Canadian Wildlife Federation Fixed Gear Study

The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) marine conservation team is conducting a survey on commercial fishing practices in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. CWF is a non-government organization that aims to conserve Canada’s wildlife and habitat for the use and enjoyment of all. The marine team is based in Halifax, NS and works collaboratively with lobster and crab fisheries throughout the Maritimes to meet conservation goals and promote sustainable fisheries.

The information collected will be used to support a variety of our research projects, like cost-benefit analyses of fisheries management measures and determining the suitability (or non-suitability) of gear modifications. The goal of these projects is to support effective fisheries management recommendations, address conservation challenges while promoting the sustainability of fisheries. We aim to improve our understanding of gear used in fixed gear fisheries by conducting surveys in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. By gathering knowledge from fishers, we hope to support effective regional fisheries management recommendations.

This survey is funded by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. CWF was founded by hunters and anglers, to conserve and inspire the conservation of Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all. CWF prides itself in being accountable and transparent in fulfilling their mission.

If you’re actively fishing out of the Gulf of St Lawrence and interested in participating

This survey will ask you a series of questions about the methods and gear used in fixed-gear fisheries. We aim to improve our understanding of how and where different fishing methods are used. The information collected will be used to support a variety of our research projects, like cost-benefit analyses of fisheries management measures and determining the suitability (or non-suitability) of gear modifications. The goal of these projects is to support effective fisheries management recommendations and address conservation challenges while promoting sustainable fisheries.

This survey is voluntary, but your participation is greatly appreciated. The survey length will depend on the detail of your responses. The responses you provide will be anonymous and kept confidential, and you may opt out of any question in the survey. Your personal information will never be shared or published. We will be looking for regional trends and recommendations from participants. Any reports developed from this survey will represent the grouped results.

The survey can be completed online at https://forms.office.com/r/AA74y2Zrjc, or by phone at 902-461-8119. By completing this survey, you are giving us consent to use your answers for these purposes. Should you have any questions, please contact Jade Petritchenko at kjpetritchenko.fsrs@gmail.com or Drew Jardine at djardine.fsrs@gmail.com for assistance.