In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, the striped bass stock has shown an increase over the past year, as per Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) scientists who advise a cautious approach to managing the species. The DFO recently shared initial findings on striped bass in the area stretching from the Gaspé Peninsula to Cape Breton Island.
The department’s estimates for 2025 indicate a rise in spawning striped bass to 547,300 from 340,300 in 2024. Additionally, the number of eggs has surged from around 22 billion to 40 billion, indicating a recovering population.
Despite these positive trends, the striped bass stock is classified as being in the cautious zone, as highlighted by Cindy Breau, a research scientist at the department. The increasing numbers of striped bass pose a concern for the conservation of Atlantic salmon, particularly in the Miramichi River region.
David Roth, program director at the Atlantic Salmon Federation, expressed worry over the decline in Atlantic salmon stocks due to predation by the growing striped bass population. Roth emphasized the need for adjustments in striped bass fishery regulations to support the recovery of Atlantic salmon.
The DFO’s classification of striped bass in the cautious zone suggests a focus on promoting growth in the fishery. However, Roth argued that the current limits are too conservative and should be revised to aid in the restoration of Atlantic salmon populations.
Striped bass, being a native species unlike small-mouth bass, had thriving fisheries in the past but faced a collapse in the late 20th century. Roth lamented the decline of Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River, once a major salmon producer, with only 5,000 salmon remaining in the river.
While acknowledging the successful recovery of striped bass, Roth drew attention to the urgent need to address the declining Atlantic salmon populations in the region.