A Quebec fisherman, Alain Hamel, made history by reeling in a record-breaking 244-pound Atlantic halibut in the Saguenay Fjord. This remarkable catch was not just for show; it was part of a scientific project aimed at gathering more information about the species. Working alongside the local Fjord Museum, the ice fishing expedition was a challenging endeavor, taking two and a half hours to land the massive fish. The halibut, measuring over two meters long, surpassed the previous record set by the team last year. The project's unique approach involves catching, tagging, and bringing the fish to the museum for analysis. The head bones are scrutinized for insights into the species' migration patterns, while the fishermen get to enjoy the delicious meat as a bonus. This is a win-win situation for both science and the participants. However, the activity is considered an 'extreme fishing sport' due to the depth of the water and the fish's strength and sharp teeth. The team had to be patient and careful, and the effort was rewarded with a record-breaking catch. The fisherman plans to savor the fish with his fishing partners, but the scientific fishing of Atlantic halibut in the fjord was suspended shortly after the catch to avoid exceeding the quota. The committee is now considering allowing a small number of fishers chosen by lottery for the remaining authorized catches, sparking curiosity and discussion among the community.
