Agapit Leblanc, born in 1887 in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, served as a Canadian Fishery officer. At the age of 39, he lost his life on October 20, 1926, while conducting an investigation into illegal smelt fishing activities. He holds the somber distinction of being the first Canadian Fishery officer to be killed in the line of duty. Four days after his disappearance, his body was recovered from Bouctouche Bay, weighed down with rocks to conceal it.
Medical examiners reported that his face had been struck by several small pellets, likely from a firearm discharged at a distance, given the minimal surface damage. In addition to these wounds, Leblanc had sustained non-lethal physical injuries. The cause of death was determined to be shock.
In the weeks leading up to the incident, Leblanc’s family reported that he had received several anonymous threats. One ominous message included an image of a coffin, accompanied by a chilling caption. His killers were never identified.
“Here’s your coffin if you don’t stop coming to find us on the sea.”
In 2011, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans revealed that nine new ships—formerly referred to as “Mid-shore patrol vessels”—would be named in honor of individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery and lost their lives while serving. The seventh vessel in this fleet was named in memory of Agapit Leblanc.
Currently About Smelt
Outside of its native habitat, the rainbow smelt has established populations in the St. Lawrence River watershed, the Great Lakes, and various other lakes such as Simcoe, Nipissing, and Nipigon, along with numerous smaller inland lakes. It has also been introduced to the Hudson Bay watershed and to lakes in northwestern Ontario and Manitoba, including Lake Winnipeg, as well as in several U.S. states.
Rainbow smelt have significantly affected native fish populations by competing for food and preying on the young of other species. This competition has negatively impacted native fish that rely on plankton and small fish for survival.
Their feeding behavior can disrupt aquatic food webs, leading to declines in zooplankton populations—an important food source for many native fish. The presence of rainbow smelt has been linked to population decreases in native species such as yellow perch, walleye, lake herring, whitefish, and lake trout.
Additionally, because rainbow smelt consume the young of other fish and are then eaten by larger predators, they can contribute to increased levels of contaminants in these predators. This may pose potential health risks to humans who consume the affected fish.
The rainbow smelt is an invasive predator and is prohibited for use as bait in Ontario. Its presence has contributed to the decline of several native fish species, including yellow perch, walleye, lake herring, whitefish, and lake trout. To report a sighting of rainbow smelt, call 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.EDDMapS.org/Ontario.
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