Squid « test » season fell flat

The test season for squid has fallen somewhat flat, concludes Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

While the announcement of the resumption of the squid fishery after a 40-year hiatus was welcome last summer, the excitement did not translate into action.

The two trips made did not result in any catches, says the director of the Islands Area Office, Cédric Arseneau.

Following his meeting with the industry, he believes that the Department needs to rethink its management measures with more flexibility.

The costs associated with exploring without assurance of finding northern red squid beds are weighing on licensees, Arseneau says.

The department is opening the door to a mixed squid fishery, possibly with halibut, he said, adding that this avenue is complex to explore and that a multitude of other scenarios will be studied.

There is still enthusiasm for the revival of squid-related activities, he maintains, but it is clear that it is a slope to climb.

The squid fishing season ran from July 18 to November 30.

DFO counts 14 licence holders for this species in Quebec, all of them Madelinots.