Sterling Belliveau appeared before the Senate committee last week and made a pitch for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to look into establishing test fisheries for underdeveloped species as a means of diversifying the industry and giving fishermen additional revenue sources.
“At the end of the day, the more diversity we can get out there, that’s a good thing,” said PEIFA’s Ian MacPherson. “If fishermen have niche species that they are fishing and that helps supplement their lobster and other species income, I think that’s a good thing.”
MacPherson noted test fisheries might even be a means of controlling invasive species like the green crab. He noted the agricultural industry has wondered whether the green crab has potential as a fertilizer.
DFO does have the ability, MacPherson noted, to authorize test fisheries.
He said they would have to be monitored closely while data is collected.
