Once fished, the catch is deposited directly on ice to start it freezing. Here’s where science does its work. To slow down the freezing process, the smelts’ molecular structure changes by producing glycerol, a natural antifreeze that leaves the flesh delicately sweet. Incidentally, it was the comedian and biologist Boucar Diouf who discovered that chemical reaction while working on a doctoral thesis that explored cold-resistance factors in Escuminac rainbow smelt.

In the Gaspé Peninsula it’s practiced both as a leisure and a commercial activity in rivers and estuaries. Commercial fishing is done using two distinct methods, either with holding trap nets for fishing along the coastline, or with bag nets when the situation involves strong currents or greater depths. Miguasha smelt are fished commercially based on sustainable-development principles, integrated management, and ecosystem and precautionary approaches, in accordance with the Oceans Act and the Species at Risk Act.