Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced $4.79 million in funding for ten projects as part of the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR). This investment directly supports conservation and recovery for aquatic species at risk in BC.
Canada’s marine species are a precious resource and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s mandate is to help sustain and protect them, now and for the future.
An orderly and well regulated elver fishery is essential for the long term sustainability of this high-value species. Now that strengthened regulations and tracking tools are in place to allow for the harvest, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is consulting with licence holders to finalize an opening date in the coming weeks.
Small craft harbours are at the heart of many coastal communities. They bring people together for work and recreation, while providing safe and accessible facilities for the fish and seafood industry, which employs approximately 45,000 Canadians.
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.