Wild Atlantic salmon holds an iconic status in Atlantic Canada and Québec. It has deep cultural and economic significance and is an integral part of Canada's history and identity.
Canada is recognized globally for its exceptional fish and seafood. With three oceans and cold, pristine waters shaping our marine environments, Canada continues to deliver premium seafood products that are consistently valued in markets around the world.
Canada’s fisheries funds have helped the Canadian fish and seafood sector remain a driving force of the economy in rural and coastal communities across Canada.
The traditional territories of the A-Tlegay Member Nations span the central northeast coast of Vancouver Island and include the northern Strait of Georgia and the Johnstone Strait.
Illegal harvesting contributes to declining fish stocks and aquatic habitat destruction, as well as threatens food safety, and impacts the sustainability of fisheries for coastal and Indigenous communities, recreational harvesters, and commercial operators.
Canada is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems and incredible landscapes. This natural beauty helps shape our identity and influences who we are as a country which is why conserving biodiversity and protecting it from threats like aquatic invasive species is so important. Without protective and preventative measures, aquatic invasive species can spread quickly, compete with native species, and permanently alter habitats, with the potential to cost Canadians billions of dollars.
Canada’s fish and seafood industry contributes over $8 billion to the economy, provides over 63,000 jobs, and exports $8.5 billion in products. It helps support coastal and rural economies while supplying seafood markets around the world. Fishing is subject to various regulations that are necessary to safeguard our ocean resources, to keep workers safe, and to ensure independent harvesters can participate in this culturally important industry. The Government of Canada is working to make regulations clearer and reducing unnecessary red tape, while supporting a strong and sustainable fishing industry.
Canada’s fisheries drive coastal economies, supporting livelihoods and keeping traditions alive. Harvesters and fishery stakeholders share Canada’s oceans with numerous whale species, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which remains vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear.
The European Green Crab is an aquatic invasive species in Canada that upsets the balance of our marine ecosystems. In Southwest New Brunswick, European Green Crab negatively impacts native species and habitats like eel grass, dulse beds and shellfish, which are culturally, ecologically and economically important to the area. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) collaborates with harvesters, Indigenous communities and other partners to detect, monitor and limit the spread and damage of this aquatic invasive species.