Vancouver, BC – The regeneration of wild Pacific salmon populations is fundamental to rebuilding a healthy ocean ecosystem. Wild Pacific salmon are also vitally important for food and cultural purposes, of many Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia. This is why protecting wild salmon stocks and their habitat is a priority for both the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Canada’s fisheries are the backbone of many coastal communities and a driving force of the economy. The seafood sector is a rapidly shifting environment – competition is intensifying, consumers are looking for sustainability and quality. That is why the Government of Canada and the Province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) today announced funding support to the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).
The Great Lakes are critically important to Canadians, to our environment, and to our economy. Through Budget 2022: A plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments to protect our freshwater fishery resources, the economies, and people who rely upon them.
Snow crab is the backbone of the fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s management practices in recent years, supported by evidence-based science advice, favourable ocean conditions, and the stewardship of local harvesters, have rejuvenated the snow crab stock in most areas throughout the Province. Improvements in the stock are likely to continue in the short-term and point to continued growth and a sustainable fishery into the future.
The long-term prosperity of Canada’s seafood sector depends on abundant fish stocks and healthy ecosystems. In Eastern Canada, pelagic forage fish, like herring and mackerel, play a vital role in the ecosystem and the fishing industry. They are an important food source for other species, including tuna and Atlantic cod, and are a traditional source of bait in some commercial fisheries, including lobster and snow crab.
Snow crab is one of Canada’s most profitable fisheries and is a significant economic driver in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Due to Canada’s robust science and sustainable fishery management practices, the snow crab stock in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is healthy and is showing signs of continued health.
With the longest coastline in the world, Canada’s coastal communities rely on the fish and seafood industry as an integral contributor to local and regional economies. This is why the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick today announced funding support to McGraw Seafood through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).
As a nation of three oceans and surrounded by cold, pristine waters, Canada is home to some of the best quality fish and seafood products in the world. With high standards for sustainability and food safety, our premium fish and seafood continues to be prized around the world. In 2021, Canadians worked hard to export $8.7 billion worth of fish and seafood to 119 countries.
