The Government of Canada is working hard to protect our oceans and the marine life they sustain. Lost, abandoned and discarded fishing gear, or ghost gear, is a significant source of plastic pollution that can stay in our water for hundreds of years, causing harm to marine mammals, fisheries, and habitats. Severe weather is one of the primary reasons for fishing gear loss, as was seen when Hurricane Fiona touched down in Eastern Canada in September 2022.
Unauthorized fishing is a threat to the sustainability of fish stocks and undermines the livelihoods of law-abiding fish harvesters. The elver fishery is not open for 2024 in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, therefore any harvesting is unauthorized. Should anyone choose to fish for elver they will be subject to enforcement action as per the Fisheries Act and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations.
The Arctic Ocean within Inuit Nunangat is a unique and challenging environment. Ensuring these waters are safe for Northerners and mariners is crucial. This is why the Government of Canada continues to make significant investments to improve marine safety across the North and the Arctic.
Canada is home to some of the best quality fish and seafood products in the world. Surrounded by three oceans and cold pristine waters, Canada’s premium fish and seafood is prized both in Canada and around the globe.
Unauthorized fishing is a threat to the sustainability of fish stocks and undermines the livelihoods of law-abiding fish harvesters. The elver fishery is not open for 2024 in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, therefore any harvesting is unauthorized. Should anyone choose to fish for elver they will be subject to enforcement action as per the Fisheries Act and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations.
Vancouver, B.C. — Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is taking measures to protect the unique and highly sensitive Lophelia Reef—also known by its Wakashan name q̓áuc̓íwísuxv—by closing all commercial and recreational bottom-contact fisheries, including midwater trawl, within this area. This indefinite closure came into effect on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
On February 8th, 2024, sentencing was handed down in Sechelt Provincial Court to three individuals found guilty of multiple violations of Canada’s Fisheries Act.
The Atlantic Ocean provides Canadians with food, jobs, energy, and recreation. Its ecosystems and resources are vitally important to our economy, environment and cultures. That’s why Canada proudly collaborates with likeminded countries to take coordinated action to study the Atlantic Ocean and find ocean-based science solutions to help protect it.
