Canada is pleased with the outcomes reached at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting, which concluded on November 23. Canada entered the negotiations with a position that was based on the best available science, and aimed to conserve and regenerate fish stocks and the ecosystems on which they depend. As a result of the successful negotiations, Canada and other member nations are better positioned to regulate the fishing, conservation, and regeneration of a number of tuna, tuna-like, and shark species.
Canada is a proud ocean nation, with three oceans and the longest coastline in the world. With a wealth of diverse marine ecosystems, the fishery has long been a vital force in the economy, culture and way of life for so many communities across the country. On World Fisheries Day, we remember our responsibility to our oceans—
to protect and regenerate their marine ecosystems, so they can continue to provide us with food, employment and opportunities for generations to come.
June 5th is the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses a serious risk to our global oceans and economy. It threatens the livelihoods of law-abiding fish harvesters and it damages our marine ecosystems, and the countless lifeforms they sustain.
“I am pleased to announce today that we have reached an understanding that will see Potlotek First Nation fishing for a moderate livelihood and selling their catch starting Saturday, June 5, 2021
As we approach the 2021 fishing season on the East Coast, I am focused on solutions that protect all those who work in our fisheries, and provide everyone an opportunity to thrive.
The women and men of Canada’s fisheries are the backbone of our coastal, rural and Indigenous communities. They feed millions of households across the country and around the world. In 2019, Canada exported $7.4 billion worth of seafood.
Conservation and sustainability underpin everything we do at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Indigenous and commercial harvesters share this priority, as their livelihoods depend on the health of our oceans and seafood stocks.
“We thank the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs for their leadership and for the open, respectful and constructive conversation today, where we affirmed what the Marshall Decision declared over 20 years ago – that Mi’kmaw have a constitutionally protected treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
As we mark World Oceans Day, I am struck by the strength of Canadians. This pandemic has highlighted that Canadians do not give up – and neither will we. While staying safe, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are continuing to do the important work that our country needs to keep our oceans economy healthy and strong. Together we are here for Canada – we are determined, collaborating, and innovating during COVID-19.