With the longest coastline on the planet and approximately 20% of the world’s freshwater resources, Canada is home to incredibly diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Small craft harbours play a vital role in our community, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians. In addition to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s annual budget of $90 million to upgrade small craft harbours, Budget 2024 announced $463.3 million over three years for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25.
Ensuring our fishery officers have the equipment and tools they need to protect marine biodiversity and enforce the Fisheries Act is important to the Government of Canada.
A Pakenham, Ontario landowner has been ordered to carry out extensive remediation work, estimated to cost $1,000,000, after destroying fish habitat on a tributary of the Indian River. The Ontario Court of Justice issued the order following a Fisheries Act investigation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Quebec’s fish and seafood industry needs to adapt to an ever-changing market. Working together through the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF), the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are helping the industry to innovate and encourage the use of new technologies and processes to support the sustainable development of the sector.
Partnerships with Indigenous communities are integral to efforts to regenerate salmon populations for the benefit of all Canadians. These collaborations draw upon the rich cultural and ecological practices that First Nations have upheld for generations. By working together, Canada and First Nations are developing strategies to better incorporate Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and stewardship practices in Pacific salmon recovery efforts.
As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to grow the economy, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced today an investment of $27 million for the fishing harbours of Natashquan, Kegaska and Baie-Trinité, on Quebec's North Shore.
Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between raising a family and their job. And that is especially true for those that work in Canada’s fishing industry where it is as much a culture and lifestyle as it is a job.
Dependable and timely fisheries catch data is essential to supporting sustainable fisheries and strong coastal economies. Historically, fish harvesters have provided this catch data to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) via paper logbooks, slowing down decision-making for fisheries management and protection.