The federal government has announced the much-anticipated reopening of a commercial redfish fishery for the first time in 30 years.

Federal Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier made the announcement in her home riding of Gaspé, Que. today.

The fishery will be reopened in phases, with the first two-year period concentrating on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

“Since the fishery has been closed for almost 30 years, we will be closely watching the participation in the fishery, the management issues that may arise, and how the market for redfish develops so that we can adjust accordingly,” said Lebouthillier.