On Friday 20 September 2024, France and Canada reached an agreement on the allocation of the halibut quota between the two countries, following an exchange between the French President and the Canadian Prime Minister.

This text represents the culmination of negotiations initiated in 2016 and intensively pursued over the last year and a half. The Government welcomes an agreement that respects France's interests and takes full account of the specific characteristics of the territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

This agreement :

• Increases the sustainability of fishing for a species that moves between French, Canadian and international waters. The history of cod fishing has shown that the absence of such cooperation between States led to the decline of this species in the 80s and 90s. The conclusion of such agreements is therefore essential to ensure the preservation of the environment and fish stocks. After this important step between France and Canada, the aim will be to extend the agreement to other States fishing white halibut in the waters of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation.
• Promotes the economic development of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. With 3% of the total allowable catch (TAC) of white halibut (147 tonnes for the 2024-25 season), France benefits from a volume higher than its historical average landings. This result is essential to take into account the specific characteristics of an island territory, to offer new opportunities for professionals and to make fishing a lever for the economic development of the archipelago. To increase marketing opportunities, the landing of white halibut in Canadian ports will be authorised. By-catches of white halibut in Canadian waters will also be possible for professionals targeting species covered by the Franco-Canadian fishing agreement of 27 March 1972.
• Provides for increased scientific cooperation between our two countries to improve knowledge of this high value-added species.

The agreement will be established for an unlimited period, with the possibility for both parties to request a review every 3 years.

Fabrice Loher, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, told ActuNautique Yachting Art: "I welcome the successful conclusion of the negotiations on white halibut, which were the subject of numerous exchanges between France and Canada. I would like to thank the French delegation for the exemplary cooperation between the government services (DGAMPA, Prefecture, DTAM), the elected representatives of the territory and the fishing professionals of Saint -Pierre and Miquelon, with the support of Ifremer scientists. The result is an agreement on white halibut that respects the interests of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, promotes the sustainability of fishing for this species with high added value and improves scientific knowledge’.