Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) officials remain actively engaged in Southwest Nova Scotia, meeting with Indigenous harvesters, groups and organizations, as well as commercial fishing associations. Open, honest and clear dialogue remains the best way to raise concerns and to find solutions for everyone involved in the lobster fishery.
On June 28, 2023, the numbered company 1269039 BC Ltd. (multiple partners)—which owns the Canadian commercial fishing vessel, Ocean Provider—was sentenced in Port Alberni Provincial Court. The company pleaded guilty to fishing for albacore tuna between July 22 and August 15, 2022, without the authority of a valid licence, contrary to the Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993. This is a serious violation of the Fisheries Act and Canada’s international fisheries obligations.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is continuously improving its understanding of seal and sea lion populations and their potential impacts on fish stocks. The Department will provide over $643,900 in funding to Indigenous groups, industry, and academia to learn more about the role seals and sea lions play in our aquatic ecosystems.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognizing rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. As part of that commitment, we are working with First Nations harvesters so that they can exercise their Supreme Court-affirmed Treaty right to fish through various DFO-authorized fisheries. These fisheries include food, social and ceremonial (FSC), and communal commercial fisheries, including interim understandings reached to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
New fisheries support economic growth and innovation in coastal communities across the country. The Government of Canada is committed to increasing opportunity in the fishing and fish processing sectors to drive economic development without compromising conservation.
Louisbourg, Nova Scotia – On behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Lebouthillier, along with Allan MacLean from Louisbourg Seafoods, will make an announcement about the whelk fishery in Eastern Nova Scotia.
Providing our fishery officers with the equipment and tools they need to protect marine biodiversity is important to the Government of Canada. That is why we are ensuring that the vessels they use are modern, efficient and equipped to keep our officers safe.
On behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Lebouthillier, along with Rachelle Samson from Samson Enterprises, will make an announcement about the procurement of new vessels for Conservation and Protection.
The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s wildlife, biodiversity and fisheries resources for generations to come. Fishery officers with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) work hard to conserve and protect the environment by enforcing the rules and regulations set out in Canada's Fisheries Act. Failure to comply with the rules may lead to charges and fines for individuals and companies.