Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to the enforcement of the Fisheries Act and is working with partners to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and prosecution of serious fisheries violations.
On the Pacific Coast, the rockfish fishery is managed carefully to ensure the long-term sustainability of 37 species caught in British Columbia’s marine waters.
The Government of Canada is conserving nature and biodiversity and protecting our freshwater, including by combatting aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels. AIS pose a serious threat to Canada’s freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. These species reproduce rapidly, disrupt native habitats, damage water intake systems, and lead to costly impacts for industries and local communities.
Small craft harbours are the heart of coastal communities, bringing people together for both work and leisure. Investing in infrastructure is essential to strengthen local commercial and recreational fisheries and provide reliable and safe harbours for their users.
Torbay, NL – The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, will make an announcement about an investment in small craft harbours to support the region's economy and culture by boosting commercial fisheries.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages groundfish fisheries for seven distinct commercial sectors on the Pacific Coast: Groundfish trawl, Halibut, Sablefish, Inside Rockfish, Outside Rockfish, Lingcod, and Dogfish. These fisheries are highly regulated and managed to conserve the stocks and support economic prosperity for the communities who fish there.
With the arrival of summer on Canada’s west coast, residents and tourists are planning to be out on the water. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds everyone to follow the laws and guidelines about approaching marine mammals, which vary depending on the species.
Based on recent science assessments, stakeholders and industry leaders have called for higher quotas in the Northern cod commercial fishery to continue rebuilding markets and expand processing capacity. The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the 2025 season is increasing from 18,000 to 38,000 tonnes, boosting economic opportunities for coastal communities.
Safe and reliable navigation of waterways is necessary for global trade and transportation, making accurate and accessible marine data essential. That’s why the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), under Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is taking a leading role in validating new digital hydrographic standards.