Sustainable Fisheries, a Forced Marriage Between Science and Industry

< style="text-align: justify;">The notion of sustainable fishery stands out more and more, under the pressure of the markets, or due to national and international policies. A sustainable fishery implies that the capture methods are respectful of the resource, the ecosystem and the humans living off the resource. In that context, scientists intend to give an operational framework to related concepts such as precautionary approach and ecosystem management. On their side, fishers are becoming aware of the necessity to revisit their practices, by adopting a Code of Conduct, and attempting to be eco-labelled However, to achieve their respective objectives, both groups need each other. Ecocertification principles require both good fishing practices and good scientific knowledge. Co-operation becomes then crucial. This was demonstrated in Quebec, for the Northern shrimp and for the Lobster fisheries, now certified. Cooperation can take on various forms. Fishers are actively participating in science in the sentinel fisheries in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Within co-management agreements, such as in snow crab fisheries, industry also works to enhance knowledge and provide the scientists with information improving stock assessments. After years of misunderstanding, biologists, managers and fishers are destined to work together, whether they like it ... or not.