The Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program is delivering financial support to self-employed harvesters across the country who are facing hardships brought on by the economic impact of COVID-19. The Program provides eligible indigenous and non-indigenous fish harvesters with the financial support they need right now, while also positioning the sector for a strong recovery in the long-term.
Today, the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) met virtually to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, and how to position the sector for a strong economic recovery in the long-term. They also discussed other priority topics, including creating good jobs in these industries, reducing the impact of aquatic invasive species, financial support for Canada’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, trade, and sustainable aquaculture development.
Canada is an ocean nation. Canadians rely on healthy, marine ecosystems to sustain our economy, our food supply, and our coastal communities. But the ocean is a shared resource that requires global cooperation to protect and manage.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s wildlife and biodiversity and safeguarding the long-term health and productivity of Canada’s fisheries resources. These efforts include enforcing the Fisheries Act and Marine Mammal Regulations. On Aug. 24, 2020, B.C. harvester Allan Marsden pleaded guilty in Courtenay Provincial Court to disturbing marine mammals under section 7.1(b) of the Marine Mammal Regulations. Mr. Marsden was fined $8,000 and prohibited from possessing explosives for the next three years.
The governments of Canada and Quebec are announcing close to $500,000 to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of the Quebec fish and seafood sector. The federal government will contribute $342,656 to these five projects, while the Quebec government will contribute $146,853.
Canada’s fish and seafood harvesters are the driving economic force behind many coastal and rural communities. Canadians across the country have faced hardship due to COVID-19, but our fisheries have faced unique challenges.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is proud to welcome the 30 graduates of troop 119 to the ranks of more than 600 fishery officers across the country. Canada’s fishery officers perform a crucial role in conserving and protecting Canada’s marine and coastal areas, as well as fisheries resources and habitat.
Sustainable aquaculture is a cornerstone of Canada’s fish and seafood sector, playing an important role in the country’s food security and helping drive economic growth, particularly in rural, coastal, and Indigenous communities.
Canada’s fish and seafood harvesters are the driving economic force behind many coastal and rural communities. Hardship and uncertainty are felt across the economy due to COVID-19, but our fisheries have faced unique challenges that require direct solutions.
