A recent expedition by Canadian ice fishermen has yielded an extraordinary catch: a colossal Atlantic halibut, weighing 244 pounds and stretching beyond 6.5 feet. This remarkable specimen, snared in Quebec's distinctive Saguenay Fjord, has been officially acknowledged by scientists at the Musée du Fjord as a new regional record. This event not only celebrates an exceptional feat of angling but also draws attention to a unique scientific initiative aimed at understanding this isolated population of Atlantic halibut.
Record-Setting Halibut Lands in Quebec Waters
On a Monday morning, a team of Canadian ice anglers embarked on what would become a historic fishing trip in the Saguenay Fjord, Quebec. Among them was Alain Hamel, the individual credited with the monumental task of landing the gigantic Atlantic halibut. After an intense two-and-a-half-hour struggle, the formidable flatfish was successfully brought through the ice. The thrilling moment of the fish being weighed and admired by a cheering crowd was captured on video and shared by the Musée du Fjord, quickly garnering widespread attention.
This catch was made possible under a specialized scientific permit issued for Quebec's Saguenay Fjord. This unique body of water, a deep and narrow inlet within the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is characterized by its unusual hydrography, where freshwater from the Riviére Saguenay overlays seawater and freezes solid. This specific condition makes it one of the rare locations in North America where Atlantic halibut can be caught and harvested through ice fishing.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has granted an exemption in the Saguenay Fjord from typical catch-and-release regulations for Atlantic halibut, initiating a winter fishing project in 2022. This research aims to delve deeper into the biology and behavior of Saguenay halibut, considered a 'sink population' isolated from other Atlantic halibut stocks globally. The project issues approximately 35 special licenses annually, with a mandate to release all fish under 85 cm. Larger specimens, like Hamel's record-breaker, are destined for the Musée du Fjord, where scientists meticulously analyze their heads and stomachs to further scientific understanding. The fishermen, however, are permitted to keep the substantial amount of meat—around 170 pounds in Hamel's case—from their catch. Hamel's halibut was the 27th fish recorded this winter season, leading to the temporary suspension of the fishery to prevent exceeding the quota.
Marc-André Galbrand, president of the committee overseeing this fishing program, noted a significant increase in Atlantic halibut catches over recent years. He remarked to CTV News earlier this week, "Ten years ago, we would never really see people catching Atlantic Halibut. Since the last four years, we’ve been getting a lot, and this year, we had so many halibut that we’re getting out that we had to suspend our scientific permit.” Atlantic halibut, a relative of the Pacific halibut, are known for their impressive size, with the largest recorded specimen weighing 720 pounds, caught off Sweden. The current IGFA all-tackle world record stands at nearly 419 pounds, caught in Norway in 2004.
This extraordinary catch not only provides valuable data for scientific research but also showcases the resilience and mystery of marine life in unique ecosystems like the Saguenay Fjord. It highlights the delicate balance between human interaction and conservation efforts, demonstrating how regulated fishing, when combined with scientific inquiry, can contribute to a better understanding and preservation of our natural world. The success of this program underscores the potential for collaborative efforts between local communities and scientific institutions to achieve both ecological research goals and sustainable engagement with natural resources. It reminds us of the endless wonders hidden beneath the ice and the importance of responsible stewardship of our planet's diverse ecosystems.