Kegaska fishing harbour, in the Cote Nord region of Quebec, Canada
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The Canadian government has announced an investment of CAD $27 million for the revitalization and development of fishing harbours on Quebec’s North Shore.
The investment will fund major projects at the Natashquan, Kegaska, and Baie-Trinité fishing harbours, supporting more than 70 fish harvesters who landed nearly CAD $8 million in seafood in 2023, according to a press announcement by Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The announcement reflects a long-term strategy to enhance infrastructure, improve working conditions, and ensure the viability of the local commercial fishery.
A modern fishing harbour will be constructed in Natashquan, slated for completion by 2028, aiming to enable access for fishermen to safe, state-of-the-art facilities, and to facilitate increased landings of high-value species like snow crab and lobster.
Meanwhile, Kegaska Fishing Harbour will benefit froma proejct to expand and improve operational areas, scheduled for 2026, and by 2027, the Baie-Trinité harbour will undergo significant upgrades to modernize its facilities.
The investment initiative is part of a larger national effort to enhance Canada’s small craft harbours. Canada's budget for 2024 is allocating a total of CAD $463.3 million for the repair and maintenance of harbours across the country, adding to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ $90 million annual budget.
This funding includes addressing damage caused by Hurricane Fiona in 2022.
“Small craft harbours are the beating heart of our fishing communities,” said Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Dianne Lebouthillier. “The long-awaited investments in Natashquan, Kegaska, and Baie-Trinité will ensure economic development and food security for these communities for generations to come. With Budget 2024, we are providing our fish harvesters with modern harbours, where their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry on our finest maritime traditions.”
