Canada's Actions

[ List of Acronyms ]

Chronology of Canada's Actions to Curb Overfishing and Improve International Fisheries and Oceans Governance

2012 |2011 |2010 | 2009

2012

• Canada is satisfied with the science-based management measures for Atlantic bluefin tuna adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) at its annual meeting in Agadir, Morocco. The measures agreed to by the Commission will ensure the conservation of the fish stocks while continuing to provide economic opportunities for fishermen in Atlantic Canada. Canada was among the 48 member countries participating in the ICCAT meeting from November 12-19, 2012.
  November 20, 2012

• The Honourable Gail Shea, Acting Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced that the Harper government is taking the next steps in its efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by tabling amendments to Canada’s Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. The amendments include a broader definition of “fishing vessel” and tougher prohibitions against the importation of fish, marine plants, and seafood products from illegal sources.
  November 8, 2012

• The return of a Canadian Forces aircraft and its crew from Hakodate, Japan, marks the successful completion of the 2012 Operation High Seas Driftnet aerial surveillance mission in the North Pacific and highlights the close cooperation between Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Department of National Defence and the Government of Japan. Operation High Seas Driftnet is part of a collaborative international initiative of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission to deter illegal fishing activity using ongoing aerial and at-sea patrols, as well as sophisticated satellite imaging technology including Canada’s Radarsat-2.
  October 12, 2012

• Canada has been recognized as the world leader in fisheries research by top researchers around the world in the Council of Canadian Academies report: The State of Science and Technology in Canada, 2012.
  September 27, 2012

• The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization has agreed on total allowable catch and other conservation measures to protect key stocks and vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Northwest Atlantic, as well as measures to strengthen catch reporting and science-based advice. The Government of Canada is satisfied with the outcomes of the meeting, which are overall positive for Canada and its fishing industry.
  September 21, 2012

• The Government of Canada and the Government of the Russian Federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries cooperation that aims to enhance cooperation between the Sides in preventing, deterring and eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through the exchange of information on vessels entitled to fly the flag of one State seeking to enter or found in a port of the other State.
  July 11, 2012

2011

• Several key species, including North Atlantic swordfish and Atlantic Bluefin tuna, will benefit from stronger management measures, following the 2011 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas which wrapped up on November 19, 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. Members made progress towards the implementation of a new electronic catch documentation scheme for Atlantic bluefin tuna and adopted a management plan for North Atlantic swordfish. Canada is committed to the economic growth of the fishery industry in a sustainable manner based on scientific advice.
  November 22, 2011

• During a trade and cooperation mission in Japan, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, aims to advance cooperation between both countries to strengthen the international conservation and management measures of migratory species important to Canada and Japan, most notably tuna and swordfish. Minister Ashfield also wants to promote Canadian fish and seafood products to Japanese industry representatives and highlight Canada’s desire to enhance the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.
  November 3, 2011

• Minister Ashfield is hosting industry roundtable meetings between potential importers and exporters of Canadian products while attending the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Qingdao. The Minister is advancing Canada's interests in developing broader cooperation on trade and increased collaboration on fisheries and oceans management with China.
  November 1, 2011

• Randy Kamp, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, welcomed participants to the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission annual meeting in Nanaimo, British Columbia, highlighting the importance of science and salmon conservation. The international cooperative scientific research and exchange of information taking place at this meeting is essential to improving our knowledge in support of Pacific salmon survival and complements Canada’s conservation efforts to ensure the long term sustainability of this important species.
  October 24, 2011

• At the 2011 meeting in Halifax of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), Canada achieved all of our objectives for the conservation of our important fisheries resources. NAFO agreed on a package of management and compliance measures for the conservation and rebuilding of key fish stocks under the Organization’s responsibility, including cod, Greenland halibut and shrimp, as well as to further protect vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Northwest Atlantic.
  September 23, 2011

2010

• Minister Shea announces that Canada has signed the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA).  The PSMA constitutes an international effort to strengthen fisheries governance around the world and to tackle the problem of IUU fishing by setting strong international minimum standards to prevent illegal fisheries products from entering markets through port access.
  November 22
   
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada again contributes to important multinational fisheries enforcement activities in the North Pacific Ocean to protect high seas fish stocks from illegal fishing activities. Dubbed “Operation Driftnet,” this year’s long-range air surveillance patrols took place over a 12 day period from September 23 to October 4, 2010. These patrols are supported by satellite (radarsat2) imagery and other intelligence compiled with the support of the Canadian Forces.
  November 10
   
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada announces that Canada has rejoined the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) as a full member. Of particular importance to Canada is the sustainable management of Pacific albacore tuna stocks and the long-term prosperity of the Pacific albacore tuna fishery, which brings in between $20 and $30 million dollars each year in Canada.
  October 8
   
• Minister Shea announces that the Government of Canada has begun proactive work under a new Action Plan to combat the threat posed by invasive Asian carp to the Great Lakes and its tributaries.
  October 7
   
• Canada and China signed a renewed memorandum of understanding on ocean cooperation. In addition to facilitating collaborative work and the exchange of scientific information, the MOU provides for cooperative science that will support an ecosystem approach to oceans management.  The goal is to understand how to maintain ocean ecosystems in healthy and productive condition, while allowing for sustainable use of the goods and services they provide.
  October 4
   
• The North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) took further action to rebuild groundfish stocks and to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. NAFO members reinforced their commitment to the Precautionary Approach by adopting sustainable measures for the management, re-building, and conservation of the stocks under their mandate, notably cod, Greenland halibut, and northern shrimp, as well as for the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
  September 24
   
• Minister Shea announces the closure of Canadian ports to Faroese and Greenlandic fishing vessels as of February 15, unless they withdraw their objection to the 3L shrimp quota set by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO).
  February 14
   
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada collaborates with the U.S. to protect Great Lakes fisheries, including continued efforts to control the spread of invasive species like Asian carps into the Great Lakes.
  February 11

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada Catch Certification Office opened officially on December 1, 2009. It issues catch certificates to Canadian exporters, in accordance with the European Union regulation combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the competent authority that is solely responsible for the administration of Canada’s Catch Certification Program.
  February 8, 2010
   
• Minister Shea has warned Fisheries Ministers in the Faroe Islands and Greenland that Canada will begin denying port access licences to fishing vessels flagged to the Faroe Islands and Greenland as of February 15, 2010 unless the objection to their NAFO quota of 3L shrimp is withdrawn and they comply with the existing NAFO quota.
  January 26  

2009

• Canada Calls on The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to take action to protect the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna from illegal fishing activities.
  November 4
   
• The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) announces strong new actions to protect fish stocks and vulnerable marine ecosystems, including the closures of 11 sponge and coral areas to bottom fishing.
  September 25
   
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada announces a groundbreaking international survey of the largely unknown deep water terrain of the Continental Shelf off Canada’s East Coast. This research project conducted by international scientists working through the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization is the largest of its kind conducted in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
  August 24
   
• Minister Shea announces that Canada and the U.S. have ratified the renewed Pacific Salmon Treaty. The negotiated changes will help ensure the long term sustainability of salmon stocks and fair access for salmon harvesters on both sides of the border. The renewed treaty came into effect on January 1, 2009 and will remain in place through 2018.
  January 5