Overview

• The traditional ice fishing season in Quebec, usually starting on December 26, was delayed to January 15 this year, marking it among the top five latest starts on record.
• Warm winter temperatures, averaging four degrees Celsius above normal, have led to thinner ice, necessitating a minimum thickness of 30 centimeters to safely support fishing huts.
• The delay has halved the region's ice fishing revenue to approximately CAD 3 million, significantly impacting the local economy.
• Ice fishing, a cherished winter activity attracting around 100,000 visitors annually, including international tourists, faces challenges due to climate change.
• Environmental changes and warmer winters are disrupting traditional activities and economies, highlighting the tangible impacts of global warming.