| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Canada remains committed to strengthening and promoting Canadian fish and seafood abroad while pursuing new opportunities and expanding markets to support the growth and diversification of Canada’s fish and seafood sector.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Accurate reporting of fish catch is a vital part of ensuring sustainable stock management and supporting conservation measures. It also impacts food safety and Canada’s ability to meet its treaty and international obligations. Under Canada’s Fisheries Act, it is illegal for any person to make a false or misleading statement, either orally or in writing, to a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) fishery officer. Failing to abide by the rules can lead to serious consequences.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released the What We Heard document summarizing the results of the 2025 Food Fishery survey. Launched by the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries in fall 2025, the survey drew the highest level of participation ever recorded for a DFO survey. More than 9,500 surveys and over 100 written submissions were received.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced a next step in strengthening the long-term conservation and rebuilding of wild Pacific salmon with the expansion of mass marking of all DFO hatchery-origin Chinook salmon in southern British Columbia.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Wild Pacific salmon are central to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of British Columbia and Yukon. They are a lifeforce for ecosystems, a foundation for coastal and inland communities, and a species of deep significance to Indigenous Peoples.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
On Saturday, March 28, the Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association celebrated the establishment of the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Nunavut, bringing Canada one step closer to protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030. Partners also marked the recent signing of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement covering these marine areas as well as terrestrial areas in the Belcher Islands, which are soon to be designated as Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Small craft harbours are critically important to coastal communities and to Canada’s fishing economies. In the Arctic, these harbours serve as community marine infrastructure that enhance safety, improve access and contribute to Canada’s broader Arctic sovereignty.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced that the 2026 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the Newfoundland and Labrador Snow crab fishery will be 61,004 tonnes, representing a 3% decrease from 2025.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
North Atlantic right whales are one of the most endangered large whale species in the world. With recent population estimates at roughly 380, they face serious threats to their survival and recovery from the risk of fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes. The Government of Canada continues to implement measures to protect this endangered species in close consultation with industry.
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | news releases
The Government of Canada is committed to sustainable and orderly fisheries that support rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities. These fisheries rely on the best available science advice. In Southwest Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and Southwest New Brunswick, the elver fishery is an important source of income for commercial licence holders, and First Nations communities.
