Language selection

Search

A modernized Fisheries Act for Canada

On June 21, 2019 Canada modernized the Fisheries Act. Find out what it means for you.

On August 28th, 2019 provisions of the new Fisheries Act came into force including new protections for fish and fish habitat in the form of standards, codes of practice, and guidelines for projects near water.


Transcript

Canada is home to many species of fish and an abundance of water
We love them for many reasons
The Government of Canada is protecting our fish and our waters
We’re modernizing the Fisheries Act
Helping us to safeguard fish and protect the environment
For the benefit of future generations

Introducing the modernized Act

Changes to the Fisheries Act will help:

  • restore protections for fish and fish habitat
  • enhance marine protection and habitat restoration
  • improve management of projects
  • preserve independent inshore fisheries
  • strengthen Indigenous role in project reviews, monitoring and policy development

Learn more


What the new Fisheries Act means for:

Indigenous peoples

Promotes the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership with Indigenous communities.

Industry

Clearer permitting and codes of practice for responsible development around fish and their habitat.

Fish harvesters

Supporting strong and independent inshore commercial fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

Fish and fish habitat

Restores protections, like the prohibition against the harmful alteration, disruption, and destruction of fish habitat.

Biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity and addressing urgent threats to conservation and fisheries.

Restoring and rebuilding

New measures support restoration of damaged habitat and rebuilding of fish stocks.


Fisheries Act enforcement

Fishery officer

Over 600 fishery officers across Canada will enforce the changes to the Fisheries Act through education and increased monitoring.

Learn more

What we heard from you

What we heard from you infographic

Description

2163 Canadians registered online
5438 completed e-workbooks
Over 170 meetings with Indigenous groups
Over 200 Indigenous group submissions
Over 200 letters to the Minister

We modernized the Fisheries Act using feedback from stakeholders, partners and Indigenous peoples that we received through online public consultation, in-person meetings and written submissions.

Learn more

Date modified: