Forward Regulatory Plan 2026-2028

The Forward Regulatory Plan (FRP) is a public overview of anticipated regulatory changes or actions that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) intends to bring forward or undertake. It is intended to give Indigenous groups, consumers, business, other stakeholders and trading partners greater opportunity to inform the development of regulations and to plan for the future. It should be noted that this FRP is subject to change and will be adjusted and updated over time to reflect changes to DFO’s operating environment. Its purpose is to provide a general snapshot of potential regulatory changes that may be proposed following appropriate policy development and consultation. It should not be treated as an advance copy of regulatory text.

In addition to describing regulatory changes under consideration, the FRP also identifies public consultation opportunities and a departmental contact point for each regulatory initiative.

Proposed Regulatory Initiatives

Aquatic Invasive Species

• Amendments to the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations

Fisheries Management

• British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996
• Nunavut Fishery Regulations
• Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993 - Stand-Alone Licenses for Lingcod and Spiny Dogfish
• Amendments to the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations and the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations – Tending Fishing Gear
• Amendments to the Atlantic Fishery Regulations (Lobster Fishing Area 37)
• Amendments to various regulations under the Fisheries Act (Close times)
• Amendments to the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations
• Amendments to the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations (Inland fisheries)

Fish and Fish Habitat Protection

• Prescribed Works and Waters Regulations
• Amendments to the Authorizations Concerning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Regulations

Fisheries Policy

• Fishery (General) Regulations – Fish Stocks

Marine Mammal Conservation

• Marine Mammal Regulations – Southern Resident Killer Whale approach distance

Marine Protected Areas and Marine Conservation

• Marine Protected Areas
• Biodiversity Protection Regulations (s.43.3 of the Fisheries Act)

Species At Risk (Aquatic)

• Proposed Listing Decisions for Aquatic Species under the Species at Risk Act
• Orders for the Critical Habitat of Aquatic Species listed under the Species at Risk Act

Provincial/Territorial Regulatory Amendments

Regulations Amending Certain Provincial or Territorial Regulations made under Federal Legislation

For more information

• Government-Wide Forward Regulatory Plans
• Cabinet Directive on Regulation
• Developing and improving federal regulations

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.