J. Grondin
F. Thérien
C. Laliberté
P. Vanier
D. Laverdière
R. LaRue

June 6th, 2001

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Exploration of the Health Impacts of Fishing in the St. Lawrence among the Urban Poor (Montreal)

Grondin, J., F. Thérien, C. Laliberté, P. Vanier, D. Laverdière and R. LaRue 2001. Exploration des impacts socio-sanitaires de la pëche au fleuve parmi la population défavorisée de Montréal-Centre, 91 p.

Abstract

Different researchers suggest that the urban poor constitute an at-risk group because they are more likely than others to be highly exposed to environmental contaminants given their reliance on subsistence fishing. To evaluate if this problem is a real issue in the Montreal area, a group of urban poor likely to fish in the St. Lawrence was approached. This group, from Montreal's poorest neighborhood, was selected because many families in the area have already been initiated to fishing in the context of social interventions.

A survey among this group (n=411) indicates that 35% have gone fishing in the St. Lawrence, but that they do not consider fishing in the St. Lawrence as a subsistence activity and they do not rely on St. Lawrence fish to ensure their survival. Our critical evaluation of the concept of "subsistence fishing" also indicates that the use of this concept to describe fishing activities among the urban poor is clearly a misuse of the term.

A sub-group (n=70) of the target population was then invited to participate in fishing activities in the St. Lawrence river. The participants received social support before as well as during the activities. The focus groups held at the end of the fishing season led us to the following observations. Firstly, it appears that four major types of factors usually limit fishing activities among the urban poor: the lack of knowledge and financial means, domestic withdrawal, the lack of public access and the negative perception of the river, as well as the dependence on food banks. Secondly, positive health impacts of fishing have been noted on three levels, mainly: social impacts (e.g. consolidation of family ties, improved parenting competence), psychological impacts (e.g. improvement of self-esteem, incentive for social rehabilitation), and physical impacts (e.g. reduction of violence outbreaks).

In sum, the exposure of the urban poor to contaminants found in sportfish most probably does not constitute a problem because of the very low popularity of fishing and fish consumption. Fishing in the St. Lawrence could contribute to food security in Montreal. However, for the moment this is not realistic given that the time and energy needed to catch fish as well as the lack of interest for fish consumption are important barriers to its popularization. However, fishing has undeniable positive impacts for the health of families in difficulty. These impacts are more of a psychosocial rather than physical nature.