In a remarkable feat, a Quebec angler has landed a colossal Atlantic halibut, weighing a staggering 244 pounds, and in doing so, has broken the record for the largest catch in the Saguenay Fjord. But this wasn't just any fishing trip; it was all in the name of science!
A Scientific Quest for Knowledge
Alain Hamel, the fisherman behind this extraordinary catch, was part of a scientific project organized by the local Fjord Museum. The goal? To gather valuable data about the Atlantic halibut species. Marc-André Galbrand, president of the basin committee, Comité de bassin de la Baie des Ha! Ha! (CBBH), humorously commented on the physical toll of such an endeavor, stating, 'You have to head to physio after.'
A Record-Breaking Catch
The halibut, measuring an impressive two meters in length, was caught in the L'Anse-Saint-Jean sector of the fjord, between Chicoutimi and Tadoussac. This catch surpasses the previous record of a 194-pound halibut caught last year. And it's not just the size that's impressive; the fishing conditions were challenging, with depths ranging from 120 to 180 meters.
The Science Behind the Catch
Fishing for Atlantic halibut is currently illegal in the Saguenay Fjord, but this project has a special purpose. Fishermen involved in the study catch, tag, and bring the halibut to the museum for further analysis. The bones in the fish's head provide valuable insights into migration patterns, according to Galbrand.
A Delicious Reward
As a bonus, the fishermen get to feast on the delicious meat of these impressive creatures. Galbrand estimates that this week's catch will leave approximately 170 pounds of mouth-watering halibut for the team to enjoy.
A Trophy Catch
Jérôme Rousseau, another participant in the scientific fishing program, also landed a large Atlantic halibut this season. After four years and over 1,200 hours of fishing, this catch holds a special significance for him. The halibut's head and stomach were sent to the Fjord Museum for further analysis.
The Catch That Stopped the Season
The record-breaking catch on Saturday brought an early end to the Atlantic halibut fishing season in the fjord, as the team had nearly reached their quota. Out of the 35 halibut authorized, 27 have been caught, and the CBBH is considering a lottery system to select a few lucky fishers for the remaining eight.
But here's where it gets controversial—is it ethical to suspend the fishing season after such a significant catch? Should the team have continued fishing to gather more data, or is preserving the species' population more important? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
