Status of key fish stocks

Key results

• Many of the new stocks added in recent years have an uncertain status
• Of the 199 key fish stocks assessed in 2023:
  • 70 stocks (35%) were in the Healthy Zone
  • 23 stocks (12%) were in the Cautious Zone
  • 31 stocks (16%) were in the Critical Zone
  • 75 stocks (38%) could not be classified and have an uncertain status

Status of key fish stocks, Canada, 2011 to 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: The status of fish stocks is determined by comparing stock indices, such as the abundance, to reference points. Stocks include a variety of harvested marine animal species, not only finfish. Comparisons between years should be made with caution, as the list of key fish stocks has changed.
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

In 2023, 16% of stocks were in the Critical Zone. This proportion exceeds the previous highest percentage of stocks in the critical Zone at 14% in 2019. The proportion of stocks in the Healthy and Cautious Zones remained stable from previous years (35% and 12%, respectively), while the proportion of stocks with an uncertain status lowered from 42% in 2022 to 38% in 2023.

Of these 75 stocks classified as uncertain in 2023, 4 stocks were at levels where serious harm is likely and 26 stocks were at levels where serious harm is possible. The remaining 45 stocks were estimated to be at levels where serious harm is unlikely.

When stocks are assigned an uncertain status, researchers assess the likelihood of serious harm to the stock populations and whether they are likely to decline if current harvesting rates continue. These likelihoods are divided into 3 sub-categories:

• Serious harm likely: Best available information indicates that the stock is in the Critical Zone, or the stock health is likely to decline if the current harvesting rates continue
• Serious harm possible: Best available information indicates that the stock is in the Cautious Zone, or the stock health may potentially decline if current harvesting rates continue
• Serious harm unlikely: Best available information indicates that the stock is in the Healthy Zone, or it is unlikely that the stock health will decline if current harvesting rates continue

Despite the recent decrease in the number of stocks with an uncertain status, there has been an overall increase starting in 2014. This reflects a lack of sufficient information to reliably assess the status of some stocks, and the addition of new stocks with uncertain status to the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

Changes in stock status typically happen slowly. Recovery time depends on the biology of the stock, environmental conditions and management actions. For example, environmental changes such as shifts in climate and ocean currents may cause some stocks to reproduce and grow more slowly. It may take many years for biological systems to respond to changes in management practices, such as limiting annual fish harvest.

Harvest levels are adjusted to help rebuild stocks that are not in the Healthy Zone. Stock assessments for key fish stocks are peer-reviewed and made publicly available through the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat reports. The stock status is reported as part of the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries, which is a key planning, monitoring, and evaluation tool.

Status of key fish stocks, by region

Stocks are grouped based on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada region responsible for their management. The Pacific management region has the highest proportion of stocks in the Heathy Zone. In contrast, the Arctic region has a greater proportion of stocks with an uncertain status. Of the 3 regions, the Atlantic region manages the   highest number of key fish stocks. Within the Atlantic region, a significant proportion of those stocks are either in the Healthy Zone or have an uncertain status. For this indicator, the Atlantic region includes Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Gulf, Maritimes, National Capital Region, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec management regions.

Atlantic region

Arctic region

Pacific region

Status of key fish stocks by region, Canada, 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Stocks managed from the National Capital Region office were allocated to Atlantic and Arctic regions as appropriate.  
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

Atlantic Region

The Atlantic Region encompasses the following Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions: Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, National Capital, the Maritimes and the Gulf. This vast area includes the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Atlantic coastline of eastern Canada and the Bay of Fundy. Stocks in the Atlantic region include species such as American lobster, snow crab, Northern shrimp, and Atlantic herring.

Key Results

Of the 117 Atlantic stocks assessed in 2023,

• Crustaceans had the most stocks in the Healthy Zone with 26 stocks or 54% of Atlantic crustacean stocks
• Groundfish had the most stocks in the Critical Zone with 10 stocks or 32% of Atlantic groundfish stocks

Status of key fish stocks by species group, Atlantic Region, Canada, 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Stocks managed from the National Capital Region were allocated to Atlantic and Arctic regions as appropriate. Pelagic fish live in midwater or close to the surface, in contrast to groundfish, which live in deeper waters. Crustaceans are shelled animals with joints, such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Molluscs are the species we commonly think of as shellfish, including bivalve species like clams, oysters and mussels.  
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

The Atlantic region has the most managed stocks (117) compared to the Arctic and Pacific regions (25 and 57 stocks, respectively). Crustacean stocks amount to almost half of all Atlantic stocks (48%), representing only 5 different species: American lobster, Northern shrimp, striped shrimp, rock crab and snow crab. Most of these stocks are in the Healthy Zone, including almost all lobster stocks.

Most groundfish stocks in the Critical Zone are Atlantic cod stocks, a historically important commercial species in the Atlantic. A collapse of many groundfish populations occurred by the 1990s, including Atlantic Cod, due to a combination of overfishing and changing environmental conditions.

Arctic Region

The Arctic Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada consists of the Yukon North Slope, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, Hudson Bay and James Bay. Stocks in the Arctic region include species such as Atlantic walrus, narwhal, Arctic char, and Greenland halibut.

Key Results

Of the 25 Arctic stocks assessed in 2023,

• Marine mammals had the most stocks (14), all with an uncertain status
• Groundfish had 1 stock in the Healthy Zone and 1 stock with an uncertain status
• Salmonids had 1 stock in the Healthy Zone, 1 in the Cautious Zone, and 3 with an uncertain status
• Crustaceans had 3 stocks in the Healthy Zone, 1 stock in the Cautious Zone

Status of key fish stocks by species group, Arctic Region, Canada, 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Stocks managed from the National Capital Region were allocated to Atlantic and Arctic regions as appropriate. Pelagic fish live in midwater or close to the surface, in contrast to groundfish, which live in deeper waters. Crustaceans are shelled animals with joints, such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Molluscs are the species we commonly think of as shellfish, including bivalve species like clams, oysters and mussels.
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

The majority of marine mammal and fish stocks in the Arctic have an uncertain status. This is due in part to the remote and wide-ranging distribution of many arctic species, which make scientific research and monitoring difficult. Although marine mammal surveys are conducted when possible, they are not frequent enough to collect sufficient data needed to establish reliable population reference points. However, the use of new technologies and community-led monitoring is helping to fill important gaps in research and improve our understanding of marine mammal populations.

Of all Arctic stocks with an uncertain status, 1 marine mammal stock (Beluga) was at levels where serious harm is likely. Additionally, 4 stocks from the marine mammals and salmonids group were at levels where serious harm is possible. The remaining 13 uncertain stocks are at levels where serious harm is unlikely.

Pacific Region

The Pacific Region of Fisheries and Oceans Canada consists of the Pacific coastline of western Canada, including the Georgia Strait and open water west of Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island. Key fish stocks in the Pacific region include species such as Sockeye salmon, Pacific herring, Chinook salmon, and Pacific Ocean perch.

Key Results

Of the 57 Pacific stocks assessed in 2023,

• Groundfish had the most stocks in the Healthy Zone with 11 stocks, representing 61% of Pacific groundfish stocks
• Salmonids had the most stocks in the Critical Zone with 7 stocks, representing 39% of Pacific salmonid stocks

Status of key fish stocks by species group, Pacific Region, Canada, 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Pelagic fish live in midwater or close to the surface, in contrast to groundfish, which live in deeper waters. Crustaceans are shelled animals with joints, such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Molluscs are the species we commonly think of as shellfish, including bivalve species like clams, oysters and mussels.
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

Groundfish stocks in the Pacific, on average, declined from 1950 to around 2000 and have remained relatively stable since then. The groundfish stocks have remained stable following management changes for trawl fishers, a type of fishing that tows nets behind fishing boats. In 2023, over half (61%) of groundfish stocks were in the Healthy Zone and 17% of groundfish stocks were in the Cautious Zone. No groundfish stocks were in the Critical Zone.

Canada’s Pacific salmonid catch has fallen in recent decades and was extremely low in 2019 and 2021. Despite large decreases in the number of salmonids commercially caught beginning in 2019, the number of spawning salmon is declining for many species and populations. In 2023, a little under half (39%) of salmonid stocks were in the Critical Zone.

There are more than 9 000 salmon populations in the Pacific. They occupy a wide variety of ecosystems and are exposed to many threats, such as fishing, disease, invasive species, climate change and other ecosystem changes. Climate change can alter the ecosystems that salmon depend on at every stage of their life cycle. Habitat changes related to climate include higher ocean water temperatures, food web changes, changes in glacier melting and timing of peak river flows, warmer freshwater conditions, more extreme rain and drought, and increased erosion. All of these changes can be detrimental for the survival of salmon species. Changes in water temperatures and freshwater flow can cause salmon to migrate before or after the food sources they rely on become available, which then decreases the number of salmon that are able survive to spawning age.

Key results

• Salmonids such as char, salmon and trout, have the highest proportion of stocks in the Critical Zone
• Crustaceans such as crab, lobster and shrimp, have the highest proportion of stocks in the Healthy Zone

Status of key fish stocks by species group, Canada, 2023

How this indicator was calculated

Note: Pelagic fish live in midwater or close to the surface, in contrast to groundfish, which live in deeper waters. Crustaceans are shelled animals with joints, such as lobster, crab and shrimp. Molluscs are the species we commonly think of as shellfish, including bivalve species like clams, oysters and mussels.
Source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries.

The high number and proportion of salmonids in the Critical Zone cannot be attributed to any one cause. However, in the Pacific where a majority of Critical salmonid stocks are located, salmonids face many pressures such as fishing, disease, and other disruptive environmental changes. As of 2023, most salmonid stocks in the Critical Zone do not have rebuilding plans in place.

There is a high number and proportion of crustacean stocks in the Healthy Zone. For example, most lobster stocks are in the Healthy Zone.

Marine mammals had the highest proportion of stocks with an uncertain status (88%). Commercially harvested marine mammals, such as harp and grey seals, are surveyed about every 5 years. However, this frequency of monitoring is not always possible in the Arctic due to the logistical challenges of conducting surveys in such remote regions. These limitations contribute to data gaps, making it harder to assign accurate stock statuses. Of the marine mammal stocks with an uncertain status, only 2 stocks (Beluga – Cumberland Sound and Beluga – Northern Quebec [Nunavik]) has been estimated that serious harm is likely. Additionally, 3 stocks have been estimated that serious harm is possible and 10 have been estimated that serious harm is unlikely.

About the indicator

What the indicator measures

The indicator reports the status of key fish stocks. Federal scientists use a variety of scientific methods to assess fish stock levels and assign them a stock status Zone (Healthy, Cautious or Critical) by comparing the size of the stocks to reference points. If there is insufficient information to determine a reference point for the stock’s population to establish a stock status Zone, the status is uncertain. Stock status is an important element of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s precautionary approach.

Why this indicator is important

Stock status affects management decisions, including harvest rates and levels:

• for stocks in the Healthy Zone, fisheries management decisions (including harvest strategies) are designed to maintain fish stocks within this Zone, while providing sustainable benefits to Canadians
• for stocks in the Cautious Zone, the management objective is to promote stock rebuilding to the Healthy Zone
• for stocks in the Critical Zone, stock growth is promoted and removals are kept to the lowest possible level until the stock status improves
• for stocks that have an uncertain status, the uncertainty is factored into harvest level decisions. Greater uncertainty leads to more precautionary harvest levels

Related initiatives

This indicator tracks progress on the 2022 to 2026 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, supporting the target: By 2026, at least 55% of Canada's key fish stocks are in the Cautious and Healthy Zone. The most recent data available shows that as of 2023, 47% of Canada's key fish stocks are in the Cautious and Healthy Zone.

The indicator is also used for reporting on Target 5 of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy: “Exploitation of species/wild species harvesting, use, and trade.” This target is related to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 5: "Ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal, preventing overexploitation, minimizing impacts on non-target species and ecosystems, and reducing the risk of pathogen spill-over, applying the ecosystem approach, while respecting and protecting customary sustainable use by Indigenous peoples and local communities.”

In addition, this indicator contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is linked to the 2030 Agenda's Goal 14, Life Below Water and Target 14.4, " By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics."

Related indicators

The Harvest levels of key fish stocks indicator reports on the proportion of key fish stocks that are harvested within approved limits and those that are harvested above approved limits.

The Canadian species index indicator has a fish sub-index that shows the population trend of monitored fish species.

The Species at risk population trends indicator tracks population trends for wildlife species at risk that are listed under the Species at Risk Act, including marine fish and mammals.

The Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk indicator tracks changes in the status of species at risk assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

Data sources and methods

Data sources

Data from 2015 to 2023 are from the annual Sustainability Survey for Fisheries (the survey). The survey replaces the Fishery Checklist, which was used from 2011 to 2014. The survey provides a systematic review of national progress towards conservation and sustainable-use objectives.

Methods

A variety of scientific methods are used to assess fish stock levels and assign 1 of 3 stock status Zones (Healthy, Cautious or Critical). The indicator is a simple count of the stocks in each status Zone. The number of stocks that cannot be assigned to a status Zone is also reported and given an uncertain status.

Recent changes

Implementation of the precautionary approach in fisheries management began in 2009. Precautionary approach components are built into the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries (the survey) and, on an annual basis, are improved on or added to the survey in a progressive manner.

The survey, previously called the Fishery Checklist, has been revised over time to improve its usefulness as a management tool. The Fishery Checklist was used from 2011 to 2014 and became the annual Sustainability Survey for Fisheries in 2015.

In 2011, the checklist and a set of 155 key fish stocks were finalized for the period 2011 to 2014, allowing comparability between years. Since 2014, the list and number of key fish stocks have been revised each year to better assess and manage key Canadian fish populations.

Caveats and limitations

Ongoing improvement of how Fisheries and Oceans Canada applies the precautionary approach can affect the survey results. As such, comparisons between years should be made with caution.

The Sustainability Survey for Fisheries (the survey) is completed with the best available information. The criteria used to assign a stock status to a stock for which no reference points have been identified have changed over time. This has resulted in revisions to the reported stock status for several stocks between 2011 and 2023. Comparisons between years should therefore be made with caution.

Changes in the set of surveyed stocks occur due to changes in the way stocks are assessed or managed. Results should be interpreted with this in mind.

Stock status assessments are not conducted annually for every stock, therefore, recent changes in stock status may not be captured.

The indicator includes key stocks of fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. Seaweeds and other aquatic plants are excluded.

Resources

References

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (n.d.) A fishery decision-making framework incorporating the precautionary approach. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (n.d.) About the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (n.d.) Fisheries management decisions. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (n.d.) Sustainable Fisheries Framework. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (n.d.) Sustainability Survey for Fisheries. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2021) Canada’s Oceans Now: Pacific Ecosystems, 2021 (PDF; 13.9 MB).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2024) Canada’s Oceans Now: Atlantic Ecosystems, 2022 (PDF; 20.2 MB).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2025) Canada’s Oceans Now: Arctic Ecosystems, 2023 (PDF; 14.0 MB).

Related information

Aquatic species

Fisheries

Fisheries management

Integrated fisheries management plans

Policy on managing bycatch

Science Advisory Reports (includes Stock Status Reports)

Sustainable fish and seafood