Maritime Fisheries in Quebec: Portrait of an Evolving Industry

The importance of the fishing industry for maritime Quebec is often poorly documented. However, it is a vital pillar of the local economy in Quebec's maritime areas and a key employer for several regions that include the Gaspé Peninsula─Lower St. Lawrence, North Shore and Magdalen Islands. Fisheries and Oceans Canada presents a portrait of maritime Quebec’s socio-economic situation based on the data available in 2015. The Fishing Industry in Quebec publication is intended for anyone interested in learning more about this constantly evolving industry. The 2015 socio-economic profileprovides information that should interest readers who are curious, as well as those who are more well informed.

The document begins by presenting a detailed description of the primary and secondary maritime fisheries sectors such as the catches, main species landed, fishing ports, workforce, and commercial fishing by First Nations. The fisheries management regimes and fishing gear used are also described. A portrait of the seafood processing sector is also provided.

Since consumers are increasingly asking for sustainable seafood products, the new edition of our socio-economic profile presents the eco-certification processes that apply to seafood. In addition, sections about maritime hunting and fishing in Nunavik, seal hunting in Greenland, aquaculture, the freshwater fishery, and the recreational maritime fishery are also included in this publication.

Distribution of the value of landings by main species in the 15 main fishing harbours in Quebec, 2015

Here are a few of the interesting facts presented in The Fishing Industry in Quebec publication. The 2015 socio-economic profile notes that in 2014, about 55% of Quebec seafood production was exported outside of Canada: 42% to the United States, 8% to Europe, 3% to Japan, and 2% to China. Lastly, the publication includes a variety of other information, including data on landings in Quebec's main fishing ports.

The document will be available online very soon. Check In the News in our website regularly to see when it will be available.

Carolane Lepage 
Strategic Services