Barachois

These barachois are inland lagoons connected with the main lagoon by a narrow outlet some 2 fathoms deep or more. They are filled and emptied every tide, and their floor is intersected by numerous small channels running in every direction[…]

These private barachois are walled ponds or "fish paddocks," which, by permission, may be replenished from Government reserves. Certain parts of the coast are set apart, which are called "reserves," and in which no fishing can take place[…]

All along the southern sweep of the Gaspé coast these barachois are found; and Gaspé Bay itself, like the rest, has its bar, tickle and barachois; the tickle being the narrow and parlous ship passage between the long bar of Sandy Beach and the broad Peninsula, each of these bars[…]

Other barachois are located at the mouths of Bonaventure and Nouvelle rivers. Cuspate bars are developed at Paspébiac and New Carlisle; the triangular bar at Paspébiac encloses a large barachois.

Several of the government owned barachois are leased out to artisanal fishermen and young farmers cooperatives.

These days, the barachois are increasingly recognized for their ecological value and many local groups are active in preserving, restoring and enhancing them.

Barachois are flooded at high tide, and large areas of silty sand may be exposed at low tide; at lower levels meandering creek systems may develop. These features are best developed in areas such as the central Indian Ocean where[…]