Launched in 2021, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for sustainable development aims to reverse the global decline in ocean health to ensure we have a sustainable ocean for future generations. The Government of Canada, in collaboration with domestic and international partners, has engaged in various targeted initiatives and activities to advance Ocean Decade outcomes and to help inform ocean policies and decisions to conserve our ocean and support sustainable development.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a sustainable, humane and well-regulated seal harvest that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural and coastal communities. The harvesting of white coats is illegal in Canada and has been since 1987.
Through the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (PICFI), the Government of Canada is investing $11.8 million to support First Nations commercial fisheries enterprises for the benefit of Indigenous communities across British Columbia. These PICFI investments support new business and training opportunities and increased fisheries access for 31 Indigenous commercial fisheries companies representing 117 First Nations. PICFI is co-developed, co-designed and co-delivered in collaboration with Indigenous partners.
Through the Ghost Gear Program, the Government of Canada has been working with partners to rid our oceans of ghost gear and create new solutions to reduce fishing debris. In 2021, the Ghost Gear Program provided additional support to 37 projects, many of which focus on increasing Canada’s recycling capacity for end-of-life fishing gear, and identifying and removing ghost gear from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Fraser River in British Columbia.
Six projects in the Gaspé region funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) under the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF).
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island are pleased to announce funding of $1,876,026 for seven organizations through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.
Twelve applications have received approval for funding under the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF), totaling approximately $10.23 million.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador are pleased to announce a total contribution of more than $11 million across 36 projects that focus on equipment modernization and improving productivity and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector of Newfoundland and Labrador.
