Notice

On June 29, 2012, the Fisheries Act was amended. Policy and regulations are now being developed to support the new fisheries protection provisions of the Act (which are not yet in force). The existing guidance and policies continue to apply. For more information, see Changes to the Fisheries Act.

Why Protect Fish and Fish Habitat?

Canada is the steward of a significant amount of the world's fresh and marine waters.  These waters provide habitats that are essential for the natural production of abundant and diverse aquatic species.  Some aquatic populations such as salmon play a critical role in the cultural fabric, social well-being, and economic wealth of Canadians.  Wise long-term management and healthy habitats are necessary for aquatic life to reproduce, live, and grow.  We depend on thriving aquatic ecosystems to sustain the following:

• the integrity and biological diversity of Canada's freshwater and marine ecosystems;
• the way of life and culture for Aboriginal, rural, and coastal communities from coast to coast to coast;
• the goods and services that many aquatic species provide to Canadians;
• the subsistence, recreational and commercial fisheries that provide jobs for more than 80,000 Canadians and contributes billions of dollars annually to the economy including substantial exports of fish and seafood products.

Aquatic resources and their habitat represent a powerful symbol and strong indicator of the quality of Canada's environment. The cultural value and long-term productivity of Canada's aquatic resources depends not only on carefully managing fish populations, but also the habitats that support them.