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Acadian Redfish

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The Acadian Redfish, also known as the Atlantic Redfish or Sebastes fasciatus, is a deep-sea species with a vibrant red-to-orange color. These fish play a significant role in the Atlantic marine ecosystems and have recently gained more attention due to changes in their population and fishery status.

Habitat & Range

The Acadian Redfish is found in deep Atlantic waters ranging from 150 to 300 meters deep. They inhabit the continental slopes and are known to occur from as far north as Baffin Island, Nunavut, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, indicating a wide distribution in the Atlantic.

Diet

Acadian Redfish primarily feed on fish eggs, small crustaceans, and other marine organisms. Their diet reflects their position within the deep-sea food web, contributing to their role in maintaining marine ecosystem health.

Scientific Name

Sebastes fasciatus

Conservation Status

As of 2010, the Atlantic population of Acadian Redfish has been assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as Threatened. This status reflects the significant decline in their population since the late 1970s, although there are signs of stability in certain areas like the Scotian Shelf.

Size

Acadian Redfish are medium-sized, reaching up to 50 cm in length and living up to 75 years, reflecting their slow growth and late maturity rates.

Population

The population has declined significantly, nearly 99% since the late 1970s due to overfishing and bycatch. However, specific areas like the Scotian Shelf have shown stable populations, reflecting a nuanced picture of their overall status.

acadian redfish in Newfoundland & Labrador

While not as culturally iconic as species like the cod or the American eel, the Acadian Redfish still holds a place in the maritime culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly within the context of the region’s fishing history. As fishing communities have historically relied on a variety of species for their livelihoods, the Acadian Redfish represents part of the broader maritime heritage of the area. Recent efforts to reopen the redfish fishery after nearly three decades reflect not only changes in ecological understanding and stock recovery but also a cultural reconnection to historical fishing practices.

Ecologically, the Acadian Redfish is significant for its role in the North Atlantic ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and the food web dynamics of the region. Occupying deep water habitats and continental slopes, the Acadian Redfish serves as both predator and prey within its ecological niche. Its recovery and sustainable management are vital for maintaining the health of deep-sea ecosystems and for ensuring the balance of species populations in the North Atlantic. The reopening of the redfish fishery is being approached with caution and scientific guidance to preserve this ecological balance while providing economic opportunities for local communities.

THREATS

Overfishing and bycatch have been significant threats leading to their population decline. The species’ slow growth and late maturity also make them particularly vulnerable to overexploitation.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS

In 2010, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) evaluated the status of four Canadian redfish populations, noting significant risks: one Acadian redfish population was categorized as Special Concern, and another as Threatened, while one Deepwater redfish population was also listed as Threatened and another as Endangered. These assessments were made following observed population declines of approximately 98% from the late 1970s to early 1980s. Despite these severe reductions, these redfish populations have not yet been officially recognized under the Species At Risk Act (SARA). According to the Precautionary Approach Framework employed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the status of two Canadian redfish populations has been marked as Critical, two as Healthy, and one remains Uncertain due to insufficient data. This framework aims to ensure the sustainable management and recovery of these species, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.

The recent reopening of the Acadian Redfish fishery in Canada marks a shift towards managed exploitation, reflecting years of closure and conservation efforts. The fishery’s reopening is phased and coupled with ongoing research to ensure sustainable management practices are in place.

further resources

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DFO Humpback Whale Catalogue

NOAA Humpback Whale Info

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North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission

The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission is an "international body for co-operation on conservation, management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic."

Whales in Newfoundland

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