Enforcing the Rules

Canada has legislation and regulations that set out the rules for the wild capture fishing industry.  Fish harvesters must have a commercial fishing license to fish in Canada and anywhere else in the world.  These fishing licenses contain the basic rules for the fishery.  DFO spends $130 million annually on monitoring, control and enforcement across Canada.  These rules are enforced by DFO fishery officers who monitor the wild capture fisheries.

Canada has one of the most advanced monitoring, control and surveillance programs in the world.  A variety of tools are used to monitor and enforce compliance with DFO rules.  Key elements of this program include:

• aerial and at-sea patrols to monitor fishing-vessel activity within and beyond Canada’s 200-mile limit
• independent onboard observers to monitor catch
• electronic catch monitoring
• electronic monitoring systems for fishing vessels and gear
• dockside monitoring services to monitor catch

Enforcing the rules across Canada’s seafood sector is an important element to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture operations. More than 630 fishery officers and 108 habitat officers are working across Canada to ensure fish harvesters comply with the rules.

More Information:

• Role of a DFO Fishery Officer
• Monitoring, Control and Surveillance – Canada’s Wild Fishery Enforcement Measures
  • Dockside Monitoring Program
  • Vessel Monitoring System