Vancouver, BC - Canada’s oceans and waterways are home to diverse ecosystems that play a key role in the health of Canadians and the environment. Climate change, pollution, and shipping activities can impact marine life. Through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is increasing protections and further preserving these important marine ecosystems.
Today, the Government of Canada and Heiltsuk Nation signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their commitment of working together to enhance the Nation’s role in marine environmental response within Heiltsuk territory.
A complex six-year investigation into major habitat destruction along the Chilcotin and Kleena Kleene rivers has concluded with a total of $545,000 in fines, following three court cases.
The government of Canada recognizes the historical, cultural and economic importance of cod to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and is committed to the sustainable management of this iconic species.
Healthy fish stocks and prosperous fisheries rely on healthy and resilient ecosystems. Climate change, habitat degradation and other environmental challenges are putting stocks and ecosystems at risk.
Wild Pacific salmon are an emblematic species in British Columbia that face unprecedented threats to their survival. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting wild salmon and promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices.
The Government of Canada is working hard to stimulate the country's blue economy. For Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), contributing to the prosperity of coastal communities is of crucial importance. To this end, DFO is committed to assessing the feasibility of increasing the commercial lobster fishery in an additional region of Quebec, for the benefit of local communities.
Harbour infrastructure and innovation play a vital role for fish harvesters, giving them access to safe, modern facilities and supporting them in the development and acquisition of high-performance tools. This in turn supports the economic health of coastal communities, and contributes to a more prosperous blue economy.
The oceans are at the heart of our way of life – they are a source of culture, recreation, economic development and much more, from coast to coast to coast. Ghost gear, that is, abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, can damage marine habitat and pose a threat to marine life, including to endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale. To keep our waters healthy and protect the long-term sustainability of Canada's multi-billion dollar fishing industry, it is imperative to work with harvesters and other partners to find solutions to prevent fishing gear loss.
In the context of climate change and the resulting warming of the oceans, it is more important than ever for the Government of Canada to be agile, and to seize all new economic opportunities for the benefit of coastal communities. That is why Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) wants to evaluate the growth potential of the commercial lobster fishery in certain areas that were previously under-exploited in Quebec, always with the aim of supporting these local economies.
