In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, there has been an increase in the striped bass population over the past year, according to scientists from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Recently, the department revealed initial data on striped bass in the area spanning from the Gaspé Peninsula to Cape Breton Island.
In 2025, the department estimated that there were 547,300 spawning striped bass in the southern gulf, a significant rise from the 340,300 reported in 2024. Additionally, the number of eggs has surged from an estimated 22 billion to 40 billion, indicating a resurgence in the stock.
Despite these positive trends, the striped bass population is still categorized as being in the cautious zone. Cindy Breau, a research scientist at the department, emphasized the variability from year to year in the population levels.
While the growth of striped bass is beneficial for the species, it poses a challenge for the conservation of Atlantic salmon, particularly in the Miramichi River. David Roth, the program director at the Atlantic Salmon Federation, highlighted the decline in Atlantic salmon stocks in the region, attributing it partly to the increasing number of striped bass preying on salmon.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans recommends promoting the growth of the striped bass fishery to make decisions that support the population. However, Roth expressed concerns that the current limits on the striped bass fishery are too conservative and should be raised to aid the Atlantic salmon population.
Striped bass, unlike small-mouth bass, are native to the region, with historical thriving fisheries that collapsed in the late 20th century. Roth noted the decline in Atlantic salmon in the Miramichi River, once a significant producer of the species. The contrast between the recovery of striped bass and the decline of Atlantic salmon in the region is a cause for concern, with the Atlantic salmon population dwindling to just 5,000 in the river.
Roth emphasized the importance of balancing the recovery of striped bass with the conservation efforts for Atlantic salmon in the southern gulf and the Miramichi River.