Comment on a draft national fishery monitoring policy

Fisheries and Oceans Canada sought feedback on drafts of:

• a national fishery monitoring policy
• guidance on implementing the national fishery monitoring policy

We'll use your feedback to develop appropriate policy that will apply to all federally managed fisheries, including:

• commercial
• recreational
• food, social and ceremonial

Who was the focus of this consultation

We sought feedback from:

• Indigenous peoples
• commercial and recreational fish harvesters
• non-governmental organizations
• service providers
• others with an interest in fisheries

Why we're developing a national policy

We don't have a national policy on catch reporting and fishery monitoring. This has led to:

• an absence of national goals for catch reporting and monitoring in fisheries with which to assess performance
• inconsistent monitoring and reporting requirements and no explanation for the differences
• some concerns about the adequacy and quality of data from fishery monitoring programs, which is needed to manage fisheries

Catch reporting and fishery monitoring is essential for the proper management of fisheries. Fishery managers, scientists and others need to know information such as:

• catch quantities
• types and levels of bycatch
• the location and timing of fishing activities

This information is needed for:

• science stock assessments and the long-term sustainable management of fisheries
• maintaining public confidence in the management of fisheries and the health of fish stocks and ecosystems
• Canadian fisheries to maintain market access, such as by helping to meet the requirements for eco-certification

Ongoing monitoring program

We will continue administering fisheries monitoring programs, such as:

• log books and elogs
• at-sea observers
• dockside monitoring
• vessel monitoring systems
• electronic monitoring
• other operational programming related to catch reporting and monitoring

The new policy will inform operational programing by setting overall objectives and principles for fishery monitoring programs and providing the necessary tools and guidance to implement the policy.

Related information

• summary of the policy statement
• the policy statement
• summary of the steps to implement the policy
• steps to implement the fishery monitoring policy
• Sustainable Fisheries Framework

Contact us

Marc Clemens
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
14W-084, 200 Kent St
Ottawa ON  K1A 0E6

Email: DFO.NAT.FMP-PSP.NAT.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca