Cod is culturally and economically important to the people in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fisheries and Oceans Canada understands the heavy responsibility of fishery decisions, and the very real impact they have on the livelihoods of Canadians. When making decisions we consider the best available scientific advice, stakeholder input as well as economic impact.
Wild Pacific salmon are of great importance to communities in British Columbia, both culturally and economically. However, wild Pacific salmon are facing historic threats and experiencing significant population declines. It is a Government of Canada priority to protect and restore our oceans and coasts. Part of that work includes a mandate commitment to transition from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia’s coastal waters in a manner that protects wild salmon, the environment, and the economy.
Atlantic herring is a vital species in Atlantic Canada. As one of the largest commercial fisheries in Atlantic Canada, the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy herring stock directly or indirectly employs more than 1,000 people in rural Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and contributes over $140 million to the local economy.
The Government of Canada understands the need for safe and accessible harbours for hunters, harvesters, commercial fishers, and others in the Arctic. The federal government is committed to working with communities in Nunavut to deliver infrastructure that improves lives and helps to build stronger communities.
Northern cod is culturally, economically and historically important to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The Government of Canada is committed to responsibly managing stocks to ensure the sustainability of fish species so it can support sustainable fisheries now and for future generations.
Canada’s beautiful West Coast is home to unique marine ecosystems and iconic species, all contributing to the cultural identity of British Columbia. Seamounts, hydrothermal vents and glass sponge reefs highlight the incredible biodiversity that lies below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. But changes to the climate are making the waters warmer, more acidic, less oxygenated, causing some habitat and species loss, and impacting marine food webs. As stewards of our Pacific waters, it is important for us to understand how ocean conditions and aquatic life are being directly and indirectly affected by climate change and human activity, so we can continue to find sustainable solutions to protect and restore coastal areas and deep offshore waters, while ensuring sustainable fishing opportunities for present and future generations.
Canadian waters are home to diverse marine ecosystems, unique features, and important species that contribute not only to the health of our oceans, but to our cultural identity. With the impacts of climate change evident around the world, the work to prevent biodiversity loss and protect marine species and habitats has become urgent. Understanding how ocean conditions and aquatic life are being affected by climate change and human activity leads to more sustainable solutions to conserve Canadian’s waters, while ensuring fishing opportunities.
Capelin is essential to our ocean ecosystem as it is an important food source for many larger species, such as cod. It is also an important source of income for harvesters, plant workers, and coastal communities throughout parts of Atlantic Canada.
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 Nova Scotia (NS) today announced funding support to the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment (the Centre) through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF).
Building on the renewed understanding with Potlotek First Nation reached last month, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has reached an understanding with We’koqma’q First Nation that will see their members fishing jakej (lobster) in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and selling their catch in accordance with an amendment to We’koqma’q’s and Potlotek’s amended Netukulimk Livelihood Fisheries Plan and supported by a DFO-issued authorization. The plan was developed by the community with collaboration from Potlotek First Nation, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO).