that striped bass populations in the southern Gulf are spiraling out of control, impacting other fisheries. They noted that catches of striped bass in nets have surged from around 5,000 to as many as 25,000 in recent years, making it impossible for fishers to sort their catches, often forcing them to release the fish back into the water without any benefit.

Union officials have criticized DFO for not adequately reviewing scientific research, suggesting that the actual abundance of striped bass contradicts official assessments indicating a decline. They also pointed to increased sightings of the fish in lobster traps and riverside catches as evidence of their overpopulation.

The association emphasized the importance of basing fisheries management decisions on scientific evidence rather than political considerations. Since 2015, the striped bass population has remained relatively stable, aside from one anomalous year, they stated.

This recent order follows several other measures related to striped bass, including an experimental bycatch project in the lobster fishery launched in April, an increase in Indigenous quotas to 175,000 from 50,000 in July 2024, and an extended daily recreational bag limit of four fish for sizes between 50 and 65 centimeters.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation has also called for measures such as culling to maintain ecosystem balance and protect salmon smolts. DFO has not yet responded to requests for comment or to disclose the memorandum underpinning the management order, but a department spokesperson assured that a response would be forthcoming.