Catch-and-release tuna fishery catches 20% of N.S. market

Nova Scotia’s catch-and-release tuna fishing sector has grown rapidly and now accounts for 20 per cent of the industry’s total value.

Three years ago, the federal government began allowing catch-and-release bluefin tuna fishing.

Captain Robert Boyd runs the boat Chandler and the Girls in St. Georges Bay off the north shore. 

The live release fishery ... could be worth as much as six times the commercial fishery.- Katie Schleit of the Ecology Action Centre

“With the charter industry, right now we’re employed for six to seven weeks every fall, instead of just one or two days,” he said. 

Boats typically charge between $2,000 and $2,500 a trip, making it guaranteed money for the boat.

“You’re making money every day whether you catch anything; hopefully you do catch something,” he said.

Of 249 trips in Nova Scotia's portion of the Gulf last year, 212 landed a tuna. The world's largest bluefin tuna migrate to the area, attracting anglers from all over. 

"The economic spin off to that are just as valuable to the surrounding community as much as they are to us," Boyd said. 

A report for the Ecology Action Centre says this represents a big opportunity.

“The live release fishery, on a ton-to-ton basis, could be worth as much as six times the commercial fishery,” said Katie Schleit of the EAC.

Fisherman switching to tourism?

Canada has a quota of almost 500 tons for bluefin tuna. The recreational fishery is allowed ten tons, based on the estimate that three per cent of fish will die during encounter.

The EAC argues part of the quota should be transferred from the commercial sector.

“The analysis certainly suggests there may be upwards of millions in potential revenue if that were to occur,” Schleit said.

A less contentious way to capitalize would be if more fishermen get involved. Every licensed commercial fisherman is eligible to participate in live release fishery, but only 18 per cent do.

Robert Boyd said it involves a change in thinking.

“It’s different from commercial fishing. It’s more of a tourism business than a fishing business,” he said.

While that might work for the north shore of Nova Scotia, in southwest Nova Scotia it can take 12 hours to just reach the tuna grounds.