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Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO)
Supplementary Estimates B 2024-2025

Table of contents

A – Opening remarks

Good afternoon, Mr. Chair.

I’m pleased to be here today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg [Ah-nish-in-ah-beg] people to present the 2024-25 Supplementary Estimates ‘B’ on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Through these supplementary estimates, I’m seeking $531.1 million. This consists of $524.7 million in voted appropriations and $6.4 million in statutory appropriations.

In terms of the voted appropriations, the bulk of this funding will be distributed across the following four areas.

Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence

First, I’m seeking $200 million for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence.

In 2022, our government pledged up to $800 million to support up to four Indigenous-led Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiatives. This includes the Great Bear Sea PFP. This project supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2030.

This model for stewardship, conservation and sustainable economic development will support the implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network.

This MPA network aims to protect one of the world’s most environmentally and culturally significant cold-water environments. Once in place, it will contribute an additional 0.3 per cent to the protection of Canada’s oceans with additional socio-economic outcomes anticipated through 3,000 new jobs and 200 new businesses over the next 20 years.

This investment will be distributed across two key funding streams.

The Community Prosperity Fund will receive $120 million to support community development, cultural programming, scaling up of stewardship infrastructure, and conservation-based economic development as determined by the First Nations communities.

The remaining $80 million will go towards the Marine Stewardship Fund, which is an endowment to support ongoing management and stewardship activities by the Partner First Nations in perpetuity.

Small Craft Harbours

Through these supplementary estimates I’m also seeking $112.8 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours.

As federal Fisheries Minister, small craft harbours has been one of my top priorities. This vital coastal infrastructure supports Canada’s thriving fish and seafood sector, which employed over 45,000 people in 2022.

With almost 950 small craft harbours in the federal inventory, it takes a considerable amount of time, effort and money to ensure they are kept in good working condition. This has become even more challenging in the face of extreme weather events.

In Budget 2024, our government set aside $463 million for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours. This is in addition to the program’s ongoing annual budget of approximately $90 million.

The funding I’m requesting today will be used to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, through upfront investments in climate resilient infrastructure.

Small craft harbours are at the heart of many coastal and Indigenous communities. Ensuring they are safe, accessible, well maintained and built to withstand the impacts of climate change will contribute to the long-term economic prosperity of the fish and seafood sector, and the communities that rely on them.

Moderate Livelihood

I’m also seeking $66.3 million to continue implementing the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.

Thirty-four Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey First Nations in the Maritimes and Gaspé regions, and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, have a treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. Our government recognizes this right and continues to work with First Nations to implement the Marshall decisions.

The funding I’m requesting today will be used to grow fisheries capacity for Marshall communities and advance dialogue at various nation-to-nation fisheries negotiation tables.

Three objectives guide my Department in this ongoing work and it’s through this lens that we can continue to find common ground.

First, we recognize the need to advance reconciliation with Marshall First Nations.

Second, we understand that the conservation and preservation of the ocean environment can support access to healthy marine resources for generations to come.

And, third, we know how important it is to have orderly, well-managed fisheries that allow harvesters to fish without interference.

Collectively, our goal is to have fisheries that are peaceful, productive and prosperous, that uphold the Marshall decisions, and ensure that Treaty Nations are able to exercise their rights in a way that is reflective of their visions and needs.

Reconciliation

Finally, I’m seeking $60.1 million to advance reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues.

Guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, my Department is committed to building a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples that is based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.

While there’s still much work to be done, we continue to make progress in furthering a more collaborative approach to managing Canada’s fisheries and ocean resources.

As part of this effort, we’re working closely with many Indigenous communities across the country through a suite of capacity-building programs and through negotiated agreements to:

I am personally committed to these collaborative arrangements with Indigenous peoples to ensure we deliver on reconciliation, economic outcomes and the sustainable use of resources.

Conclusion

Mr. Chair: in addition to these four main increases, these supplementary estimates include 18 additional items that are valued at $85.5 million for initiatives with lower funding requirements and for technical adjustments such as transfers to other government departments.

If committee members have questions related to any of these financials, I would be pleased to answer them now.

Thank you.

B - Placemat

Supplementary Estimates B 2024-2025

C1 and C2 - Supplementary Estimates B - Issue Note

These Supplementary Estimates are the second supplementary exercise for 2024-25.

$531.1 million is being presented, consisting of $524.7 million in voted appropriations and $6.4 million in statutory appropriations.

The $524.7 million in voted appropriations is primarily comprised of funding for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence; repair and maintain small craft harbours; continuing implementation of the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and advancing reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues.

Statutory appropriations of $6.4 million reflect updates to the Department’s employee benefit plans.

C3 - Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence

The Government of Canada, 17 First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and Coast Funds announced the signing of the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence Agreement on June 25, 2024. This represents a historic milestone that will advance reconciliation and Indigenous-led marine conservation on Canada’s west coast.

The Indigenous-led Initiative will bring $335 million to the region with Contributions of $200 million from the Government of Canada, $60 million from the Province of British Columbia and $75 million from philanthropic organizations in Canada and around the world.

Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence partners are currently advancing implementation of the initiative, which includes advancing a Network of Marine Protected Areas in the Northern Shelf Bioregion that will contribute to Canada’s 30 per cent by 2030 marine conservation target.

C4 - Small Craft Harbours Program

Small craft harbours are one of my top priorities. They are critical infrastructure for many coastal communities, supporting their economic prosperity.

Budget 2024 announced, $463.3 million over three years for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25.

C5 - Fleet Renewal

It is critical that the Canadian Coast Guard has the ships it needs to deliver essential marine navigation, search and rescue, and other safety services.

We have made significant progress: since 2015, the Coast Guard has taken delivery of three large vessels and 19 small vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, 23 helicopters and four Interim Icebreakers.

C6 - Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing

Our government is committed to advancing reconciliation, and renewing the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to advance the dialogue on moderate livelihood and looks forward to engaging with First Nations on the renewed approach to further support the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.

The Department has enabled benefits to communities of over $191 million in annual landings and over $100 million in secondary economic benefits.

Our goal is to have fisheries that are peaceful, productive, and prosperous, that uphold the Marshall decisions, and ensure that Treaty Nations are able to exercise their rights in a way that is reflective of their visions and needs.

Financial Notes

D7 - Refocus Government Spending

Budget 2023 and the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced a total of $15.8 billion in savings over five years, and $4.8 billion ongoing, to be refocused towards the priorities that matter most to Canadians today, including health care, dental care, and investments in Canada’s economic plan.

As part of meeting this commitment, the Government approved the following spending reductions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG):

The Department is committed to achieving these savings with limited impact on our services and employees, as well as ensuring that the reductions do not affect our Indigenous reconciliation activities and are not concentrated in the regions.

To achieve our overall savings target of $135.4 million, the Department will:

D8 - DFO HR Profile

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has received substantive incremental funding over the years to deliver on large scale and time-sensitive Government of Canada priorities and consequently, saw its workforce grow from 10,208 in March 2015 to 15,846 in March 2024, representing an increase of 55.2 per cent (or 5,638 employees). Included in this growth is an increase of 47.0 per cent of the Executive Cadre (from 198 to 291 executives) to provide the leadership required to deliver on new and/or expanded mandate commitments.

There are approximately 613 Conservation and Protection officers (fishery officers and supervisors).

Although the growth of the Department is slightly greater than that of the Federal Public Service [43.6 per cent growth within the Public Service and 55.2 per cent growth in DFO], the increase of DFO’s workforce and its Executive Cadre is proportionate to the level of new investment received.

D9 - Overtime at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for managing Canada’s fisheries and oceans resources and protecting its waters and all mariners. Safeguarding our waters is a 24-hour responsibility.

The Government of Canada is committed to the prudent management of public resources.

As a department we are reviewing all operational requirements for overtime in order to limit its use where operationally required and to ensure that it is allocated in accordance with collective agreements and/or terms and conditions of employment.

D10 - Atlantic Fisheries Fund

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in Canada’s fish and seafood sector. That is why it is investing over $400 million through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, in partnership with the four Atlantic provincial governments.

Since 2017, 95 per cent of the Atlantic program funds have been committed with over 1,244 approved projects valued at over $359 million.

D11- Quebec Fisheries Fund

The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a contribution fund of $42.8 million, over five years (2019 to 2024). The program is designed to support innovation and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.

To date, the Quebec Fisheries Fund has supported 179 projects, and four are in the approval process. Six projects in which redfish is either the main component or an important part of the project objective have been approved, and three more projects of this nature are in the approval process. Redfish projects total Quebec Fisheries Fund assistance of over $3.6 million.

Interest in the Quebec Fisheries Fund program remains strong with more than 20 projects under evaluation, seeking funding of over $6.3 million.

D12 - British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF)

The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund is a contribution program funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments. Providing up to $254.08 million over seven years (2019 – 2026) to support protection and restoration activities for salmon and priority wild fish stocks.

170 projects have received funding with 84 per cent of those projects focusing on wild Pacific salmon species.

Interest in the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund remains strong, and our provincial partner has indicated that they are interested in extending funding beyond our end date of March 31, 2026, to continue to protect and restore salmon populations.

Canadian Coast Guard

E13 - Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels and Shipbreaking

The Wrecked, Abandoned, or Hazardous Vessels Act establishes legal responsibility for owners to maintain their vessels and provides the Canadian Coast Guard with authorities to direct owners to take action when a vessel poses a hazard to the marine environment, public safety, or local infrastructure.

The Canadian Coast Guard has adopted a graduated approach to compliance and enforcement, and works with vessel owners to explain their responsibilities. In cases where owners are non-compliant, enforcement authorities include administrative monetary penalties and fines.

E14 - Maritime Search and Rescue

The Canadian Coast Guard is the federal lead for maritime search and rescue in Canada, and marine safety is our highest priority.

The Canadian Coast Guard serves the maritime community in Canada 24/7, along 243,000 kilometers of coastline; the longest coastline in the world. Every year, the Canadian Coast Guard responds to more than 6,000 calls for maritime assistance. On a typical day, the Canadian Coast Guard coordinates response to 18 search and rescue incidents, assists 47 people, and saves 13 lives.

Thanks to the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard continues to work with partners to build maritime search and rescue capacity.

E15 - Lighthouse Staffing

The Canadian Coast Guard uses 17,000 aids to navigation, including light stations, to help mariners confirm their position, stay inside navigable channels, and avoid marine hazards.

The Department has 241 light stations, of which 200 serve an operational purpose.

Forty-nine light stations on the British Columbia and Atlantic coasts are staffed by Canadian Coast Guard personnel. All other lightstations are un-staffed. All Canadian Coast Guard aids to navigation, including all light stations, are fully automated for Canadian Coast Guard purposes.

As operational requirements continue to evolve, the Department is working to evaluate modernizing the delivery of navigational services at light station sites and explore options for the preservation of heritage light stations.

DFO Issues

F16 – DFO Enforcement

Our government is committed to sustainably managing fisheries and conserving and protecting fish and fish habitat. We prioritize ensuring fisheries are carried out in an orderly manner.

We prioritize enforcement on areas of greatest risk and use every tool in our toolkit including:

Fishery officers have discretion in exercising their function, which can  range from issuing warnings to seizing gear and laying charges, as circumstances warrant. This progressive enforcement approach ensures a balanced response to violations while protecting fish and their habitats.

F17 - Lobster Fishery in St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia

As a limited biological resource, conservation and sustainability underpin our management of the fisheries.

The latest science advice shows that lobster stock remains in the Healthy zone.

Our approach to enforcing the Fisheries Act is based on respect for conservation, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and transparent and predictable management of the fishery.

Our fishery officers enforce the Fisheries Act. This includes taking enforcement action when individuals are harvesting without a department-issued authorization or are in violation of the Fisheries Act and associated regulations.

Our officers work with partner organizations such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, police of jurisdiction and provincial counterparts when there are violations that go beyond Conservation and Protection’s legal authorities.

The Department is working to ensure that Indigenous harvesters can exercise their treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood and their Constitutionally-protected right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes; and that the fishing taking place in Nova Scotia complies with the Fisheries Act, and other associated regulations.

F18 – Cash Sales

Mitigating unreported landings and illegal sales remains a priority for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The complex and multi-jurisdictional nature of the underground economy linked to illegal sales and unreported landings requires a collaborative approach to address this issue.

Departmental officials have been engaging and collaborating with both provincial governments and other Government of Canada agencies and departments.

DFO recognizes the importance of disrupting the activities of those engaged in activities that do not comply with the Fisheries Act, and benefiting from the income derived from the illegal sale of unreported landings.

F19 - Enforcing Owner Operator

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is committed to promoting viable and profitable operations for small, independent fishing enterprises through the Owner-Operator policy.

This policy ensures that fishing licences and their associated benefits remain in the hands of independent, small-vessel owner-operators, thereby supporting the sustainability and independence of Canada’s inshore fisheries.

We continue to implement the inshore regulations to preserve the principles of Owner Operator and Fleet Separation.

F20 - Foreign Ownership

The Department acknowledges the concerns expressed by the Committee in their 2023 report titled “Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota”. A Government Response was tabled in April 2024.

The Department is now engaging First Nations and key stakeholders on a variety of topics highlighted by the Committee, including foreign ownership and the viability of inshore-style policies in Pacific fisheries, through the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagement.

Roundtables hosted by the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary are planned for December to hear from First Nations and stakeholders on these issues.

Meaningful engagement with First Nations and commercial fishery participants, as well as careful consideration and analysis of potential impacts, are required before policy changes can be considered.

F21 - Northern Cod Fishery

The reopened commercial fishery is generating significant economic benefits for the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, including good paying jobs in the commercial fishery and processing industry. In fact, the inshore fishery was quite successful this year. Overall, the inshore allocation of approximately 15,071 tonnes was fully harvested with a landed value of about $27 million.

The Nunatsiavut Government is nearing full utilization of their allocation and the Innu Nation, the NunatuKavut Community Council and the offshore fleet is expected to begin fishing their allocations soon. 

As with all fisheries management decisions, the Department carefully considered science advice, Indigenous perspectives, stakeholder views, and socio-economic factors affecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal communities.

Stewardship and conservation remain key principles in the management of this fishery. We continue to closely monitor fishing activity and will adjust management measures as needed.

The stock assessment model was peer-reviewed by internal and external experts through our Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat and accepted.

F22 - Elver Fishery

In recent years, the elver fishery in the Maritimes Region has experienced an increase of unauthorized fishing, causing conservation and safety concerns. In response to the severe and ongoing nature of these concerns, I made the difficult decision not to open the elver fishery for the 2024 season.

I instructed my Department to work with First Nations, the elver fishing industry, and other stakeholders to chart a path forward. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable, orderly, and safe fisheries for all participants, a review of the elver fishery is underway. The review has three key areas of focus:

The Department is consulting on a potential 50 per cent reallocation of the elver fishery total allowable catch, to increase First Nations participation in the fishery.

The Department is also consulting on a pilot to redistribute access to 150 new interim commercial licences, for up to three years, without increasing overall the total allowable catch effort in the fishery.

The proposed Regulations were posted in Canada Gazette I for a 70-day consultation period, which closed on September 7, 2024, and work to have them in place for a 2025 fishing season is ongoing.

A new elver traceability reporting system is being developed to support monitoring the fishery from harvest to export.

The proposed regulations and a new traceability system will support deterrence and prosecution for non-compliance in the courts.

F23 - Redfish and Shrimp Fisheries

The sharp decline in the abundance of shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence is a cause for concern for the future of this commercial fishery.

Due to the state of these shrimp stocks, the Department will develop a rebuilding plan to be implemented by fall of 2025. Consultations on the development of this plan will take place in autumn 2024 and winter 2025.

On May 31, 2024, the management plan for the 2024 Redfish Unit 1 commercial fishery was announced, including a total allowable catch of 60,000 tonnes, with 10 per cent of this being allocated to Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence shrimp harvesters.

F24 - Atlantic Mackerel

In response to the depleted status of the Atlantic Mackerel the commercial fishery remained closed in 2024 for a third year in a row.

To provide harvesters the opportunity to lower bait costs, without jeopardizing our rebuilding goals, a 470 tonne bait fishery was established for 2024.

The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to rebuild the Atlantic mackerel stock so that the fisheries which rely upon on Atlantic mackerel can continue to thrive for generations to come.

F25 - Striped Bass of the Miramichi

The striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has recovered since historic lows in the 1990s.

We have taken a responsive and incremental approach to increase First Nations access and recreational fishery opportunities for striped bass in the last number of years.

The recreational fishery for striped bass in the Gulf of St. Lawrence has the highest retention in eastern North America, allowing the possession of four striped bass per day.

In 2017 the abundance of striped bass peaked and then suffered significant mortality. The population has not returned to those levels and remains in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

On July 15th, 2024, I announced that DFO will provide an additional allocation of up to 125,000 striped bass for the development of communal commercial fisheries in Indigenous communities in the Gulf region. Discussions with First Nation communities are currently taking place.

On August 23, 2024, I announced that DFO will launch a small-scale experimental pilot project on striped bass by-catch in Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 25 in 2024 (Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence). The objective of this pilot project was to better understand and quantify the incidence, distribution, condition, and composition of striped bass bycatch in lobster traps. The project has recently concluded collected data will be analyzed to inform future management measures.

F26 - Aquaculture Science

Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducts research and provides science advice to support the sustainable management of aquaculture.

My Department relies on internal science, science collaborations, external peer-reviewed research findings, and a robust peer-review process to provide science advice on interactions and potential impacts from aquaculture on wild species and ecosystems.

The Department engages a range of experts in its science, including its peer-review process. This includes Departmental scientists, academics, scientists from other government departments or other countries, and local and Indigenous knowledge holders.

F27 - Aquaculture Transition Plan in British Columbia

On June 19, 2024, the Government of Canada released a Policy Statement which committed to implementing a ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia (BC) coastal waters by June 30, 2029.

In June 2024, marine salmon aquaculture licences were released for five years with stricter conditions to ensure improved management of sea lice on farmed salmon, more robust reporting requirements for industry, and additional monitoring of marine mammal interactions.

Effective July 1, 2024, only closed-containment systems will be considered for new marine or land-based salmon aquaculture facilities in BC.

On September 20, 2024, the Government of Canada released the draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for BC.

The draft Plan serves as the basis for consultation and engagement sessions with those impacted by the transition.

An interdepartmental task force, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull, has already convened several sessions to solicit feedback that will inform a final Transition Plan for release in 2025.

F28 - Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

Pacific salmon populations are in serious decline due to climate change impacts, pollutants, changes in land and water use, and illegal harvesting.

To meet these challenges, the Government has invested $686 million over five years to implement decisive steps under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

Targeted actions (see below) include: restoring more than 18.5 million square metres of Pacific salmon habitat, and increasing sustainable recreational fishing opportunities while also supporting vulnerable stocks.

F29 - CESD Audit Marine Fisheries Catch

The Government of Canada has invested $30.9 million over 5 years beginning in 2023, with $5.1 million ongoing, to implement the Fishery Monitoring Policy.

My department is committed to accelerating the implementation of the policy to ensure fisheries are producing dependable, timely, and accessible catch information that can be used to inform management action.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has prioritized implementation of the policy on a set of stocks due to their cultural, economic, and/or ecological importance; Implementation is currently underway.

F30 – East Coast Whales Issues

The North Atlantic right whale has been listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act since 2005. The Species At Risk Act listing means the Government has an obligation to protect and recover the species.

Ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are primary threats to North Atlantic right whales, and other whale species, in Canadian waters. Entanglement also jeopardizes the sustainability and market access of our fisheries.

The Department works with stakeholders to adapt whale protection measures and identify innovative tools that prevent fishing gear entanglements while also demonstrating Canada’s role as a global leader in sustainable seafood.

Canada has become a global leader in addressing abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear, known as ghost gear which has been linked to whale entanglements

F31 – West Coast Whales Issues

The protection of Canada’s species at risk, including the iconic Southern Resident Killer Whale, continues to be a priority for our government.

Since 2018, the federal government has made significant investments in support of enhanced measures to address imminent threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Transport Canada, Parks Canada, Natural Resources Canada, First Nations and others, continues to undertake work to support Southern Resident Killer Whale survival and recovery. A detailed analysis is also underway to inform next steps.

F32 – Marine Conservation

By the end of 2015, around 1 per cent of our marine and coastal territory was  protected; by December 2020, Canada reached 13.8 per cent – reflecting the commitment of governments, Inuit and Indigenous peoples, industry stakeholders, and marine resource users to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.

Canada currently conserves 15.54 per cent of its ocean to support strong and vibrant coastal communities for future generations.

The Government of Canada has committed more than $1 billion to manage existing protected and conserved areas and to conduct scientific and socio-economic feasibility studies in support of establishing new areas across Canada, such as the Tang.ɢ̱wan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is* Marine Protected Area established in 2024. A further $800 million has been committed to support Indigenous-led conservation within Canada through the Project Finance for Permanence Initiative.

These historic investments will support the establishment and management of conservation areas through partnership and shared work with communities, including working toward an ambitious target of conserving 25 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and toward 30 per cent by 2030.

F33- Aquatic Invasive Species

The 2022 Fall Economic Statement dedicated $36.6 million over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada works in close collaboration with federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into and within Canada.

F34 – Oyster Diseases

Our government understands the importance of protecting the health of Canada’s aquatic resources and the multi-billion dollar export market for fish and seafood products.

Multinuclear Sphere X Oyster Disease, known as MSX, poses no risks to human health or food safety, but it is a serious disease for American oysters that can cause significant oyster mortality of both cultured and wild oysters.

My Department is collaborating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Province of Prince Edward Island and industry to contain the outbreak and limit the spread of MSX and respond to industry priorities related to MSX.

If pressed on dermo

Based on regulatory diagnostic testing conducted at DFO’s National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory System (NAAHLS), the CFIA confirmed the detection of Dermo disease in farmed American oysters on November 19th, 2024. It poses no risks to human health or food safety, but it is a serious disease for American oysters.

F35- Science in Support of Decision Making

Departmental scientists work with a range of partners and external experts in collecting data and conducting research to understand important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

The Department also provides science advice to inform decision-making and it openly publishes its findings. DFO draws on the knowledge of a wide range of experts and continues to take concrete steps to strengthen its science function and to re-enforce transparent, impartial and evidence-based peer review and scientific advice for decision-makers.

F36 - Seal Management and Market Access

The Government of Canada manages seals to promote a sustainable, humane, and well-regulated seal harvest that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural, and coastal communities.

F37 - Reconciliation and UNDA

Fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat and marine waterways are of great social, cultural, spiritual and economic importance for Indigenous Peoples, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard plays an important role to advance federal reconciliation efforts.

F38 - Treaty Negotiations on the West Coast

The GoC is working with Indigenous groups to explore new, flexible ways of working together to recognize Indigenous rights and self-determination using a variety of measures, including negotiating treaties and reconciliation agreements as guided by the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for treaty negotiations in British Columbia (which was signed by Canada, BC and First Nations Summit).

DFO is working with First Nations at approximately 40 negotiation tables across British Columbia to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.

C – Supplementary Estimates B 2024-2025

C1 - Supplementary Estimates B - Issue Note

Background

  • These Supplementary Estimates (B) are presenting a total increase of $531.1M, which is comprised of $524.7M and $6.4M in voted and statutory appropriations respectively.
  • The $524.7M increase in voted authorities is mainly attributed to:
    • $200M for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence
    • $112.8M to repair and maintain small craft harbours
    • $66.3M to continue implementing the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood
    • $60.1M to advance reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues
  • In addition to those main increases, these Supplementary Estimates include another eighteen items valued at $85.5M for other initiatives with lower funding requirements and technical adjustments such as transfers to other government departments.
  • In all, the sum of all items represents an increase to our spending levels, over and above what was approved in the Main Estimates.

Additional context for the largest items:

  • $200M for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (re-profiled from previous year)
    • The Great Bear Sea Project for Permanence (PFP) supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect 30per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2030. The PFP’s durable financing will support the implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network which, along with existing protected areas, aims to protect 30 per cent of this highly diverse bioregion and is anticipated to contribute an additional 0.3 per cent to the protection of Canada’s marine area.
    • The $80M for the Marine Stewardship Fund grant will support ongoing management and stewardship activities by the Partner First Nations (the Nations), including collaborative governance and implementation of new Marine Protected Areas and the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Areas Network as a whole. This includes upfront support to the Partner First Nations (the Nations) to scale up capacity and expand stewardship programming, and a sustaining endowment fund with earnings to sustain ongoing activities of the Nations in perpetuity.
    • The $120M Community Prosperity Fund will advance human well-being alongside collaborative governance and implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network. The Fund will support community development, cultural programming, scaling up of stewardship infrastructure, and conservation-based economic development as determined by the First Nations communities.
  • $112.8M to repair and maintain small craft harbours
    • The Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program’s mandate has traditionally focused on the needs of fish harvesters, through the provision of harbours that allow the industry to harness and realize economic benefits from wild capture fisheries. Since 1995, the mandate of the SCH Program has focused on maintaining core fishing harbours (i.e., those that directly support commercial fisheries) and gradually divesting all non- core harbours (i.e., harbours that support more recreational activities).
    • Small craft harbours are foundational to the continued economic development and prosperity of coastal communities. They provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, enabling Canadians to fully benefit from the blue economy. It is important that this critical infrastructure is in place to ensure that future generations will continue to have a safe access to marine resources.
    • This funding is designed to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, through upfront investments in climate resilient infrastructure.
  • $66.3M to continue implementing the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood
    • This Community-Based Access Acquisition will be delivered through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) program and a three-year extension of the Treaty Related Measures (TRM) mandate
    • This initiative will advance an approach to further implement the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood with Nations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gaspé region of Quebec
    • This funding will support continued fisheries capacity and dialogue at fisheries negotiation tables
  • $60.1M to advance reconciliation on Indigenous rights and fisheries issues (re-profiled from previous year)
    • Reconciliation and our relationship with First Nations have been priorities of the Government and the department has received a significant amount of new funding over the past few years. The program is making every effort to advance this agenda and improve relationships with First Nations
    • The challenge is that agreements are all negotiated. From month to month the status and likelihood of reaching an agreement can vary significantly and take much longer than originally anticipated. There are also unforeseen legal implications along the way

C2 - Summary Table Supplementary Estimates B 

New Funding
Name of the Initiative Description & Expected Results Funding **

Funding for the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence
  • The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2030. The funds will support the implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network which, along with existing protected areas, aims to protect 30 per cent of this highly diverse bioregion and is anticipated to contribute an additional 0.3 per cent to the protection of Canada’s marine area.
  • The $80 million for the Marine Stewardship Fund grant will support ongoing management and stewardship activities by the Partner First Nations.
  • The $120 million Community Prosperity Fund will advance human well-being alongside collaborative governance and implementation of the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area Network.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $200M

Funding to repair and maintain small craft harbours (Budget 2024)

  • Small craft harbours are foundational to the continued economic development and prosperity of coastal communities. They provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, enabling Canadians from coast to coast to coast to fully benefit from the blue economy. It is important that this critical infrastructure is in place to ensure that future generations will continue to have a safe access to marine resources.
  • This temporary funding is designed to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, through upfront investments in climate resilient infrastructure.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $112.8M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding to continue implementing the right to fish in a pursuit of a moderate livelihood

  • This Community-Based Access Acquisition will be delivered through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) program and a three-year extension of the Treaty Related Measures (TRM) mandate.
  • This initiative will advance an approach to further implement the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood with the 34 Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey Nations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gaspé region of Quebec, as well as the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik (“Treaty First Nations”).
  • This funding will support continued fisheries capacity and dialogue at fisheries negotiation tables.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $66.3M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding to recapitalize the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet

  • CCG’s small vessel fleet is essential to the delivery of missions and mandated programs and services across Canada, especially in the mid-shore and near-shore range, as well as in inland lakes and rivers where large ships cannot operate. Small fleet operations include search and rescue; light icebreaking in shallow waters and harbours; support to science; servicing smaller aids to navigation; and supporting conservation and protection efforts across the country.
  • Funding will be used to deliver the first phase of the program, which consists predominantly of definition phase activities, with some implementation related work.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $29.0M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding for the operational requirements of the future fleet of the Canadian Coast Guard (Budget 2024)

  • The Canadian Coast Guard, as the operator of the Government of Canada’s civilian fleet, provides operational support for a broad scope of economic, social, and environmental programs and underpins public safety and security in the maritime domain. These initiatives support the larger future fleet and enable the Coast Guard to address vital operational requirements to transition new vessels into service, operate and maintain the new vessels throughout their operational lives to deliver mandated programs and services.
  • Funding will be used for the following initiatives: New Capability Planning, Lifecycle Cost – Operations, Canadian Coast Guard College, Fleet Activity Reporting, Optimized Integrated Technical Services, Shore-based Support, Safety Management.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $28.1M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding for increased marine fuel costs
  • This funding supplements the fixed marine fuel budget as a result of the increased cost of fuel in Canada due to post-pandemic recovery, inflation, and the war in Ukraine.
  • The additional funding will only be spent on fuel in support of existing regular planned operational activities.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $20.0M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding to support the implementation of the fish stocks provisions in the Fisheries Act (Budget 2024)
  • Implementing the Fish Stocks provisions is intended to directly contribute to the sustainability of Canada’s fish and seafood sector. Predominantly located in small rural and remote coastal communities, the fish and seafood sector is important for the livelihood of these communities and is also an avenue for economic reconciliation for many coastal Indigenous communities.
  • This funding will supplement a larger existing initiative that began in 2019 which includes 5 pillars: Fisheries Science, Fisheries Economics and Statistics, Conservation and Protection, Domestic Fisheries Policy, and Fisheries Resource Management.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $5.3M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding to strengthen the Food Policy for Canada (horizontal item) (Budget 2024)
  • The renewed Food Policy for Canada is intended to address critical gaps across Canada’s food systems. As part of a coordinated federal approach, the main goal is to make food more affordable, accessible and sustainable for communities in Canada, particularly equity-deserving groups.
  • This funding will support two collaborative initiatives:
    • The delivery of action plan measures identified under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) Action Plan to address barriers to trade of traditional and country food products.
    • The leadership in engagement with Indigenous communities who have expressed interest in harvesting for Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) purposes and to implement co-developed and collaboratively delivered activities in support of safe harvest that respect Indigenous ownership.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $1.3M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding for Canada’s Extended Continental Shelf Program
  • Canada became a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 2003 and soon after established the Extended Continental Shelf or UNCLOS Program to complete, file and defend Canada’s submissions before the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
  • This funding will enable field collection of data of sufficient quality to substantiate the revised executive summary with a fully revised submission in 2030 that will meet the stringent requirements of the CLCS.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $0.9M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Funding to renew support for the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (horizontal item) (Budget 2024)
  • The Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee (IAMC) is an accommodation measure for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) project that responds to Indigenous Interests and concerns related to its construction and operations.
  • The IAMC is a federal commitment over the lifecycle of the TMX Project. Since 2017 DFO and CCG have participated in the IAMC, both on the main committee and various subcommittees, including the Monitoring Subcommittee and Marine Shipping Subcommittee.

Supplementary Estimates (B) 2024-25
2024-25: $0.4M
[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

C3 - Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence

Question 1: What will the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence accomplish?
  • There are significant long-term and wide-ranging benefits to nature conservation from the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence, through the establishment of new protected and conserved areas in one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Canada.
  • The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence will advance protection of 30 per cent of this highly diverse bioregion, including establishment of three Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas, one National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, one Marine National Wildlife Area, and four Marine Refuges, all of which would contribute an additional 0.3 per cent of Canada’s marine area, resulting in conservation of significant ecosystems, habitats, and species.
  • This Project Finance for Permanence initiative is a holistic approach to conservation, stewardship, and ecosystem management It is anticipated to create 3,000 new jobs (full-time equivalent) and more than 200 new businesses over the next 20 years  for First Nation communities in the Great Bear Sea.
Question 2: Why are only 17 Nations involved in this Project Finance for Permanence?
  • The Great Bear Sea / Northern Shelf Bioregion covers the territories of 32 First Nations. The 17 First Nations that are signatories to the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence Agreement are those that have spent many years co-developing the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Areas Network Action Plan and have invested significant time and effort to develop the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence.
  • The Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence Agreement includes provisions for other First Nations who may want to join the initiative.

Background

  • In December 2022, the Prime Minister announced $800M in funding to support the development of up to four Indigenous-led Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiatives across Canada. Of this total, $200M was allocated to support the Great Bear Sea (Northern Shelf Bioregion) off the coast of British Columbia (BC).
  • The Great Bear Sea PFP will bring $335M to the Northern Shelf Bioregion, including $200M from the Government of Canada, $60M from the Province of BC and $75M from philanthropic organizations in Canada and around the world – all of which will be leveraged with additional private revenue over time to deliver an estimated $750M to the region over 20 years.
  • The Great Bear Sea PFP is the first marine initiative of its kind in Canada, and builds on the Great Bear Rainforest, a terrestrial PFP established in 2007.

C4 - Small Craft Harbours Program

Question 1: What is SCH doing to address the impacts of climate change?
  • The purpose of the Small Craft Harbours program is to provide safe and accessible facilities for commercial fish harvesters. Given the realities of the climate crisis, this becoming more and more challenging.
  • That is why our Government announced an investment of $463 million through Budget 2024 for the repair and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.
  • These investments, which will be made using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, will help ensure that small craft harbours are better able to resist to the impacts of climate change. 
Question 2: Why are certain busy harbours belonging to DFO being barricaded, notably in south western New Brunswick?
  • The Small Craft Harbours program’s mandate is to operate and maintain a network of harbours to provide commercial fish harvesters and other harbour users with safe and accessible facilities.
  • Program staff work closely with harbour authorities to assess harbour conditions, proposed planned work and repairs.
  • There are times when asset conditions are such that harbours, or portions of harbours, need to be barricaded to ensure the safety of users and of the public.
  • In these situations, program staff works closely with affected harbour authorities to identify alternative options for impacted users.

Background

  • Small craft harbours provide key support to the commercial fishing industry. The mandate of the Small Craft Harbours program is to keep the harbours that are critical to the fishing industry open and in good repair.
  • SCH’s ongoing regular budget is approximately $90M, of which $20M covers administrative costs.
  • In April 2024, the Government of Canada announced that, as part of Budget 2024, $463.3M over three years will be invested for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25.
  • The Small Craft Harbours program is responsible for 949 harbours:
    • 691 core fishing harbours; and
    • 258 non-core harbours.
  • Approximately 90 per cent of the Canadian fish harvest is landed at harbours operated through the SCH program.
  • Another key objective of the SCH program is to transfer ownership of designated harbours to third parties, particularly those that are not widely used by fishers or that are focused primarily on recreational boating.

C5 - Fleet Renewal

Question 1: Why are the project budgets still increasing?
  • Many of the assumptions used in previous estimates are no longer valid due, for example, to the lasting impact of the pandemic on global labour availability and supply chains, as well as high inflation.
  • The Department is working with the shipyards and Public Services and Procurement Canada to contain costs and delays in order to deliver value for Canadians.
Question 2: What are the most recent achievements?
  • On September 19, 2024, a contract valued at $16.47 million was awarded to Chantier Davie Canada to advance work on a Polar-class icebreaker.
  • On August 17, 2024, a successful ceremony was held at Vancouver Shipyards for the launch of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel.

Background

  • Since 2005, Canada has committed over $35B to advance the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal and sustain operations until new ships arrive. Large vessels currently included in this renewal are the following:
    • Three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, which were delivered in 2019 and 2020 by Vancouver Shipyards
    • One Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV)
    • Two Polar Icebreakers
    • Up to 16 Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV)
    • Two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) (CCG variants)
    • Up to six Program Icebreakers (PIB)
  • At Vancouver Shipyards, a launch ceremony occurred on August 17, 2024, for the OOSV, which is expected to be delivered in spring 2025. After construction engineering and long-lead items contracts for the MPV were announced on March 26, 2024, work is underway for the start of the construction, which is currently planned for late 2027. On February 8, 2024, work was also successfully completed on the prototype block for the Polar Icebreaker.
  • At Chantier Davie, work to develop the initial design for the PIBs has begun, following the Ancillary Contract valued at $19.6M (including taxes) announced by Canada on March 25, 2024. Canada also announced an Ancillary Contract valued at $16.47M (including taxes) to Chantier Davie on September 19, 2024, to advance work on a Polar-class icebreaker.
  • At Irving Shipbuilding, an official event occurred on July 31, 2024, which included the keel laying for the first CCG AOPS and a ceremonial steel cutting for the second CCG AOPS. These two vessels are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
  • The CCG is also renewing its small fleet. On May 25, 2023, Canada announced an investment valued at $2.5B for up to 61 small vessels. To date, 31 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG, including 19 vessels acquired under the NSS, as well as 12 vessels pre-dating the NSS.
  • The CCG completed the renewal of its helicopter fleet with delivery of 15 new light-lift helicopters and seven new medium-lift helicopters. One light-lift helicopter that was lost in a crash in September 2022 is in the process of being replaced.
  • The CCG is also implementing interim measures to ensure continued delivery of critical services until new ships are delivered. This includes a comprehensive Vessel Life Extension program for the existing vessels, as well as the acquisition of three interim Medium Icebreakers, one interim light Icebreaker and one interim light-lift helicopter.

C6 - Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing

Question 1: What is the new funding (approximately $66M) in support of Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing for?
  • The new funding will support the further implementation of the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. The funding will support fisheries access acquisition and collaborative management discussions, among other areas of work.
  • My Department will continue to engage with First Nations industry on the renewed approach.
Question 2: How will the Government ensure that Indigenous peoples have the fishing licences (“access”) needed to exercise their rights?
  • Since 2000, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has provided just over $755 million in access and training to increase and diversify Indigenous participation in the fishery in Eastern Canada.
  • The willing buyer-willing seller approach remains the Department’s preferred approach to obtain access for rights-based fishing.
  • As needed, the Department will consider alternate access mechanisms and tools to support rights-based fishing.

Background

  • In 1999, the Supreme Court of Canada formally recognized the treaty right to fish, hunt and gather in pursuit of a moderate livelihood to 34 Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik First Nations in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the Gaspé, Region of Quebec, as well as the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick (collectively referred to as “Treaty Nations”).
  • Over the past 25 years, Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has provided Treaty Nations over $750M in funding to help increase and diversify participation in commercial fisheries and contribute to the pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
  • In addition, $259.4M over the next three years will support fisheries access acquisition and collaborative management discussions, among other areas of work.
  • In 2017, DFO received a mandate to negotiate time-limited Rights Reconciliation Agreements (RRA) with Treaty Nations.
  • The RRA mandate expired in April 2023, with DFO concluding seven RRAs with 15 Treaty Nations (40 per cent of the total Treaty communities’ population).
  • In 2021, an interim approach to moderate livelihood rights implementation was announced through the development of Moderate Livelihood Fishing Plans (MLFPs). MLFPs were conducted within established commercial seasons, include other restrictions similar to those of regular commercial licences, and were harvested exclusively by community members for their own benefit. Of note, these are understandings, not agreements. Since 2021, 21 understandings with 15 Treaty communities were reached.
  • DFO is working on a new path to best support Treaty Nations’ capacity to participate in fisheries, which has been informed by the lessons learned in nation-to-nation dialogue since 2017.
  • There are several active litigations related to the Treaty right, including a claim by a Treaty Nation challenging DFO’s implementation of the right, and a judicial review by an industry group challenging the legality of one of the RRAs.
  • The Department continues to have regular and frequent meetings at various levels with non-Indigenous fishing industry stakeholders to answer questions about moderate livelihood fishing. However, industry remains critical of being excluded from discussions with Treaty Nations and lack of transparency regarding Canada’s long-term approach to rights-based fishing.

D – Financial Issue Notes

D7 - Refocus Government Spending

Question 1 - How will the Department achieve their targeted reductions without affecting services to Canadians?
  • The Department is committed to responsibly managing Canadians’ tax dollars by ensuring that operations and programs are effective, efficient and directed toward priorities.
  • The Department identified a range of proposals in order to meet the targeted reduction, while ensuring limited impacts on services to Canadians and continuing to advance Government priorities.
Question 2 - How will the Department avoid affecting employees?
  • Reductions related to professional services and travel will have no impact on jobs.
  • Those related to operating expenditures will be phased in over three years and are not expected to result in job loss outside of normal attrition or redeployment of employees to higher priority activities.
  • Furthermore, the Department will focus on using existing talent pools to capitalize on existing talent to fill vacancies and prioritize equity hiring, where staffing requirements exist, to align with diversity and inclusion practices.
Question 3 – What are the impacts of the reductions on programs?
  • There are several internal efficiencies to be realized across all of the Department that will see savings across all programs of the department. However, these initiatives will not have an impact on program delivery. These internal efficiency reductions are related to consolidating grants & contributions systems, streamlining the number of administrative and management processes throughout the organization, and through efforts to reduce annual travel expenditures.
Question 4 – What are the impacts of the reductions on Fisheries Science, Enforcement, and Small Craft Harbours?
  • There are no direct funding reductions to Fisheries Science Enforcement and Small Craft Harbour programs, however reductions in other initiatives may indirectly impact these areas given the interdependencies of the Department’s programs.
Question 5: What is the “stop the clock” measure and why has it been implemented at DFO?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada has decided to exercise its authority to suspend the calculation of the cumulative period for term conversion to indeterminate, also known as “stop the clock”. This measure became effective starting February 26, 2024, until further notice.
  • This action seeks to control the pace of staffing while minimizing impacts on our workforce and operations, as it allows the Department the flexibility to renew and extend term contracts where funding is available, without increasing the number of indeterminate employees.
  • The Department commits to reviewing the implementation of this measure annually.
Question 6: What will be the impact of implementing “stop the clock” on employees?
  • This measure, which applies to all new and existing term employees of the Department, will not prevent the extension of term contracts, nor will it have any effect on their pay and benefits.
  • Communications have been sent to term employees affected to notify them of the implementation of the stop the clock measure.
  • Unions of all affected employees have been apprised of the change, and the Department commits to maintaining ongoing communications with them.
Question 7: What are the additional reductions announced in Budget 2024?
  • Budget 2024 announced a plan to achieve additional savings of $4.2 billion over four years, starting in 2025-26, and $1.3 billion ongoing.
  • The Department will continue to work with our Minister to achieve the aforementioned savings while continuing to deliver services to Canadians.

Background

  • Budget 2023 included a commitment to bring the growth of government spending back to a pre-pandemic path.
  • As such, overall government spending reductions on travel and professional services, as well as a three per cent reduction of operating and transfer payment spending across all federal organizations was announced.
    • Total reductions will help achieve savings of $14.1B over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28) and $4.1B annually thereafter.
  • Savings from underutilized government spending will be shifted to priorities like health care and the clean economy. This is about smarter, not smaller, government.
  • The savings targets were established by the Treasury Board Secretariat and are based on DFO’s operating and transfer payments, and planned expenditures for professional services, minus exclusions for out-of-scope items (e.g., direct transfers to provinces or direct payments to individuals).
  • In addition to DFO, 80 departments, agencies, and crown corporations were asked to achieve cost savings targets. Agents of Parliament and small organizations are excluded from this review
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s breakdown of these reductions
Fiscal Year Reference Levels Fiscal Framework Total

2024-25

83,518,224

1,894,526

85,412,750

2025-26

102,768,211

2,397,039

105,165,250

2026-27 and ongoing

126,973,761

8,397,039

135,370,800
Breakdown of these reductions by Reference Levels and Fiscal Framework amounts
Reductions 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 and ongoing

Travel Reductions

9,539,000

9,539,000

9,539,000

9,539,000

Operating Reductions

40,992,711

60,019,193

83,924,743

74,532,306

Transfer Payments Reductions

3,035,589

3,259,094

9,559,094

18,899,094

Professional Services Reductions

31,845,450

32,347,963

32,347,963

32,400,400

Total Reductions

85,412,750

105,165,250

135,370,800

135,370,800
  • Further, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced that the government will extend and expand its Budget 2023 efforts to refocus government spending, with departments and agencies generating additional savings of $345.6M in 2025-26, and $691M ongoing. Combined with the $14.1B in refocused spending outlined in Budget 2023, the government will be saving $4.8B per year in 2026-27 and ongoing and returning the public service closer to its pre-pandemic growth track.
  • The “Stop the clock” provision suspends the calculation of accumulated time for the conversion of term employment to indeterminate. Their determinate employment contracts will continue until the stated end date. Once the suspension of the roll-over provision ends, any continuous term time that an employee had already accumulated with the Department prior to February 26, 2024, will count towards the cumulative working period and their status will be converted to indeterminate once their total cumulative working period reaches three years, less any periods that receive a sunset designation or leave without pay greater than 60 days as per the Directive on Term Employment. Our term workforce represents 12.7 per cent of our total term and indeterminate workforce.
  • To implement the second phase of refocusing government spending, Budget 2024 announces the government will seek to achieve savings primarily through natural attrition in the federal public service.
    • Starting on April 1, 2025, federal public service organizations will be required to cover a portion of increased operating costs through their existing resources.
    • Over the next four years, based on historical rates of natural attrition, the government expects the public service population to decline by approximately 5,000 full-time equivalent positions from an estimated population of roughly 368,000 as of March 31, 2024.
    • Altogether, this will achieve the remaining savings of $4.2B over four years, starting in 2025-26, and $1.3B ongoing towards the refocusing government spending target.

D8 - DFO HR Profile

Question 1: How does Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s growth compare to the rest of the public service?
  • As of March 2024, the Federal Public Service had grown by 43.6 per cent since 2015, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada had grown by 55.2 per cent during the same period.
  • Although the Department’s growth was slightly more substantial than that of the Federal Public Service as a whole, it is proportionate to the Government of Canada’s increased investments in science, climate action, reconciliation, and many other priorities, including the creation of a specific Arctic Region.
  • Other science-based departments have also seen an increase in their workforce: 35.0 per cent at Environment and Climate Change Canada; 38.6 per cent at Natural Resources Canada; 25.0 per cent at National Research Council Canada.
  • The creation of the Arctic Region in 2018-19 and its full implementation in 2021-22 is in response to government-wide commitments to advance reconciliation, partnerships and collaboration with Inuit, First Nation and Métis Nation organizations and governments, provinces and territories and other partners, while so enhancing Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.

Background

  • Since 2014-15, DFO has received substantive new investments to deliver on large-scale Government of Canada commitments including investments in science, climate action and reconciliation, and to support various programs and initiatives, such as the modernized Fisheries Act and Oceans Act, Canada’s blue economy, the Oceans Protection Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal, and the creation of the Arctic Region, which itself represents an increase of 99 northern employees since its implementation in 2020-21.
  • The most significant growth was in programs such as the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, Oceans Protection Plan, Fleet Renewal (vessels, helicopters, icebreakers), and Indigenous reconciliation.
  • After a number of years of cost-cutting exercises, the Department was required to increase its workforce in order to deliver on the Government’s priorities and commitments. To this end, between March 2015 and March 2024, the Department has grown by 55.2 per cent (or 5,638 employees) including an increase of 47.0 per cent (or 93 employees) within the Executive Cadre. Though increase may seem high, it is proportionate with the level of new investment and given the operational nature and dispersion of work locations of the Department.
  • Within the same timeframe, the Public Service had grown by 43.6 per cent (from 257,034 to 367,772) and its Executive Cadre increased by 44.4 per cent (from 6,340 to 9,155).
  • There are approximately 613 Conservation and Protection officers (fishery officers and supervisors).
  • DFO’s Scientist community (Biologists, Researchers, Physicists) increased from 1,088 to 2,209, representing a growth of 103.0 per cent.
  • The representation of Indigenous employees increased from 308 to 776, which is an increase of 152.0 per cent. These employees now represent 5.2 per cent of DFO’s workforce, which is 0.8 per cent over the Canadian workforce availability.
  • Note: the reported workforce numbers include employees of all employment tenures (indeterminate, term, casual and student).

D9 - Overtime at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Question 1: Why does your Organization incur overtime?
  • As an operations-based organization, the Coast Guard often requires personnel to work overtime to ensure continued delivery of critical services to Canadians, and to maintain readiness to respond to incidents at any time of day. This includes search and rescue crews, rescue coordinators, radio operators, operation center officers, ship-based personnel, helicopter pilots, and environmental response crews.
  • Like many organizations across the marine industry, the Canadian Coast Guard is facing shortages of trained and skilled personnel.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to protect Canadians, safeguard the environment, and keep critical shipping lanes open.
Question 2: What are the overtime costs for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Order Paper Question (Q-2870)?
  • The data provided in response to Order Paper Question Q-2870 did not solely include overtime pay. The data also includes: cash out of excess vacation leave, extra duty pay earnings (such as standby pay, callback pay, and meal allowances associated with overtime), and the cash out of both overtime and compensatory time earned and accumulated since 2016.
  • The data includes overtime amounts that were earned by employees in previous fiscal years but had not yet been paid.
  • The data also included adjustments to leave and overtime pay following the signing of updated collective agreements, which includes the retroactive amounts owed to the employees under the new rates of pay. 
  • It is the responsibility of departments to manage overtime in a way that will ensure that its use is appropriate, justified and approved by the delegated manager.

Background

  • On September 16, 2024, Order Paper Question (Q-2870) was tabled, detailing the overtime costs incurred by Government of Canada departments and agencies since 2016. In comparison with other departments, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s data are in the higher range.
  • The Department’s nine-year total of overtime expenditures is third highest at $407,980,585, behind Correctional Services Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada. Similarly, Fisheries and Oceans Canada ranks third-highest for numbers of employees who received over $10,000 in overtime payments in any given year. Over the nine years, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s reported an average of 1,430 employees that fell within this category per year.
  • In comparing the highest payments made to a single individual per year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s reported $184,028 in 2023, which was the seventh highest amount reported by all departments over the nine years. The two highest amounts were reported by Public Health Agency of Canada and incurred at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic ($271,451 in 2021 and $249,758 in 2022).
  • In the Core Public Administration (CPA) overtime entitlements are defined in the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Directive on Terms and Conditions of Employment (the Directive) and in the provisions of the relevant Collective Agreement.
  • Overtime is assigned at management’s discretion to meet a department’s operational requirements. This includes, for example, being called-back to work, or to address emergencies/urgencies or to address surges in workload.
  • An employee is entitled to overtime compensation when the overtime work is authorized in advance by the manager and is in accordance with the relevant collective agreement, and the Directive (where applicable).
  • Delegated managers are responsible for authorizing overtime work in advance and approving overtime/extra-duty timesheets, but are also expected to make reasonable efforts to avoid excessive overtime and to offer overtime work on an equitable basis, subject to operational requirements.

D10 - Atlantic Fisheries Fund

Question 1: Why have there been delays in renewing the program?
  • The Department continues to engage their provincial partners on the potential of program renewal; however, in March 2024, the Department attained a program extension until March 31, 2026. This allows new projects to be received, evaluated, and potentially supported for at least one more additional year. It also allows recipients more time to fully implement their projects up until the new March 31, 2026, deadline.
  • The Atlantic Fisheries Fund continues to invest in innovative projects of mutual federal and provincial priority (e.g., redfish and MSX).
  • Interest in the Atlantic Fisheries Fund program remains strong, with 90 projects (seeking funding of over $44.3 million) currently under development or pending approval.

Background

  • The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) is a fund of over $400M over seven years (2017-18 to 2023-24) cost shared with provincial partners, 70/30 (federal/provincial) over the life of the program. The Atlantic component of the AFF was launched on August 31, 2017, and was recently extended until March 31, 2026. The national marketing pillar, the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF) was launched December 5, 2018, and sunsetted on March 31, 2024.
  • To date, 95 per cent of the total available federal/provincial contribution budget for the $379.8M ($265.86M of which is federal) of the Atlantic component of AFF has been committed on over 1244 approved projects.
  • There are currently 90 applications in-house seeking funding of almost $44.3M. AFF is well positioned to commit its remaining budget. As such, the Atlantic provincial partners are eager to discuss program renewal, with similar objectives, to allow for investments in the sector to continue with as little gap between programs as possible.
  • A two-year reprofile has been operationalized through the extension of the AFF Framework Agreement until March 31, 2026. As this process did not permit for the contracting of new projects beyond the original sunset date of March 31, 2024, the Department sought full program extension which was approved in March 2024.
  • The CFSOF, the fourth national marketing pillar of AFF, which had its own set of Framework Agreements with ten signatory provinces and territories, sunsetted on March 31, 2024. Provincial and territorial partners and its recipients were aware of the program sunset date and were not expecting it to be extended.
  • The AFF focuses on supporting innovation in the fish and seafood sector throughout Atlantic Canada by investing in projects that help the sector to better meet growing demands for sustainably- and legally-sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products. Its ultimate objective is that “sustainable economic growth will be realized in the fish and seafood sector” through innovative investments under its three strategic Atlantic Pillars: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Science Partnerships. Eligible applicants include Indigenous groups, commercial enterprises (including fish harvesters, aquaculturalists, and seafood processors), universities and academics, industry associations and other non-profits, and other organizations such as research institutions and provincial crown corporations. Other eligibility criteria include residence in a participating province; being active in or supporting activities related to the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture industries; and, being able to demonstrate that maximum economic benefits will accrue to the Atlantic Region. All proposed projects are also assessed for whether they will trigger a Duty to Consult or Impact Assessment (previously known as an environmental assessment) to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.
  • To date, the majority of approvals (89 per cent of total projects and 72 per cent of investment dollars) have fallen under the Infrastructure Pillar. The technology adoption and adaptation investments under the Infrastructure pillar have been pivotal in promoting the benefits of innovation and automation in the fish and seafood sector. The sector has been traditionally hesitant to invest in innovation as it was perceived as too financially risky but the AFF, through these investments has started to shift that perspective by reducing the barriers to innovate and allowing the benefits of innovation to be realized by recipients.

D11- Quebec Fisheries Fund

Question 1: Will the program’s end date be amended?
  • Yes, the Department and the Government of Quebec have ratified the amendment to the Quebec Fisheries Fund Framework Agreement in order to extend the program’s end date for a period of two years, i.e., until March 31, 2026.
  • The additional period of two years will allow new projects to be received, evaluated and approved beyond March 31, 2024, with priority given to innovative redfish-related projects.

Background

  • The Quebec Fisheries Fund is designed to support the fisheries and aquaculture sector, spark innovation and support the development and sustainable growth of the industry. The two levels of government have committed $40 million, including $27M from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. To date, 179 projects have been approved under this program, for a total of $26.8M.
  • The extension will allow the continuity of the program for two years (2024–25 and 2025–26) to support the development of a healthy and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood from sustainable sources.
  • A federal priority will be given to innovative projects related to the redfish fishery. This extension will provide fish harvesters with the tools and financial means they need to transit to this new fishery. The cost is shared with the province, divided 70 per cent federal and 30 per cent provincial, over the duration of the program.

D12 - British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF)

Question 1: Will there be a third phase of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund?
  • Funding recipients reported over 1000 Canadian jobs produced and over 4 million sq meters of Pacific salmon habitat restored to date. The recently re-elected Government of British Columbia also indicated that they intend to commit another $75 million towards this jointly funded program.
  • The Department is looking forward to meeting with the new British Columbia Minister for Water, Land and Resource Stewardship where we can discuss their election commitment and the potential for a third phase of the program.
Question 2: Why is the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund withdrawing funding for European Green Crab control on the West Coast of Vancouver Island?
  • Over $11.2 million in funding has been provided to European green crab research and control in British Columbia, marking the largest investment of its kind in Canadian history.
  • Ratification of funding recommendations are not always guaranteed. Funds were redirected to wild British Columbia salmon priorities, aligning with the program’s main mandate and supporting key West Coast Vancouver Island salmon stock.

Background

  • The joint British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) program is currently in the sixth year of program delivery, with 97 projects completed under phase 1, and currently approved funding to 73 projects under the second phase of the program.
  • Both phase 1 (2019-2024) and phase 2 (2021-2026) are fully subscribed, with approximately 450 applications received representing over $850M in funding requests
  • Both provincial and federal governments have expressed interests in continuing the joint program from 2026 onwards.
  • In the BC provincial election, the NDP indicated $75M support for the new phase.
  • External partners and recipients such as the Pacific Salmon Foundation and First Nations Fisheries Council have also advocated for continuing the BCSRIF program and more funding support.
  • The current and possible future program aligns with BC and DFO strategic investment categories supporting wild salmon stocks and habitat, non-salmon species, ecosystem improvements, and incorporates a strong emphasis on Indigenous inclusion and support.
  • The future joint program development will require engagement and agreement with the British Columbia Minister for Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, on joint investment priorities, program extension timelines, and partnership resource (funding) sharing arrangements.
  • As the program is fully subscribed, and as changes do occur with approved projects, the program has the ability to amend funding agreements and apply additional funding to existing projects.
  • In the case of green crab – invasive species projects, recipient reporting indicated being under budget and with less deliverables; the program was able to redirect funding and amend other agreements where recipients demonstrated a case for additional resources.

E – Canadian Coast Guard

E13 - Abandoned, Wrecked, Derelict vessels and Shipbreaking

Question 1: How many vessels were removed by the Government of Canada?
  • Since 2016, over 2,100 wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels in Canadian waters have been reported and 791 vessels have been removed. There are currently 1,358 vessels in the national public inventory.
Question 2: What are the total costs to the Canadian Coast Guard and Small Craft Harbours to remove these hazardous vessels?
  • As of March 31, 2024, the estimated cost of removing hazardous vessels, undertaken by the Canadian Coast Guard and Small Craft Harbours Fisheries and Oceans Canada since 2016, is $58.5 million.
Question 3: Who is responsible for managing the ship breaking activities occurring at Union Bay, British Columbia?
  • The Canadian Coast Guard does not have jurisdiction for activities occurring above the highwater mark. In the case of Union Bay Shipbreaking, British Columbia’s provincial government is response for the ship recycling activities and for land-use permitting.
  • If pollution enters the marine environment from above the highwater mark, it is a land-based spill, in which case, Emergency Management British Columbia is the lead agency. The Canadian Coast Guard would assist, if requested.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard has conducted hazardous vessel assessments of the vessels located at the Deep Water Recovery facility in Union Bay and has found no ship-source pollution in the water and has assessed the hazard and the threat of pollution to be very low.

Background

  • The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) became law in 2019. It strengthens owner responsibility and liability for vessels, makes it illegal to abandon a boat, and provides the federal government more powers to take action against problem vessels before they can pose even greater problems at higher costs.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will work with the vessel owner to ensure the hazard is addressed. If the owner cannot be found, is unable to solve the problem, or fails to comply with a direction from the CCG, the Government of Canada can take direct and immediate action to prevent, mitigate or eliminate the risks that hazardous vessels pose.
  • The CCG is focusing on assessing the risks associated with each of the reported vessels to prioritize actions to remediate high risk vessels. Problem vessels can pose environmental, public safety, socio-cultural and economic risk. The focus is on mitigating the risk posed by each problem vessel, rather than removing all problem vessels.
  • As part of the Oceans Protection Plan Renewal launched in 2022, the CCG and Transport Canada are advancing the next phase of the comprehensive strategy to address wrecked, abandoned, or hazardous vessels by implementing long-term measures that include: coastal surveys to identify additional hazardous vessels; outreach to vessel owners on their WAHVA responsibilities; risk and technical assessments for vessels in the National Inventory; and, remediations of hazardous vessels nationally.
  • As part of Budget 2023, the Government of Canada announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]
  • The Vessel Remediation Fund will also support the CCG and Transport Canada in assessing and/or addressing vessels in cases where owners are unknown, are known but cannot be located, or fail to deal with their vessels themselves.
  • The CCG’s priority is to work collaboratively with vessel owners to ensure they address their problem vessel, but the CCG will not hesitate to use all the legislative tools at its disposal if the owner fails to comply, including imposing an administrative monetary penalty or a fine.
  • In 2024, there has been significant media and public attention on the ship breaking and vessel recycling activities at Deep Water Recovery in Union Bay, British Columbia. There is an expectation that Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the CCG will act to prevent any potential pollution coming from the facility from entering the marine environment. The CCG has undertaken recent assessments of the area and determined the vessels awaiting deconstruction at Deep Water Recovery are not a significant risk to pollute. As two of the three vessels at the facility have been hauled up on land, above the highwater mark, they are subject to provincial jurisdiction.
  • The SCH Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program under Oceans Protection Plan works with Harbour Authorities and other eligible recipients to remove and dispose of abandoned and/or wrecked vessels located in small craft harbours owned by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

E14 - Maritime Search and Rescue

Question 1: What steps have been taken to address the recommendations from the senate report - When every Minute Counts
  • Many improvements have been made through investments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Oceans Protection Plan and its renewal, including enhancing training and equipment access for Arctic and Indigenous communities. In addition, there has been a 30 per cent increase to the core operating budgets of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliaries, as well as the acquisition of 20 new high-endurance search and rescue Bay Class lifeboats, stationed across Canada.
Question 2: What is the Canadian Coast Guard doing to respond to requests for increased SAR capacity in Northern Labrador?
  • Through the Oceans Protection Plan renewal and our continued support to expand the Auxiliary’s presence in remote locations, we have funded seven Labrador communities, more than $2 million to purchase vessels and equipment to bolster search and rescue capacity.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard is providing critical search and rescue and marine safety training to communities to assist them in building capacity in remote areas such as Northern Labrador.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard is also working with other Government departments to deliver a pilot project to provide search and rescue equipment kits to communities in Labrador to prevent incidents or improve search and rescue incident outcomes through enhanced preparedness.

Background

  • In 2018 the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (the Committee) tabled a report entitled “When Every Minute Counts – Maritime Search and Rescue”. The report contains 17 recommendations. Overall, their assessment suggested that the delivery of maritime search and rescue (SAR) in Canada has been very effective to date. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)-led government response to the report was tabled with the Clerk on May 3, 2019. On August 3, 2023, the Committee Chair contacted the Minister requesting an update on progress made on the recommendations and information related to improvements made to the maritime search and rescue program. The response was shared with the Committee on November 15, 2023.
  • As part of the government response to the report, in 2021, a joint action plan on Safety at Sea was developed by Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The action plan sets out a series of recommended next steps including increased oversight, the development of a steering committee, and greater engagement with stakeholders. Commercial Fishing Safety remains on the Transportation Safety Board watchlist where they note that more progress is needed, and actions have been inconsistent. A Director General level tri-lateral Safety at Sea Committee was established in 2018-19 to continue moving this important work forward.
  • Under the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), the CCG is implementing its Risk-based Analysis of Maritime SAR Delivery (RAMSARD) project which conducts cyclical reviews of Canada’s 40 SAR areas to identify, evaluate and document maritime risks to inform program improvements. The CCG also opened its first SAR station in Rankin Inlet, NU, in 2018 and through OPP Renewal, enhanced the newly rebranded Arctic Marine Response Station to increase local hiring, procure an Arctic SAR response vessel and extend the station’s operating season to better align with the local boating season. The CCG also opened six new search and rescue stations, three in British Columbia (Victoria, Hartley Bay, and Tahsis) and three in Newfoundland and Labrador (Old Perlican, St. Anthony and Twillingate) since 2018, as well as procured 20 new bay class lifeboats to replace the older vessels. (To-date 17 have been delivered and the final Bay Class vessel is expected to be delivered in October, 2025). These vessels have boosted search and rescue capacity as they are larger, more powerful, with greater endurance and modern upgrades to meet the latest operational needs. In total, Atlantic region will receive 14 of the new Bay Class vessels.
  • OPP Renewal focused on building community-based marine emergency response capacity with the national expansion of our Indigenous search and rescue (ISAR) training and exercising program, and the continuation of the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer program (ICBVP). The ICBVP provides funds to Indigenous communities to purchase a boat and/or equipment required to participate in the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA). To date, this program has provided more than $15.6M in funding to 53 communities, supporting a significant increase in CCGA units, many within remote locations. As of February 2024, there were 41 Arctic units, operated by more than 494 volunteers with access to 71 vessels.
  • OPP Renewal also included a significant increase to the CCGA core operating budgets allowing them to sustain and grow their capacity, which was a recommendation within the Senate report, When Every Minute Counts.

E15 - Lighthouse Staffing

Question 1: Why has the Coast Guard closed the Pachena Point and Carmanah Point Light stations in British Colombia?
  • A 2024 risk assessment has revealed unacceptable levels of risk to light keepers at two light stations: Pachena Point and Carmanah Point, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Both light stations are at increased vulnerability and risk of slope failure due to soil conditions.
  • Ensuring the safety of our personnel is the Canadian Coast Guard’s foremost priority. As a result, the Canadian Coast Guard has made the difficult decision to relocate the light keeper at both light stations due to unacceptable safety risks.
  • There will be no impact to aid to navigation function or safety of mariners as the lights are fully automated.
Question 2: What is the Department doing to maintain the Heritage Lighthouses?
  • The Department is working to assess its operational requirements for these light stations, and is making best efforts to conserve the heritage character with limited funding.
Question 3: Why did the Coast Guard not consult with local Indigenous communities prior to making this decision?
  • Advanced consultations were not possible in this instance, as the Department has a duty to ensure the safety of our personnel first and foremost.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard has met with the Chiefs of Ditidaht (dee-tee-dat), Pacheedaht (pa-chee-dat), Toquaht, (tow-kwat) and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' (kai-you-cut / chek-tluh-seth) Nations to discuss the decision and they have noted their support of prioritizing the safety of personnel. The Department will continue working closely with the Nations to determine the future of the sites.
  • The Department has also contacted our federal partners including Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada and are working with them to adapt their needs in response to the safety concerns at both sites.
Question 4: Will the risk assessment be made public?
  • The geohazard risk assessment, completed in February 2024 by a third-party contractor, is available upon request and has been shared with several requestors to date.

Background

  • Under the Oceans Act, 1996, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is mandated to provide Aids to Navigation (AtoN) services to assist mariners with the means to identify their position, stay within navigable waters, and avoid marine hazards. The CCG delivers on this mandate through a network of 17,000 AtoNs across Canada of varying types, sizes, structures, and management models. The light stations are one type of structure that contains a major shore light. The operational requirement for each site is based on whether it is required to provide AtoN services based on the type and volume of traffic in the area.
  • On September 19, 2024, the CCG met with the Chiefs of Ditidaht, Pacheedaht, Toquaht and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' Nations to discuss CCG’s decision to conduct the relocation  of light keepers from Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations due to safety issues regarding the slope stability on which various parts of the light keepers worksite and/or accommodations stand. This decision was presented to the Nations in the context of safety of CCG personnel where advanced consultation was not possible.
  • The light keepers from Pachena have been relocated and the relocation of the Carmanah light keepers is expected to be completed by mid-November, dependent on weather conditions.
  • The light keepers from Pachena Point and Carmanah Point light stations have now been relocated to their new postings at alternative light stations along Vancouver Island.
  • CCG has developed a path forward to work with its departmental partners to assess the needs for these sites and engage with our First Nation and other community partners over the next year.
  • The CCG is modernizing its service delivery to include aspects of digital navigation services so that mariners can access digital information to make near real-time decisions based on ever-changing maritime conditions and ensure safe and secure passage in Canadian waters.
  • Traditional light stations are a large part of Canada’s identity, history, culture, and landscape. The Government of Canada has designated several light stations under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act and transferred some to new owners across Canada. This special status recognizes the historic importance of heritage light stations to Canadian communities.
  • The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act was established to conserve and protect federally-owned light stations that have significant heritage value and is administered by Parks Canada. There are currently 23 staffed operational light stations designated under the Act that remain in the custody of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  • The Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, are situated in close proximity to the steep slopes of the shoreline and have undergone a geohazard risk assessment, led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Real Property Branch. These assessments revealed site safety concerns that require immediate action by the Department to ensure the safety of the full-time, on-site CCG personnel. Staff have been offered and have accepted positions at alternate light stations and are in the process of being relocated.
  • There will be no impact to mariners as the navigational aids at both sites are fully automated and have worked effectively without the need for human intervention since 2003. Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations hold cultural and historical interest to the people of British Columbia and Canada, and especially to those who live in the area and hikers using the West Coast Trail. The CCG is working with other departments and stakeholders, who also use the two sites for non-Coast Guard-related purposes, to plan next steps.

F – DFO Issue Notes

F16 – DFO Enforcement

Question 1: What is the Department doing about unauthorized fishing on the Canada-US boundary?
  • Fishery officers patrol the Canada-US boundary year-round. Since the beginning of August, fishery officers in Southwest New Brunswick have seized American lobster traps that were placed over the boundary line in Canadian waters. These seizures, for offences pursuant to the Fisheries Act and the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, are currently under investigation.
  • Enforcement activities continue and we are working to address any reports of unauthorized fishing activity across the region, including in the Bay of Fundy.
  • Officers conduct inspections across all fisheries regulated by the Department, including commercial, recreational, and Indigenous fisheries.
  • Fishing activity conducted without the required authorization or licence, or in violation of the conditions of the authorizations or the licences, are subject to enforcement action.
Question 2: What enforcement tactics does Conservation and Protection employ?
  • As of September 2024, the Department has approximatively 562 active fishery officers nationwide. 
  • Fishery officers use a variety of monitoring and compliance tactics, tools, and strategies both on and off the water.
  • In line with standard law enforcement practices, the Department does not publicly disclose specific strategies or tactics publicly, as doing so could compromise ongoing operations and investigations.
  • The Department encourages everyone to respect the law and each other, and continues to collaborate with law enforcement partners to promote a peaceful and compliant fishery.
Question 3: What are the Department’s current enforcement efforts regarding rights-based fisheries in the Maritimes?
  • Fishery officers actively conduct patrols at-sea, on land, and in the air to monitor compliance with licence conditions, ensuring that Indigenous harvesters can carry out their authorized fishing activities without interference.
  • Recently, fishery officers carried out operations resulting in the arrest of several individuals for violations of the Fisheries Act. During these operations, officers seized vessels and untagged lobster traps, and all seized lobsters were safely returned live to the ocean. For example, on August 27 in St. Mary’s Bay, fishery officers arrested three individuals for Fisheries Act violations, seizing a vessel, 15 untagged lobster traps, and 291 lobsters, all of which were released back into the ocean.
  • Fishery officers continue to collaborate closely with the Nova Scotia Conservation Officer Service to conduct enforcement activities aimed at deterring and preventing the unauthorized sale of lobsters harvested without a commercial licence.
Question 4: What is the status of the work refusal?
  • On October 4, 2024, the Department received a Direction from the Labour Program regarding its investigation. The Department provided a formal response that outlines both planned and ongoing actions. Our officers have since returned to full duties, as mitigation measures have been implemented.
  • The health and safety of all Fishery Officers and the public is our highest priority during enforcement activities.
  • The Department has also reinforced compliance by reminding officers of established safety protocols intended to protect their wellbeing.
Question 5: How is the Department responding to the refusal of fieldwork under the Canada Labour Code by some Maritimes region Fishery Officers?
  • The Department has reinforced existing safety measures in response to the danger identified by the Labour Program and has provided additional plans to further support and protect our officers.
  • The Labour Program’s determination is that danger can exist in certain situations if known hazards, specifically those posed by high-powered firearms, are left unmitigated.
  • To mitigate these risks, the Department will continue to follow established safety protocols designed to protect fishery officers in situations where such threats are present. This includes, when necessary, seeking assistance from public safety and police services.
  • Fishery officers are dedicated, highly trained professionals, and any acts of violence or threats directed towards them will not be tolerated.
  • The health and safety of all Fishery Officers and the public remains our top priority.

Background

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognizing rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. As part of that commitment, we are working with First Nations harvesters so that they can exercise their Supreme Court-affirmed inherent and Treaty rights to fish through various DFO-authorized fisheries. These fisheries include food, social and ceremonial (FSC), and communal commercial fisheries, including interim understandings reached to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
  • Many First Nations harvesters are exercising their right to fish FSC lobster throughout Nova Scotia. In areas such as St. Mary’s Bay in southwestern Nova Scotia and in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Canal in Cape Breton, fishery officers are working with these communities to protect the rights of Indigenous harvesters engaged in this fishery. Part of that protection is ensuring that the fishing complies with the Fisheries Act, and other associated regulations. As we do in all fisheries, our fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act. Fishing activity occurring without a required DFO-issued licence or not in compliance with the conditions of the licence is subject to enforcement action.
  • DFO is committed to providing for a safe, orderly and sustainable lobster fishery for all harvesters. We firmly believe that respectful, constructive dialogue is the way to achieve this.
  • DFO continues to work with all those involved in lobster fisheries – Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to responsibly manage this socially, historically and economically important species.
  • Established seasons support this shared goal. Seasons provide predictability for all those participating in the fishery, as well as for other fleets and industries, and reduces gear conflict among fisheries operating in the same geographic area. The timing of season openings also help ensure that the benefits of the inshore lobster fishery are distributed broadly to Indigenous and coastal communities across Atlantic Canada. 
  • DFO is working with the RCMP to monitor and address any illegal activity including harassment and violence on the water.
  • We will continue to take action whenever unauthorized harvesting and other violations under the Fisheries Act are observed, while supporting the exercise of Indigenous fishing rights.
Work refusal
  • The Department has returned to normal operations, with the 35 Fishery Officers in the Maritimes Region who submitted work refusals in July 2024 resuming all duties. While the work refusal and safety concerns were investigated first by local management and second by the joint union-management Regional Health and Safety Committee, as prescribed by the Canada Labour Code, Part II, s.128. On August 23, 2024, the file was referred to ESDC’s Labour Program at the request of the refusing employees.
  • On October 4, 2024, the Department received the findings and a Direction from the Labour Program, which indicate that danger may arise in specific situations if previously identified hazards are left unaddressed—particularly in situations where high-powered firearms are in the hands of gangs and known violent criminals. To mitigate these risks, the Department will strictly adhere to established safety protocols that prevent Fishery Officers from engaging in situations where such threats are confirmed, unless with assistance from public safety and police services, as necessary, in order to protect the safety of officers and the public.
  • On October 29, 2024, the Department received two national Contravention Directions from the Labour Program, requiring the Department to conduct an assessment of its safety policies and practices through the lens of risks faced by Fishery Officers during normal operations pertaining specifically to the potential exposure of high-powered weapons and threats to their safety. Findings from this assessment are to be integrated into the Fishery Officers’ Hazard Prevention Program. The Department is actively engaging with the Labour Program by sharing information on preventative measures being taken to further address safety issues for all fishery officers.
Metrics

Since 2015, DFO has hired over 380 fishery officers.

Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (as of Sept 18, 2024)
Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (as of Sept 18, 2024) (GT-04/05)
Region Operational (GT-04/05) Total

NL

77

82

Maritimes

119

121

Gulf

76

84

Quebec

44

52

Arctic/O&P

20

23

Pacific

117

128

NCR (inc. NFIS)

17

17
Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (as of Sept 18, 2024) (PM-05/06)
Region Operational (PM-05/06) Total

NL

14

15

Maritimes

14

15

Gulf

13

15

Quebec

11

13

Arctic/O&P

6

7

Pacific

25

29

NCR (inc. NFIS)

9

12
Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (as of Sept 18, 2024) (non-operational)
Region Support (non-operational)

NL

29

Maritimes

31

Gulf

13

Quebec

8

Arctic/O&P

5

Pacific

38

NCR (inc. NFIS)

70

Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (Front Line)

Operational: 470

Total: 507

Current operational FO: 562

Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (Supervisiory)

Operational: 96

Total: 106

Total FO: 613

Conservation and Protection Human Resource Metrics (Support)

Total: 194

Total Support: 194

Total Number of Charges Laid (all fisheries in the last four years)
Charges Laid by Region - January 1, 2021 to September 23, 2024
Region 2021 2022 2023 2024 Grand Total

C&A

7

4

5

1

17

Gulf

198

141

161

13

513

HQ Ottawa

 - -

2

1

3

Maritimes

225

168

239

72

704

Newfoundland & Labrador

236

209

221

67

733

Pacific

332

114

77

13

536

Quebec

388

359

380

330

1457

Grand Total

1386

995

1085

497

3963

F17 - Lobster Fishery in St. Mary’s Bay, Nova Scotia

Question 1: What is the Department doing about unauthorized fishing in Nova Scotia?
  • All fishing activity is subject to compliance verification by fishery officers, who conduct inspections across all fisheries regulated by the Department, including food, social and ceremonial, commercial – which includes moderate livelihood – and recreational fisheries, as applicable.
  • Fishing activity occurring without authorization, or a required licence or not in compliance with conditions of licence is subject to enforcement action.
  • As we do in all fisheries, our fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act.
Question 2: What enforcement tactics does Conservation and Protection employ in Nova Scotia?
  • Enforcement activity is not always visible, and can take many forms. Fishery officers have a range of monitoring and compliance tactics and tools that they can use - on and off the water - depending on the particular situation.
  • Like any other law enforcement agency, we do not discuss our strategies and tactics publicly, as doing so could compromise ongoing activities and any ensuing investigations that may be undertaken.
  • We continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to promote a peaceful fishery.
Question 3: Why did the Department ignore the proposal by the Sipekne’katik First Nation in 2022?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada works on an ongoing basis with Indigenous communities to implement treaty rights through the issuance of authorizations to support fishing in pursuit of a moderate livelihood during the commercial season.
  • The Department will continue to engage with Sipekne’katik to discuss the implementation of their right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood as the Department has done with other First Nation communities across Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
  • Through regular meetings, representatives from the inshore lobster industry are informed of relevant understandings with First Nations that see further Indigenous participation in the commercial fishery through the continued implementation of their right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
  • The Department is committed to reconciliation and working with First Nations to collaboratively manage the lobster fishery to ensure the sustainability of the fishery for all harvesters. For DFO, this will continue to be guided by three key principles: the conservation and sustainability of fish stocks, further implementation of Indigenous fishing rights, and transparent and stable management of the fishery.

Background

  • St. Mary’s Bay falls within Lobster Fishing Area (LFA) 34. The most recent published Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) Stock Status Update (Science Response 2023/021) shows that LFA 34 Lobster is considered to be in the Healthy zone. Lobster landings and other stock status indices in LFA 34 increased between 2010 and 2015/2016 to the highest levels ever recorded. Several factors are impacting lobster stocks including climate and ecosystem changes in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine and changes in commercial fishing pressure.
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognizing rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. As part of that commitment, we are working with First Nations harvesters so that they can exercise their Supreme Court-affirmed rights to fish through various DFO-authorized fisheries. These fisheries include food, social and ceremonial (FSC), and treaty based fishing including communal commercial and interim understandings reached to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
  • Many First Nations communities are authorized to fish year-round and across multiple fishing areas to fish for FSC purposes. In areas such as St. Mary’s Bay in southwestern Nova Scotia and in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Canal in Cape Breton, fishery officers are working with these communities to protect the rights of First Nations harvesters engaged in this fishery. Part of that protection is ensuring that the fishing complies with the Fisheries Act, and other associated regulations. As we do in all fisheries, our fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act. Fishing activity occurring without a required licence or not in compliance with the conditions of the licence is subject to enforcement action.
  • Established seasons support conservation objectives, predictability and safety for all those participating in the fishery, as well as for other fleets and industries, and reduces gear conflict among fisheries operating in the same geographic area. The timing of season openings also help ensure that the benefits of the inshore lobster fishery are distributed broadly to Indigenous and coastal communities across Atlantic Canada.
  • DFO is working with the RCMP to monitor and address any illegal activity including harassment and violence on the water. 

F18 – Cash Sales

Question 1: What sort of collaborations have been occurring between the Department and other agencies?
  • DFO officials continue to explore avenues with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to share information in an effort to identify and disrupt the activities of individuals benefiting from unreported landings and the income generated from illegal sale of those fish products.
  • The Department is also engaging the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), which is Canada’s financial intelligence unit and anti-money laundering supervisor, to determine if FINTRAC’s services can help map criminal networks, identify key suspects and identify beneficial ownership arrangements within the fisheries sector.
  • The Department’s fishery officers have been conducting joint inspection work with provincial authorities responsible for regulating the fish buyers and processors.
  • The Department has also put in place committees to collaborate on the issue with other provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and Québec and other federal departments and agencies.
Question 2: Does the Department share information with other agencies?
  • Collaboration between Fisheries and Ocean Canada and its partner agencies is ongoing. Information sharing is occurring while ensuring the Privacy Act is respected.
Question 3: Has the Department seen results from its work on unreported landings?
  • Fishery officers with the Conservation & Protection program in the Atlantic provinces and Quebec routinely conduct inspection activities on the water, at the wharf and in holding facilities to verify compliance with the Fisheries Act and Associated Regulations
  • These efforts have resulted in traps and vessels having been seized for non-compliance with the Fisheries Act, as well as individuals suspected of violating Canadian fishing laws and regulations having been arrested.
  • The largest outcome of these Atlantic-wide compliance verification inspections saw fishery officers seize 5,900 kilograms of lobster (worth almost $100,000) from a facility in Southwest Nova Scotia. While conducting this work, fishery officers routinely conduct joint inspections with partner agencies from both the provinces and the federal government.

Background

  • Industry groups and the Province of Nova Scotia have raised concerns about the “cash” sales of fish products. The sale of fish products using “cash” is not illegal; as cash is a legal tender. The underlying issue is the sale of fish caught in contravention of the Fisheries Act or the tax implications stemming from unreported income. 
  • DFO and its enforcement branch (Conservation & Protection) only have the legal authority and mandate to address issues of non-compliance with the Fisheries Act and its associated regulations, such as unreported landings or unauthorized fishing. C&P’s fishery officers have been actively conducting compliance inspection activities at sea, on the wharf and in holding facilities.
  • Other Government agencies such as the Canada Revenue Agency are responsible for issues associated with tax evasion or unreported income; and provincial authorities are responsible for regulating provincial fish buyers and processors.
  • Addressing the issue of unreported landings and the underground economy associated with sale of illegal fish products and the associated unreported income requires a multi-agency approach. The Department is collaborating with other government and provincial agencies on a regular basis. C&P has had positive enforcement outcomes with respect to addressing non-compliance with the Fisheries Act this summer.

F19 - Enforcing Owner Operator

Question 1: What are you doing to prevent processors from having controlling agreements over licence holders?
  • Licence holders must maintain control over their inshore licence and directly benefit from that licence.
  • At the time the regulations were developed, the industry requested access to financing from third-parties to allow flexibility in accessing capital for licence holders.
  • However, some licence holders may be in controlling agreements. The Department continues to implement the inshore regulations by requiring changes in financial agreements that do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Question 2: What has your Department done to date to implement the inshore regulations?
  • Compliance with these regulatory requirements is monitored through administrative reviews and enforcement.
  • Fishery officers use a range of monitoring and compliance tactics on and off the water.
  • Multiple investigations have been launched related to the potential violation of the Inshore Regulations. Charges laid to date have so far produced six convictions, each with a $2,500 fine and forfeiture of the catch. In certain other specific cases, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) decided to not prosecute the matters.

Background

  • In 2021, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) introduced amendments to the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, and the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations, commonly referred to as the “Inshore Regulations”, which enshrined elements of key DFO policies (including the Owner-Operator, as well as Fleet Separation, and the Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic Fisheries - PIIFCAF) into regulations.
  • The intent of enshrining these policies into regulations was to respond to stakeholder concerns (inshore harvesters, fleets, and industry associations) that a licence holder’s ability to make independent decisions in their own best interest was being compromised by the proliferation of agreements and arrangements between licence holders and third parties, and to strengthen the Department’s enforcement measures.
  • Through the inshore regulations, Owner-Operator has two primary criteria. Specifically, the regulated criteria:
    • Restricts the issuance of licences to eligible individuals, their estate, their wholly owned companies, or to organizations that have been issued an allocation of fish to catch; and
    • Requires that licence holders or operators named in the licence personally carry out the activities authorized under the licence.
  • The inshore regulations are applied through Licensing administrative review processes and through Conservation and Protection enforcement measures.
  • Licensing concentrates its effort on one part of the new regulations: determining the eligibility of licence holders (or future licence holder) at the time of issuance (or reissuance) according to the principle that they cannot transfer the rights and privileges associated with their licence(s) to a third party.
  • The enforcement aspect of the regulations allows DFO to prosecute the licence holder and third parties.
  • A well-defined administrative review process is in place. At the onset, DFO requires all licence holders at the time of licensing fee payment to self-declare via the National Online Licensing System that they have not transferred any of their rights and privileges.
  • Confirmation of eligibility is done based on reviews of selected applicants. There are three kinds of reviews:
    • Reissuance reviews: all requests to reissue (commonly referred to as ‘transfer’) licences are reviewed;
    • Targeted reviews: when complaints or information about potential non-compliance (i.e., a “trigger”) is received from industry or obtained internally within DFO; and
    • Non-Targeted reviews: when a fishery of interest is identified, and some fishers within that fleet are randomly selected for review.
  • In all review types, a questionnaire is sent to the applicant and all documents relevant to the transaction or the fishing enterprise are requested for review. A national Task Team and executive oversight is in place to support the review of complex cases and to ensure consistency in decision-making across regions. Enforcement actions are active and on-going. Details on specific cases cannot be shared to protect the integrity of on-going investigations.
  • Since the inshore regulations came into effect in April 2021 over 3,600 administrative reviews have occurred and in nearly 1,600 instances (44 per cent) additional information was required by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to complete the eligibility determination. In 220 reviews (six per cent of total) one or more agreements were revised to achieve compliance. This data is provided publicly and is updated every six months on the DFO website.

F20 - Foreign Ownership

Question 1: What else will the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization Cover?
  • Ongoing stakeholder discussions are focused on:
    • Perspectives of the 2+3KLMNO Groundfish Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the harvesting and processing sectors, Indigenous groups, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, ENGOs and others;
    • Additional input from a special meeting of the Groundfish Advisory Committee to specifically discuss access and allocation of Northern cod; and,
    • Perspectives from a variety of correspondence, meetings with industry stakeholders and partners in addition to many other informal engagements.
  • The majority of these engagements are expected to conclude by March 2025.
Question 2: What of stakeholder concerns of foreign ownership and concentration among Atlantic processors?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not have legislative authority over the licensing of fish processors and buyers. The Department has held initial meetings with provincial ministries to further explore these concerns and consider potential solutions.
Question 3: What is being done regarding concerns of money laundering in Canadian fisheries?
  • Federal and provincial efforts to improve corporate transparency across all industries are ongoing, following domestic and international concerns of money laundering and financial crime in Canada.
  • International efforts to improve corporate transparency of vessel ownership for the purpose of cracking down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing are also ongoing.

Background

  • A Government Response to the 2023 House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) report titled “Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota” was published on April 11, 2024. The Report’s 19 recommendations call for: the implementation of Atlantic inshore-style policies and foreign ownership limits in fisheries where they are not currently present; increased government oversight and collaboration; robust administration of the inshore regulations; and, improved supports for commercial harvesters.
  • The Government Response supports and/or acknowledges the majority of the recommendations (15 out of 19) as ongoing. The Response presents the upcoming West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagements as the main tool in which many of these recommendations and their potential impacts will be discussed with First Nations and stakeholders. The Response makes it clear that careful consideration of the potential impacts is required before any policy changes can be considered, and this requires hearing from a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives.
  • There is no national standard for foreign ownership limits applicable for all Canadian commercial fisheries. However, some restrictions on foreign access to commercial fisheries access are established in the Atlantic Coast through the Department’s Eastern Canada and regional licensing policies, which are designed to support the fishery’s unique management objectives.
  • In February of 2021, DFO strengthened the application of its foreign ownership restrictions in Atlantic Canada, requiring all future prospective licence holders to be at least 51 per cent Canadian throughout their full corporate structure.
  • On January 30, 2022, DFO launched a survey that was mandatory for all Pacific commercial licence holders, and all Atlantic and Quebec licences holders whose corporate structure were not already prescribed by regulation (inshore and communal commercial fisheries were excluded). The Survey found that, of those surveyed, ~two per cent of licence eligibility holders has some degree of foreign ownership; however, more work is required to understand alternative means of control and influence in the fishery, including concentration of access across all fishery participants and licence and quota leasing arrangements.
  • The West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization (WCCFM) engagement is taking place throughout 2024 and 2025. In fall/winter 2024, exploratory bilateral meetings are creating opportunities for the Department to share information with a broad set of commercial fishery participants, as well as learn about their unique perspective and desired outcomes for commercial fisheries in Pacific Region. These meetings provide opportunities to discuss representation on advisory boards, data transparency and other key issues raised by FOPO. In February 2025, multi-sectoral workshop-style meetings in coastal BC communities will allow participants to consider potential outcomes of WCCFM as well as discuss the options to achieve those outcomes.

F21 - Northern Cod Fishery

Question 1: Why was the Northern Cod (2J3KL) fishery changed from a Stewardship fishery to a commercial fishery for the 2024 season, which allows access to the offshore fleet?
  • There have been recent and positive developments in our understanding of the Northern cod stock. The latest stock assessment confirmed that the stock is in the Cautious Zone of the precautionary approach framework. The transition to a commercial fishery aligns with other Canadian groundfish stocks that are in the Cautious Zone.
  • This decision also recognizes the offshore fleets’ historical access and their contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal economies.
Question 2: Did the Department engage stakeholders before making this change in the Northern cod fishery?
  • We carefully considered science advice, Indigenous views and stakeholder perspectives in making this management decision.
  • Advice from the most recent stock assessment was considered to inform this decision. This process included science experts from various organizations.
  • DFO has a robust process for formal and informal consultations that take place prior to any management decision. In making the 2024 management decision, the Department received:
    • Perspectives of the 2+3KLMNO Groundfish Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the harvesting and processing sectors, Indigenous groups, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, ENGOs and others;
    • Additional input from a special meeting of the Groundfish Advisory Committee to specifically discuss access and allocation of Northern cod; and,
    • Perspectives from a variety of correspondence, meetings with industry stakeholders and partners in addition to many other informal engagements.
Question 3: Why did the Department break the 115,000-tonne commitment to the NL inshore sector and Indigenous groups?
  • Inshore harvesters and the Indigenous groups of Newfoundland and Labrador remain the primary beneficiaries of the Northern cod fishery. The 2024 Management Decision for Northern cod provides a majority allocation of over 90 per cent of the Total Allowable Catch for the inshore sector and Indigenous groups.
  • Providing access to the offshore fleet supports the development of a year-round, economically viable fishery that benefits communities across the province.
Question 4: Did the options recommended by the Department follow the legal requirements of Fish Stock Provisions under the Fisheries Act?
  • While this is currently a matter before the courts, I am of the view that this decision is consistent with the Fisheries Act.
Question 5: Are you concerned about access by the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization Contracting Parties? Why is the Department allowing foreign fishing for Northern cod?
  • As a responsible fishing nation, the Department is required to consider Canada’s international obligations under the NAFO. Canada must cooperate with other countries on the sustainable management of relevant fish stocks through participation in regional fisheries management organizations.
  • It is important to note that NAFO Contracting Parties are not authorized to fish inside Canadian Fisheries Waters (200-nautical mile limit).
  • Northern cod is a straddling stock, and a small portion is found in the NAFO Regulatory Area (i.e., international waters, outside 200 nautical miles), in NAFO Division 3L. As a responsible fishing nation and in line with our international obligations, Canada cooperates with other countries through our participation in NAFO on the sustainable management of transboundary and high seas fish stocks.
  • In 1996, Canada negotiated strong measures that limit access by NAFO Contracting Parties to 5 per cent of the Canadian TAC. NAFO Contracting Parties must also account for all bycatch in this amount. 
  • At the recent NAFO Annual meeting in September, 2024, Canada ensured that management measures such as season date, gear and minimum fish size requirements were revised to follow Canadian requirements and additional control measures were adopted should a vessel direct for the stock in the NAFO Regulatory Area without an observer on board.
  • Canada has negotiated strong conservation measures and has a significant enforcement presence in the NAFO Regulatory Area. I am confident that this will allow us to ensure that the resource is protected for the benefit of Canadians, including Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Question 6: Is Canada concerned about Russian access to the Northern cod fishery?
  • The NAFO measures ensure that all directed and bycatch by Russia and all Contracting Parties combined will be fully accounted for within the 5 per cent. The Russian Federation is limited to 19 tonnes for the 2024-25 season.
Question 7: What is Canada doing to monitor activity and ensure compliance in the NAFO Regulatory Area?
  • Conservation and Protection (C&P) enforcement efforts in the NAFO Regulatory Area are comprised of at-sea monitoring and inspections from CCG vessels, hourly reporting by Vessel Monitoring Systems, port catch verification/inspections and aerial surveillance.
  • Since January 1, 2024, Fishery Officers have conducted: hundreds (280.5) of dedicated hours of aerial surveillance; 163 vessel patrol days; three joint patrols with NAFO partners (2 EU/1USA); 68 at-sea inspections and 9 in-port inspections.
Question 8: Was logbook data for northern cod for the years 2020-2023 analyzed and used in the recent stock assessment that was completed in March 2024?
  • Yes. Logbook data for 2020-2023 was analyzed and incorporated in the most recent stock assessment completed in March 2024.
  • Following successful completion of the fall 2023 DFO survey, a stock assessment was held in March 2024.
Question 9: Why is catch rate (CPUE) not considered to be a good indication of Stock size?
  • Catch rate can, in some instances, be used as an indicator of stock size. However, in the case of Northern cod, catch rates are not proportional to stock size.
  • Fish tend to contract to smaller areas when overall abundance is decreasing, and harvesters can target these areas (which tend to be good fishing areas) and keep an overall high catch rate when stock is declining. Further, economic factors (e.g. strong vs weaker prices, opportunity in other fisheries) can affect fishery participation and behaviour, and are another consideration which can affect CPUE independent of stock size. For this reason, CPUE is not used as an input into the model.

Background

Management Decision
  • In 1992, Canada placed the Canadian portion of the Northern cod stock under commercial moratorium due to a severe stock decline.
  • In 1998, Canada re-opened a small index fishery which was later closed in 2003 and it remained under commercial moratorium until June 26, 2024.
  • In 2006, while under commercial moratorium, DFO introduced a stewardship fishery which was limited to the fixed-gear inshore fleet sector (FFAW members) only. This fishery had the following objectives: to obtain a better understanding of the resource status of Northern cod; to develop a culture of stewardship among harvesters; to collect fishery data to contribute to the stock assessment; and to facilitate harvester participation in the stock assessment process.
  • In November 2023, following a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) science process, DFO’s understanding of the Northern cod stock changed, noting that the stock was in the Cautious zone from 2016 to 2021 (precautionary approach policy). The latest stock assessment in March 2024 confirmed that the stock remains in the Cautious zone.
  • On June 26, the Minister announced the management approach for the 2024 2J3KL (Northern) cod fishery, which included the re-establishment of a commercial fishery with a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 18,000 tonnes (t).
  • As with all fisheries management decisions, DFO carefully considered the science advice, stakeholder views, and socio-economic factors affecting Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastal communities.
  • Given this is a commercial fishery, authorized gear is both mobile (otter trawl) and fixed (gillnet, longline, cod pots). Mobile gear was not authorized in the Stewardship fishery. The current authorization is for both the offshore and Inshore Mobile gear fleets.
  • In late July 2024, the Fish Food and Allied Workers-Unifor’ union (FFAW) and Glen Winslow (the applicants) filed a Judicial Review application before the Federal Court of Canada challenging the June 20th 2024 decision and also filed a motion for an injunction to prohibit the implementation of the 2024 management plan until the judicial review is complete. The Applicants were asking the Court to quash the decision to end the Northern Cod Moratorium off the northern and eastern coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, which allows for a portion of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of allocated cod to be given to the offshore sector, and incidentally enables a small international participation in the NAFO Regulatory Area. The Applicants alleged that the decision is unreasonable because the Minister failed to exercise her discretion in a manner consistent with the Fisheries Act and departmental guidelines. They also claimed that the Minister failed to provide detailed reasons for the decision and that it was made without considering the ecological, economic and social impacts the decision would have on the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • On October 18, 2024, the Federal Court dismissed the Applicants motion for an injunction. Operationally, this means that the 2024 Management Plan for 2J3KL cod can continue to be implemented by DFO as planned, with the offshore expected to begin their fishing operations in the coming weeks.
  • The Applicant’s application for a Judicial Review remains before the court with a decision not anticipated before 2025. [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]
NAFO Surveillance
  • A variety of methods are used to monitor fishing activity on the high seas, including aerial surveillance, at-sea and port inspections, international observers, satellite (RADARSAT II) and vessel monitoring systems (VMS).
  • VMS is mandatory for all vessels fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area (NRA) with reporting at one-hour intervals; it enables satellite tracking of vessels and provide detailed information on vessel name and location. Canada regularly conducts forensic analysis of VMS data to provide "smart" information to patrol vessels/aircrafts about high-risk non-compliant fishing vessels.
  • Canada also employs a Fisheries Monitoring Centre to monitoring catch related data and reporting to meet international and enforcement related obligations.
  • Canada invests $30M annually for aerial surveillance and at-sea inspection patrols in the NAFO Regulatory Area, which includes approximately 775,000 square nautical miles of fishable grounds outside the 200-mile limits of coastal States in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
  • Canada also works closely with international partners to ensure compliance within the NAFO regulatory area, including conducting joint patrols and sharing of information as prescribed within the NAFO Conservation and Enforcement Measures. 
  • Conservation and Protection (C&P) enforcement efforts in the NRA are comprised of at-sea monitoring and inspections from CCG vessels, port catch verification/inspections, patrolling from aerial surveillance platforms and observed tow information reporting. 

F22 - Elver Fishery

Question 1: What is the Department Reviewing?
  • Departmental officials are working diligently towards improved conservation management and to bring stability to the fishery.
  • Decisions will be taken on changes in three key areas: (1) Enhancing access for Indigenous communities and more broadly distributing benefits from the fishery; (2) establishing new regulatory requirements for possession and export of elvers; and (3) developing of updated management conditions and traceability systems.
  • All three of these deliverables are necessary to provide a reasonable opportunity to build a sustainable, safe, orderly, and well-managed fishery moving forward.
Question 2: Why did the Department not offer compensation for the 2022-2023 quota reductions from licences, or for the 50 per cent reduction being proposed in 2024?
  • Many decisions are taken on access to Canada’s valuable fisheries every day, including decisions to close or drastically reduce fishing efforts to conserve species. Generally, these changes do not result in compensation to licence holders.
  • In the case of the Maritimes elver fishery, we are working with Indigenous partners, industry, and other stakeholders to build a more sustainable and equitable fishery for all.
  • Fishing licences and quota do not confer property rights or create a right to compensation. 
  • The exponential increase in value of the elver fishery and relatively lower input cost at the harvester level in this fishery are being considered prior to expending Canadian tax dollars through compensation or the willing seller-willing buyer approach.
  • Potential changes to access, and allocations, and how they will be implemented are still under review; engagement and consultation is ongoing. No final decisions have been made at this time.
Question 3: Will the review be completed and changes made ahead of a fishery in 2025?
  • The Department is making every effort to complete the review and provide recommendations ahead of the opening of the 2025 season, which is typically in March.
Question 4: Is the Department considering creating new commercial elver licences other than the new access for First Nations communities?
  • In addition to the proposed 50 per cent reallocation of access in the fishery to First Nations, the Department is also gathering feedback on an additional potential reallocation (in addition to the 50 per cent) which could be used to accommodate commercial access for those previously designated to fish under existing licences. Additionally, the Department is consulting on temporarily converting 30 existing commercial large eel licences to 30 elver licences.
  • The Department is engaging stakeholders on potential interest and approach to allocation.
  • Given the importance of safe handling of elvers which are exported as a live species, those with experience harvesting elver and with the fishery have been priorities for the commercial elver pilot.
Question 5: Has the Department considered the possibility of converting eel licences to elver licences?
  • Converting large eel licences to elver licences is being considered under a proposed commercial elver pilot.
  • The value of large eel has substantially decreased. It is the Government’s position that reallocating under existing authorities to those who have experience fishing another lifestage of American eel will support benefits going to coastal communities.
  • Any increase in allocation or reallocation within the elver fishery will fit within conservation objectives, the broader proposed changes to traceability, ensuring proper management and control of the fishery, and reconciliation priorities.

Background

  • Elvers are juvenile American Eels. All American eel originate from the same spawning location in the Sargasso Sea and are all of the same genetic makeup, they are considered to be a single global population. The American eel population has decreased across eastern Canada in the last forty years. Canada is currently considering whether to list the species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA); if listed, prohibitions would apply, including to fisheries.
  • The elver fishery is managed with a total allowable catch (TAC) and site-specific river catch limits for each fishing location (rivers, streams, brooks) in licences. The TAC of 9960kg has remained the same since 2005.
  • In 2022 and 2023, First Nation access was reallocated on an interim-basis from existing licence holder TAC. For 2023, there were eight commercial licences, one communal commercial licence, and two interim communal commercial licences covering 10 First Nation Communities.
  • In a Judicial Review (JR) brought by three non-Indigenous elver licence holders who disagreed with the approach of reallocating the 2022 quota, the Federal Court held that the Minister’s decision was procedurally fair and reasonable. The Federal Courts decision was appealed at the Federal Court of Appeal in mid-November, and the decision was upheld again.
  • Three JRs have also been brought in the Federal Court on the 2023 quota decision, and are currently awaiting the Court’s decision.
  • Two JRs have been brought in the Federal Court in relation to the 2024 decision not to open the fishery. Both of these matters are in preliminary stages.
  • The elver fishery has become extremely lucrative in the past 10 years, with landed value rising from $450 per kilogram (kg) in 2009 to approximately $5000 per kg in 2023, with a peak value of $5,100 per kg in 2019.
  • Over the last ten years, the value of the Maritimes Region elver fishery has been characterized by yearly fluctuations. The value is influenced by several factors including but not limited to export costs, overseas demand, and market price. Determining an accurate overall value for the fishery is difficult given that pricing data have generally been sourced from a limited number of buyers in the Maritimes Region.
  • In comparison to other commercial fisheries, input costs at the harvester level are relatively low. As a live-fish fishery, there are additional costs to managing species once harvested. Coupled with its high value, the relative ease of harvest has resulted in significant unauthorized harvesting in this fishery.
  • Due to the limited extent of access held by First Nations who assert a right to fish elvers in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, there is considerable risk of ongoing and high levels of unauthorized fishing by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in the Region, creating instability in the fishery. Greater fishery access for First Nations could help to mitigate these risks.
  • Reports of fishing outside the DFO authorized commercial elver fishery has steadily increased over the last decade. In the spring of 2020 and 2023, as a result of significant unauthorized fishing activity by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, the Minister issued a Fisheries Management Order to close the fishery. Due to these ongoing concerns, the fishery was not re-opened in 2024.
  • Unauthorized harvest of elvers poses a significant safety concern for harvesters, fishery officers and other members of the public. DFO received numerous complaints of disputes between harvesters and responded to reports of gear tampering, situations involving threats to harvesters and fishery officers, intimidation, and vandalism of public property.
  • In February 2024, letters were sent to elver fishery licence holders from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, stating that the Minister was contemplating not issuing licences for the 2024 fishing season and sought their feedback. After consideration of all feedback received, the Minister’s decision not to issue elver licences in the Maritimes Region in 2024 was announced in March 2024, via a public statement and letters to licence holders.
  • The Department is currently consulting on a potential reallocation of 50 per cent of the overall total allowable catch to support increased participation to First Nations through the issuance of communal commercial licences. The Department is also engaging with those with past experience harvesting in the fishery and large eel licence holders on a further reallocation (in addition to the 50 per cent) to accommodate new commercial individual entrants to the fishery on a pilot basis. Letters were sent to First Nations communities and current licence holders in June 2024, detailing the proposal on the 50 per cent, October 2024 on a potential approach and community level allocations, and in October 2024 regarding the new pilot. Direction on the potential impact to individual allocations of current licence holders has not been determined.
  • Proposed regulations for elver possession and export and the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS) were posted to Canada Gazette, Part I on June 29, 2024, for a 70-day public comment period that closed on September 7, 2024. Regulatory development efforts are ongoing. The proposed regulations would require a licence for the possession and export of elver to allow the Department to better oversee these areas of the supply chain.
  • The Department has assembled a team of experts to lead in the development of a new traceability system to track the movement of legally fished, possessed, and exported elver by weight in Canada. Substantial progress has been made toward building the system and engaging with potential future users of the system.
  • Consultations and engagements with Indigenous partners and stakeholders will continue throughout the management review process, to gather perspectives and feedback on the three pillars of this review.

F23 - Redfish and Shrimp Fisheries

Question 1: Has the re-opening of the redfish fishery benefitted Gulf shrimp harvesters?
  • The 10 per cent allocation to Gulf shrimp harvesters will provide them with an additional source of income.
  • The Unit 1 commercial fishery is now open to all fleets. There has been a modest level of participation so far, including from Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Shrimp harvesters.
Question 2: Will Fisheries and Oceans provide further compensation to Gulf shrimp harvesters to help them get through this crisis?
  • The Department, in collaboration with other federal government departments that have an economic mandate, is evaluating resources and programs available to support the shrimp fishing industry.
  • The Department does not currently manage a financial assistance program for harvesters. Its mandate is to ensure resource conservation for sustainable fisheries.

Background

  • Since the start of the 2023 season, landings of northern shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) have been described as "spectacularly catastrophic" by fishermen and processors. Catch rates in the busiest fishing areas are at 50 per cent of what they were last year.
  • These low catch rates combined with high operating costs are creating major profitability issues. Several fishing companies and processing plants are facing major financial difficulties, and the low volumes caught to date are already having economic repercussions in certain communities in New Brunswick (NB), Quebec (QC) and on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
  • The latest Stock Assessment of Northern Shrimp in the EGSL concluded that three of the four stocks are currently in the critical zone of the applicable precautionary approach, and that their respective biomass values are the lowest observed since 1990.
  • Warming and oxygen depletion in deep waters, as well as increased predation by redfish appear to be major factors contributing to the decline and lower productivity of these stocks. The ecosystem changes observed in the EGSL indicate a heightened risk to the sustainability of stocks, and consequently to the entire ecosystem of which it is a part, due to its role as a forage species.
  • At the advisory committee meeting held on October 31 and November 1, fleet representatives from QC, NB and NL reiterated their dismay at the anticipated reduction in quotas. They rejected the revised Precautionary Approach proposal and called for an ecosystem-based management approach that would take into account redfish predation levels.
  • They also recommended opening the commercial redfish fishery in Unit 1 as early as the 2024 season, and called for the rapid implementation of a government assistance program to help finance fleet rationalization and the transition to the redfish fishery.
  • On January 26, 2024, the Minister announced the re-opening of the commercial Redfish fishery in Unit 1, with a 10 per cent allocation going to EGSL shrimp harvesters.
  • On May 31, 2024, the management plan for the 2024 Redfish Unit 1 commercial fishery was announced, including a total allowable catch of 60,000 tonnes. The EGSL shrimp allocation for the 2024-25 fishing season is 5,500 tonnes.
  • The 10 per cent allocation provided in the January 26 decision will be supplementary to any allocation held by EGSL shrimp harvesters in the inshore and midshore allocations.
  • The critical zone status of three of the four Gulf shrimp stocks has triggered the obligation under the Fisheries Act to develop a rebuilding plan.
  • The plan will have to be implemented by October 2025 at the latest according to the regulatory deadlines. The stakeholder consultation will take place in autumn 2024 and winter 2025.

F24 - Atlantic Mackerel

Question 1: If pressed on observations of a healthy stock
  • Atlantic mackerel are a schooling pelagic fish; therefore, seeing large aggregations of this species is not unusual, even in cases where the overall population abundance is low.
  • DFO values the perspectives and observations of fish harvesters and continues to work with them to collect data for the ongoing mackerel assessment, ensuring that we have the best science possible to inform future decisions.
Question 2: If pressed on the rebuilding plan
  • The Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Plan was developed by DFO, in consultation with stakeholders and Indigenous partners.
  • DFO is optimistic that the Atlantic mackerel stock can rebuild, and we are committed to supporting the future re-opening of the Atlantic mackerel commercial fishery.

Background

  • The most recent stock assessment was held in February 2023 and determined that the Atlantic mackerel stock biomass was at a historically low level in 2021 and 2022, and the rebuilding potential is limited by low recruitment, high predation pressure, and a collapsed age structure due to overfishing. The results of the next stock assessment are expected in March 2025.
  • Many industry members disagree with the stock assessment, and report observations of a healthy, abundant stock. They have called on DFO to open a small-scale fishery to increase data collection efforts to bridge the disconnect between science and observations on the water.
  • The Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Plan was approved on April 12, 2024 and was published on the DFO website on August 12, 2024.
  • The primary objective of the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Plan is to rebuild the stock above the LRP with a 75 per cent probability over an 18-year period. The secondary objectives include: promoting a positive stock growth trajectory over a 2-year period; improving monitoring; enhancing measures to reduce post-discard mortality; enhancing scientific knowledge, including the use of Indigenous knowledge; increasing bilateral cooperation and coordination with the U.S.; and providing fishing opportunities while achieving stock rebuilding.
  • The bait fishery occurred in all DFO Atlantic regions and was implemented as an open competitive fishery. Approximately 439.6 tonnes (93.5 per cent) of the 470 tonne bait quota was landed. The breakdown of landings is as follows: Maritimes Region (67.5 tonnes), Gulf Region (311.8 tonnes), Quebec Region (37.1 tonnes), and Newfoundland and Labrador Region (23.3 tonnes).

F25 - Striped Bass of the Miramichi

Question 1: Why don’t you reduce the population of striped bass to protect Atlantic salmon?
  • Striped bass is a native species to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and will continue to be considered as an integral part of the ecosystem and managed accordingly.
  • Although striped bass co-evolved with Atlantic salmon and are known predators of salmon smolts, the current declining trend in wild Atlantic salmon populations is mainly attributed to salmon’s poor marine survival and other factors related to climate change.
Question 2: If striped bass populations are improving, why are temporary closures to the fishery still necessary during the summer?
  • Over the last few years, DFO has enforced a temporary closure (5-10 days) of the recreational striped bass fishery in a section of the North West Miramichi River as a conservation measure.
  • The Northwest Miramichi River estuary is the only confirmed consistent and successful spawning location for the entire southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Striped bass population.
  • The closure allows for spawning to occur undisturbed, and is triggered when large concentrations of fish are observed demonstrating spawning behaviour (late May to mid-June).
  • Given the lack of information on striped bass fishing efforts across the southern Gulf, the Department needs to achieve a balance between retention opportunities and ensuring a healthy stock.
Question 3: Are striped bass having an effect on the lobster population?
  • Striped bass are generalist predators and have been documented consuming lobster.
  • However, lobster populations within the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence are at an all-time high and predation by striped bass is not considered a threat.

Background

  • The abundance of the striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) experiences high degrees of fluctuations, from a low of 4,000-5,000 spawners in the late 1990s to a high of over 900,000 in 2017.
  • The estimated spawner abundance in 2022 was 471,800 and based on the stock status indicator (eggs in spawners), the sGSL striped bass population is in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach.
  • The Miramichi River is the only known successful and consistent spawning location for sGSL striped bass.
  • Striped bass is a native species in the sGSL that has co-existed and co-evolved alongside wild Atlantic salmon since the last ice age. These two species occur in different habitats for most of their cycles and only overlap during a limited period in the spring.
  • Various interest groups continue to express concerns that striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts is hindering the recovery of Atlantic salmon.
  • Striped bass are generalist predators that feed on a variety of marine and estuarine species. In the Miramichi estuary, predation of Atlantic salmon smolts and a variety of other species by striped bass has been documented though smolts are not thought to be targeted explicitly.
  • The striped bass, like the Atlantic salmon, is an anadromous species that feeds and grows mainly in the marine environment before returning to freshwater to spawn.
  • The complex predator-prey relationship between striped bass and Atlantic salmon is not fully understood: however, trends suggest that striped bass predation is not the determining factor in the abundance of Atlantic salmon.
  • Overall, this striped bass and Atlantic salmon interaction is considered natural, localized, and would have occurred. Striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts does not explain the declines in adult salmon returns observed in Gulf Region rivers or elsewhere.
  • It is estimated that only one to four per cent of smolts return as adults throughout most of its range and at-sea mortality is considered to be a significant factor for the decline of Atlantic salmon.
  • Atlantic salmon faces a range of threats and have seen a sharp decline in productivity since 1990 in both North America and Europe. Factors that have or still contribute to declines in salmon abundance include high at-sea mortality, habitat degradation, climate change as well as legal and illegal fishing pressures.

F26 - Aquaculture Science

Question 1: How are external experts in aquaculture science advice processes identified?
  • The Department has established a Registry of External Science Experts, where external experts can self-identify.
  • The Department has also formed an External Experts Identification Committee, made up of world-leading Canadian and international external experts. When needed, this group can help identify a wide range of experts for the Department’s peer-review meetings.
Question 2: What aquaculture science advice is coming next?
  • My Department is currently undertaking a review and update of its advice on the effects of aquaculture on the ecosystem.
  • DFO Science is also collaborating with the Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation at Carleton University to complete a review on impacts of sea lice on wild salmon in British Columbia.
  • This review will be conducted though multiple peer-review Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) meetings. The External Expert Identification Committee was engaged to identify an external co-chair and expert participants.

Background

  • DFO’s aquaculture science research is conducted to promote understanding of and inform decisions related to aquaculture-ecosystem interactions and possible mitigation approaches to reduce any identified impacts, such: as effects of pests and pathogens; interactions between farmed and wild fish; release of organic matter, pesticides and drugs from farms; and, potential habitat impacts.
  • Science advice is delivered through the Department’s Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS). Since 2019, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has completed 25 CSAS advisory processes related to aquaculture.
  • This included providing peer-reviewed science advice on, for example:
    • Proposed development of a post-deposit monitoring program for drugs and pesticides used by the Canadian aquaculture industry.
    • Assessment of the risk posed to wild Atlantic salmon population abundance and genetic character by direct genetic interaction with escapes from East Coast Atlantic salmon aquaculture.
    • Potential impacts of new or expanded marine finfish aquaculture sites to fish and fish habitat to support the departmental review of aquaculture site applications.
  • Additional CSAS advisory processes are scheduled for the current fiscal year, or have recently been completed:
    • Genetic Risks to Wild Sablefish from the Escape of Farmed Sablefish (October 2024)
    • Science Review of Two Proposed Trout Aquaculture Sites in Bay d’Espoir on the South Coast of Newfoundland (September 2024)
    • Aquaculture Siting Advice for Provincial Site Licence Applications from Mowi Canada East Incorporated (April 2024)
  • The review of the impacts of Sea Lice is being led collaboratively with an external partner, Carleton University, and a public call for literature and reports relevant to this process was launched by Carleton University earlier this fall. The first Phase of this CSAS is scheduled in Vancouver from November 26-28, 2024.
  • The Department is currently also undertaking a review and update of its 2009 science advice on the effects of aquaculture on the ecosystem (‘Pathways of Effects’). This work will update the state of knowledge and is also expected to highlight potential future research directions that will help inform our aquaculture science program priorities going forward. This work has started and will be completed in 2025.

F27 - Aquaculture Transition Plan in British Columbia

Question 1: Why is the Transition Plan not more detailed?
  • The draft Plan is a starting point for consultation.
  • The Government of Canada recognizes that the communities impacted by this decision have unique circumstances, needs, and opportunities. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work effectively in addressing the diverse challenges and potentials of these communities.
  • To ensure the final Plan is comprehensive and considerate of these differences, it is crucial for the Government of Canada to hear directly from First Nations, coastal communities, and the industry and businesses involved in the salmon aquaculture sector.
  • Engaging with these groups will provide valuable insights and foster a collaborative and partnership-based approach, ensuring that the final Plan is responsible and supports long term sustainable economic opportunities in B.C coastal communities.
Question 2: Why is Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada leading consultations?
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada(ISED) brings expertise including economic  and regional development, green technology, innovation to this work.
  • Implementing this transition is a whole-of-government effort that will draw on several departments with expertise including reconciliation, community development and aquaculture management. ISED has been tasked with convening an interdepartmental task force to support the development of a final transition plan.
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) retains responsibility for regulating aquaculture and is a member of the interdepartmental task force.
Question 3: How does Canada compare to other jurisdictions with regards to quantity of harvest from aquaculture?
  • In 2022, total Canadian aquaculture production was 166,265 tonnes, valued at $1.34 billion. In 2022, 56 per cent of total production was exported, predominantly to the United States (96 per cent of exports).
  • Atlantic salmon is by far the most important aquaculture product in Canada. In 2022, salmon accounted for 81 per cent of production value. Globally, Canada is the 5th largest producer of salmon by volume behind Norway, Chile, the UK, and the Faroe Islands.
  • Finfish production in Canada is dominated by salmon, at 107,998 tonnes with a value of $1.1 billion. For reference, Norway produced 1,551,972 tonnes of salmon in 2022.
  • Shellfish production in Canada is comparatively smaller, at 40,358 tonnes with a value of $125 million.
Question 4: What are the public expectations of the aquaculture industry?
  • Public expectations for robust, science-based aquaculture management have increased in recent years.
  • Given the unprecedented threats that wild Pacific salmon are facing, bold action is required to conserve and protect this iconic species.
  • The transition from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia’s coastal waters reflects a concerted effort to drive toward technological innovation to more advanced and sustainable methods that place British Columbia – and Canada - at the forefront of modern, sustainable aquaculture.
Question 5: What is the importance of salmon farming for local communities? What will the Government of Canada do to mitigate the negative consequences associated with a transition away from open net-pen aquaculture in BC?
  • The Government of Canada recognizes that the aquaculture sector is a key employer in many First Nations, coastal and remote communities.
  • The interdepartmental task force, nested within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, is leading comprehensive consultations with Indigenous communities, local stakeholders, and industry representatives to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This collaborative approach will help to develop transition strategies that are inclusive and equitable.
  • Once the transition plan is finalized, DFO will work with other federal departments to operationalize it, including strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that the transition to sustainable aquaculture practices is conducted in a manner that protects the environment, supports economic growth, and respects Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge.

Background

  • On June 19, 2024, the Government of Canada issued a Policy Statement announcing a ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia coastal waters by June 30, 2029,  and a transition to closed containment systems and other forms of aquaculture to better protect wild Pacific salmon and to promote more sustainable aquaculture practices. While existing licences have been renewed until June 30, 2029, with stricter conditions of licence to better protect wild Pacific salmon and the marine environment, only marine or land-based closed containment systems will be considered for salmon aquaculture licences after July 1, 2024.  Work is underway to ensure that a robust regulatory regime to enact a ban on open net-pen aquaculture in BC waters takes effect on July 1, 2029.

F28 - Pacific Salmon

Question 1: What results to date have been achieved through the PSSI?
  • As of November 13, 2024, the Department has invested $254.2 million in targeted actions to address Pacific salmon declines, of which $111.3 million was delivered through partners.
  • Looking forward, the Department will continue to advance actions for Pacific salmon rebuilding, including infrastructure projects, in collaboration with partners.
  • Key activities regarding work done to date include:
    • advancement of 219 habitat restoration projects that improved Pacific salmon migration and other salmon habitat issues, including facilitating 300,000 Pink salmon in upstream migration in successful project with Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver;
    • 27 retrofit projects at DFO Indigenous, and community-based hatcheries to enhance their ability to support at-risk stocks, including expanding capacity for growing salmon from eggs, and improved water supply systems to improve fish health. Initiation of work towards 3 new conservation hatcheries to support future conservation and rebuilding efforts for multiple high-priority salmon populations, in partnership with local First Nations. 
    • Implementation of over 60 projects with First Nations that supported sustainable harvest transformation, including shift to more selective gear types;
    • enhanced sustainable recreational fishing through mark selective fisheries opportunities.
  • In June 2024, DFO, First Nations of BC, and the Government of BC also signed a new Trilateral Accord to address the decline of wild Pacific salmon.
Question 2: What is the current status of Yukon salmon and Alaskan interceptions?
  • The Department is committed to supporting Yukon salmon rebuilding. In early 2024, Canada and Alaska ratified a seven year agreement to collaborate on measures to conserve and recover Yukon River Chinook salmon populations.
  • This agreement commits Alaska to reduce Yukon River Chinook salmon catch and by-catch in marine areas, and suspends commercial and recreational fishing in targeted areas.
  • Targeted efforts are also being made in the Yukon, including investment in First Nations salmon fishery transition, stewardship and monitoring activities, and integrated rebuilding planning.
  • Since 2021, the Department has invested $1.0 million in grants and contributions funding for First Nations partners and other stakeholders in the Yukon.

Background

  • Budget 2021 provided a transformational investment starting in 2021-22, to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to stabilize and conserve wild Pacific salmon populations as part of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI).
  • The PSSI was launched by the former Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard in June 2021, with the goal of stemming the severe and ongoing decline of key Pacific salmon stocks on Canada’s West Coast and restoring them to a sustainable level for future generations of Canadians.
  • This investment is to implement initiatives over five years (2021/22 – 2025/26) organized under four pillars: Conservation and Stewardship (habitat and rebuilding-related work); Salmon Enhancement (hatcheries-related work); Harvest Transformation (harvest-related work); and, Integration and Coordination (internal and external integration of planning and collaboration with others). The long-term initiative is unprecedented in both value and scope, and the work will require the efforts of not only the Department, but of those whose lives and interests are affected by the state of Pacific salmon.
  • The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has assessed 43 populations of Pacific salmon to be at risk (Endangered, Threatened, or of Special concern). These populations are under consideration for listing under the Species at Risk Act.
  • On July 31, 2024, a significant landslide occurred, blocking the Chilcotin River and disrupting the upstream migration of adult Chinook and sockeye salmon. Since the slide occurred, DFO has been working collaboratively with Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG), First Nations members of the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance (UFFCA) and the Province of British Columbia through an Emergency Salmon Task Force to assess and respond to the situation.
  • In early 2024 Canada and Alaska ratified a seven-year agreement to collaborate on measures to conserve and recover Yukon River Chinook salmon populations. The agreement commits Alaska to reduce interception, including catch and bycatch, of Yukon River Chinook salmon in marine areas. In addition, the agreement suspends directed in-river commercial and recreational fisheries for Yukon River Chinook salmon for the duration of the agreement.

F29 - CESD Audit Marine Fisheries Catch

Background

  • The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) Performance Audit “Monitoring of Marine Fisheries Catch” focuses on whether Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) obtained dependable and timely fisheries catch monitoring information and whether the Department used that information in support of its decisions to sustainably manage the harvesting of commercial marine fisheries.
  • Overall, the report found that DFO remained unable to collect dependable and timely data and provided four recommendations to DFO. These recommendations include streamlining the implementation of the Fishery Monitoring Policy, expediting the implementation of an integrated national fisheries information system, completing the review of third-party observer programs, and developing and implementing a nationally consistent procedure for systematically tracking whether third-party observers deliver fisheries catch monitoring information as required in terms of coverage, timeliness, and data quality.
  • DFO agrees with the recommendations of the Performance Audit and continues to make improvements to the management of our fisheries based on the best available scientific evidence.
  • The Department is working on developing an accelerated delivery plan for the Canadian Fisheries Information System to speed up the availability of key data collection and information management capabilities for fisheries monitoring. Modernized information technology capabilities that support catch monitoring decisions, such as the expansion of Electronic Logbook coverage, will be delivered incrementally, and completed by 2027.
  • Review of third-party observer programs, which includes the At-Sea Observer and Dockside Monitoring programs, and delivery of catch monitoring information will continue the review of the third-party monitoring program. This review will attempt to identify any regulatory or program delivery model gaps that prevent the Department and third-party monitoring companies from collaboratively achieving the efficient and effective monitoring of fish stocks.
  • Specific steps taken during the review will include, formally aligning the At-Sea Observer and Dockside Monitoring program policies, strengthening the conflict of interest management protocols, and the establishment of an internal working group.
  • In addition to the review, the department is exploring the feasibility of a nationally consistent approach to integration and submission of electronic data by third-party monitoring companies. This will increase access to and confidence in data used to make fisheries management decisions. 

F30 – East Coast Whales Issues

If Pressed on Pilot Project in Lobster Fishing Area 38 and 36

If Pressed on Lobster Fishing Area 38B

Question 1: How has the Department worked with harvesters to adapt right whale protection measures while tackling ghost gear?
  • The Department is working with harvesters  and partners, to develop a five year Whalesafe Gear Strategy that will guide the incorporation of whalesafe technology and practices into harvesters’ operations, which will be published in early 2025.The Department will continue ongoing engagement sessions with harvesters and at the upcoming 2nd International Fishing Gear Innovation Summit in February 2025.
  • We will also continue working with partners and stakeholders to develop and implement a Canadian Ghost Gear Action Plan, with a path for the future to be completed by 2027.
Question 2: How is the Department ensuring that whalesafe fishing gear will not cause hardship to Canadian fish harvesters?
  • We use visual and acoustic whale surveillance to monitor distribution and identify entanglements, we work with our partners to respond to entanglement events, and our gear marking and investigation requirements help inform our management measures.
Question 3: What are the conditions of the implementation and participation in the pilot project in LFA 38 and 36?
  • Within 48 hours of detection of a right whale in LFA 38 and 36, harvesters are required to remove one of two ropes attached to their traps, increase the number of traps attached to individual ropes, and add a weak-link to that rope to reduce the threat of injury. If they do not implement the pilot project measures they must remove their gear from the closed area.
  • If there is an aggregation of right whales or a mother and calf in the designated Grand Manan Right Whale Critical Habitat Zone, harvesters will be required to remove all gear from the critical habitat.
  • The pilot project will run for the 2024-25 LFA 38 and 36 fishing seasons, until the end of June 31, 2025.
Question 4: What if pilot project participants are found to not comply with the rules of the pilot?
  • Non-compliance with the conditions of the pilot fishery will result in a suspension or cancellation of a fishing licence for the current season, and the cancellation of the pilot project for the season. 
Question 5: What about Lobster Fishing Area 38B?
  • Lobster fishing area 38B is not included in this pilot project. LFA 38B requires unique considerations due to the fact that Canadian and US harvesters fish in this location, and differences exist between Canadian and US management measures that are triggered when North Atlantic right whales are sighted.
Question 6: What is the timeline for implementation of the weak links in LFA 38B?
  • The Department is working with harvesters in LFA 38B to begin implementing weak links in all vertical fishing lines with the objective of making this a condition of licence requirement by January 5, 2025, and continue indefinitely.
Question 7: What if harvesters are found to not comply with licence conditions in LFA 38B?
  • Non-compliance with the conditions of licence will result in a suspension or cancellation of a fishing licence for the current season. 
Question 8: Why isn’t LFA 38B included in the pilot projects for LFA 38 and 36?
  • LFA 38B is not included in the pilot projects due to the fact that Canadian and US harvesters fish in this location, and differences exist between Canadian and US management measures that are triggered when North Atlantic right whales are sighted.
Question 9: Will there be changes to protect the NARW?
  • The Department will continue to prioritize the implementation of fisheries management measures that prevent the entanglement of NARW.
  • Through the Whalesafe Gear Strategy, the Government is working with harvesters, researchers, whale experts, First Nations, and fishing gear manufacturers to develop and adopt innovative fishing gear technology that will both protect whales, and support sustainable fisheries. The final strategy will be published in early 2025.

Background

North Atlantic Right Whale
  • On November 5/6, 2024, the Department held the annual hybrid NARW Advisory Committee meeting with members in Moncton and virtually.
  • On September 25/26 and again on October 29, 2024, the Department met with the NARW Technical Working Group to discuss proposals for changes to fisheries management measures in relation to the closure protocols.
  • On October 22, 2024, the NARW Consortium released a new population estimate of 372, including 12 calves added in 2023. This is up slightly from the 2022 estimate of 367.
  • So far in 2024, there is one reported mortality and six entanglements first sighted in Canadian waters.
Whalesafe Gear
  • Entanglement is a known threat to several whale species on Canada’s east and west coasts, including Humpback Whales, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
  • Some third-party eco-certification bodies are suspending fisheries’ certification because of the general risk of North Atlantic right whale entanglement, and we will continue to work with a range of fisheries to support their market access. 
  • Whalesafe gear designed to prevent and alleviate entanglement harm augments the Government’s current approach of using dynamic fishery management measures to remove entanglement risk when North Atlantic right whales are detected.
  • We are undertaking extensive engagement this fall to receive written and in-person input that will help develop Canada’s Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy.
  • The Whalesafe Gear Strategy will prioritize the reduction of risk in the fisheries that present the greatest entanglement risk, and will guide expansion into more fisheries based on scientific risk assessment.
Ghost Gear
  • Canada has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, signing the Global Ghost Gear Initiative in 2018, establishing a Ghost Gear Program in 2019, mandating lost gear reporting in 2020, and sharing lost gear reporting data with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s Data Portal in 2022 and again in 2024.
  • As part of the program, specific funding periods were created under the Ghost Gear Fund to support projects focusing on ghost gear retrieval, disposal, technological advances and international leadership.
  • The Department is working on a Canadian Ghost Gear Action Plan to prevent fishing gear loss in the future. We will continue to support our partners in their efforts to keep our waters free from fishing gear debris.
Pilot Project in Lobster Fishing Area 38 and 36
  • During a NARW Technical Working group session on October 29, 2024, lobster and crab harvesters, along with non-government whale experts indicated that more testing is needed in fisheries on whalesfae gear solutions to determine what works for different locations and fisheries.
  • The Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association submitted a proposal for a pilot project in Lobster Fishing Area 38 “Grand Manan Fishermen’s Association North Atlantic Right Whales Whalesafe Gear Pilot Proposal” and the Fundy North Fishermen’s Association proposed a similar project in Lobster Fishing Area 36. The Minister approved a modified version of the proposals based on recommendations from the Department.
  • Since 2020, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has worked closely with the fishing industry, Indigenous peoples and other partners to reduce the risk of fishing gear entanglement with whales. This work included investing $20M through the Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund from 2021 to 2023, which supported 34 projects, such as gear trials and provided support to Canadian manufacturers to increase the domestic supply of commercially-ready whalesafe gear.
Pilot Project in Lobster Fishing Area 38B
  • Low-breaking strength gear is a requirement for U.S. lobster fisheries in Maine waters adjacent to LFA 38. U.S. Fisheries in Maine and other areas do not close fishing areas when NARW are detected. If the Department were to close LFA 38B for Canadian harvesters it would provide an unfair economic advantage to the U.S.
  • Changing the licence conditions for LFA 38B Canadian harvesters to require them to use weak links would align them with mitigation measures currently implemented by the United States in the same area.
  • The U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) import provisions requires all fisheries exporting to the U.S. to meet U.S. legislative standards related to marine mammal bycatch, in order to maintain access to the U.S. market.
  • The Department is collaborating with the U.S. to find solutions for both countries to provide NARW protection and support sustainable fisheries. 

F31 – West Coast Whales Issues

Question 1: When will the Ministers form their opinion on imminent threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales?
  • The Ministers responsible for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada/Environment and Climate Change Canada are the competent ministers for the Southern Resident Killer Whale under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
  • Under section 80 of SARA, competent ministers must make an Emergency Order recommendation to the Governor in Council (GiC) if they are of the opinion that the species faces imminent threats to its survival and recovery and they are of the opinion that there are no equivalent measures have been taken under another Act of Parliament to protect the species.
  • To support competent Ministers’ in forming their opinion, the imminent threats assessment from 2018 is being updated.
  • The government recognizes the urgency and is working diligently.
Question 2: Who will be consulted on the making of an emergency order for Southern Resident Killer Whale?
  • Should the Ministers be of the opinion that Southern Resident Killer Whale continue to face imminent threats to their survival and recovery, they are obligated to recommend that the Governor in Council make an Emergency Order to protect the species.
  • The recommendation, if made, is expected to be accompanied by advice pertaining to measures that the Government of Canada might wish to take to address the threats and protect the species.
  • The Government of Canada has a duty to consult First Nations regarding measures that might adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal and treaty rights.
  • If regulatory measures are pursued to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, the Government of Canada would conduct additional consultations on those proposed measures and potential impacts to Indigenous and treaty rights.

Background

  • Key threats to the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales include environmental contaminants, acoustic and physical disturbance (including vessel presence, noise and ship strikes), and reduced prey availability (including the abundance and accessibility of prey – primarily Chinook salmon). Southern Resident Killer Whale was listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as Endangered in 2003.
  • Under s. 80 of the Species at Risk Act, the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the competent ministers, make an Emergency Order to provide for the protection of a listed wildlife species. Competent ministers must make an Emergency Order recommendation if they are of the opinion that the species faces imminent threats to its survival or recovery, unless they are of the opinion that equivalent measures have been undertaken under another Act of Parliament, as per s. 81 of SARA.
  • On June 6, 2024, Ecojustice submitted a petition on behalf of environmental non-governmental organisations to the Ministers of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada/Environment and Climate Change Canada demanding that greater measures be taken to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, including the issuance of a Species at Risk Act Emergency Order to address imminent threats to the survival and recovery of the species.
  • A similar petition was filed by environmental non-governmental organizations in 2018, followed by a judicial review, seeking competent ministers recommend the Governor in Council make an Emergency Order under s. 80 of the Species at Risk Act. Although the competent ministers concluded that Southern Resident Killer Whales faced imminent threats at the time and recommended an Emergency Order be made as per the Species at Risk Act, the Governor in Council declined to make an emergency order after concluding other measures had, would continue to be taken, or would be taken to protect the species. 
  • In a recent letter, environmental non-governmental organizations state that the status of Southern Resident Killer Whales has worsened since 2018 due to the intensification of threats from additional vessel traffic as a result of the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) Project, and anticipated vessel traffic related to the proposed Roberts Banks Terminal 2 and Tilbury Marine Jetty projects.
  • Initiatives that address key threats to Southern Resident Killer Whales continue to be delivered through major commitments, such as the Whales Initiative and the Oceans Protection Plan. For example, there are multiple active Notices to Mariners that recommend vessel slow-downs and re-routing to reduce the risk of ship strikes and minimize the impact of noise in critical  habitat. Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act were amended in 2018 to better protect marine mammals, including at-risk whales, from human disturbance (including ocean noise), by increasing minimum approach distances. As part of the suite of SRKW management measures implemented since 2018, mandatory fishing closures and vessel measures, as well as additional voluntary measures, are in effect annually in SRKW key foraging areas and critical habitat to support the population’s recovery.

F32- Marine Conservation

F33 - Aquatic Invasive Species

Question 1: What is the Department doing to stop the introduction of aquatic invasive species at the international border?
  • The Department is working closely with Canada Border Services Agency and provincial governments to enforce the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at international borders.
  • The Department supports western provinces’ invasive mussel prevention and early detection efforts by generating scientific advice, conducting risk assessments, providing funding, and implementing and supporting enforcement actions.
Question 2: What is the Department doing to address invasive green crab on Canada’s coasts?
  • The Department is exploring a cautious, stepwise approach for the use of green crab where they are established. The Department will engage bi-laterally with provinces and territories where there is mutual interest on guiding principles for use of aquatic invasive species.
  • The Department’s approach will allow for modest economic opportunities to offset removal costs; however, prevention of introduction and spread of the species is still the first priority.

Background

  • The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6M over five years to fight aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Canada.
  • This included $8.75M in contribution funding to launch the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to create new partnerships and help on-the-ground preventive actions.
  • Budget 2022 identified an additional $45M over five years and $9M ongoing to enable the Department and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to increase efforts to control Sea Lamprey, further facilitate collaborative fishery management, and provide additional support to Great Lakes research.
International Borders
  • Following the 2019 report from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has been working closely with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to develop new protocols, tools, and procedures for the enforcement of the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at international borders.
  • Since 2022, DFO has worked with CBSA and the Province of Manitoba to run a watercraft inspection and decontamination station at the Emerson, Manitoba, port of entry. In addition, two blitzes on the Manitoba-Ontario border were conducted in 2024.
  • To support invasive mussel prevention efforts in British Columbia, the Department is providing up to $540,000 from 2023 to 2025 for the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and provided an additional $475,000 in 2022-2023 to the province.
  • In 2024, Pacific Region received and trained on two new decontamination trailer units with the BC Conservation Officer Service. In addition, two compliance monitoring blitzes were conducted by Fishery Officers to inspect vessel crossing at the Washington – BC border.
European Green Crab
  • European Green Crab (EGC) is a marine invasive species that consumes and/or competes with indigenous species such as shellfish, crabs, and lobsters and disrupts estuarine habitats such as eelgrass and saltmarsh.
  • Since 2010, a commercial EGC fishery was created in Maritimes Region to allow EGC use as lobster bait. The decision to support the use of AIS is not meant to create a sustainable fishery.
  • The Department is preparing other regional test cases for EGC use for non-consumptive purposes like bait (e.g., compost), which will be used to inform a national cohesive framework for the use of marine invasive species.
  • The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers did not support the development of a national set of guiding principles on the use of AIS. DFO will therefore engage with provinces and territories bi-laterally when there is mutual interest.

F34 - Oyster Diseases

Question 1: What measures are being taken to limit the spread of MSX?
  • DFO is participating in the MSX Task Force with the Province and industry to coordinate the MSX response efforts, and we remain committed to continued collaboration with all parties to mitigate the evolving impacts of MSX.
  • Working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, my Department is conducting testing of oysters to determine the presence and extent of MSX infection in the concerned areas. As of November 2024, DFO laboratories have conducted more than 9,000 tests.
  • Given that MSX poses no risk to human health or food safety, this testing is not conducted for food safety purposes.
  • If my Department needs to authorize the intentional release and transfer of live oysters, we continue to collaborate with the Province through the Prince Edward Island Introduction and Transfer Committee, while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides technical expertise on MSX in an advisory role to this Committee.
Question 2: What is the Department doing to support MSX research?
  • I have announced up to $1 million in funding for external experts, over the next two years, to support scientific research towards addressing knowledge gaps in our understanding of MSX.
  • On November 13-14, 2024, my Department co-hosted a Science Summit on MSX with the Province of Prince Edward Island, which gathered experts and partners to discuss what we know about MSX as well as priority areas for additional research.
Question 3: what about the detection of Dermo disease in oysters?
  • Based on regulatory diagnostic testing conducted at DFO’s National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory System (NAAHLS), the CFIA confirmed the detection of Dermo disease in farmed American oysters on November 19th, 2024. It poses no risks to human health or food safety, but it is a serious disease for American oysters.
  • This is the first detection of “Dermo” disease in Canada. My Department, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provinces, the industry, processors, fish harvesters and academic institutions are working closely together to coordinate a response and the management of both diseases.

Background

  • Canada’s National Aquatic Animal Health Program, co-delivered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), is responsible for preventing the introduction and/or spread of significant diseases of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans.
  • The CFIA is the lead agency with legislative authority under the federal Health of Animals Act. The CFIA is responsible for enforcing regulations governing import and export, disease management and surveillance activities. DFO provides diagnostic testing services, research support, and scientific advice.
  • Since July 2024, the CFIA has declared numerous Primary Control Zones (PCZ) in Prince Edward Island where the disease has been detected or is suspected to exist. Testing of other sites is ongoing.
  • To help mitigate the spread of the disease, both the CFIA and DFO are limiting the movements of oysters through their respective processes. CFIA is also consulting with industry on next steps.
  • On Canada’s East Coast, DFO issues introductions and transfers licences under the Fishery (General) Regulations to authorize the intentional release and transfer of live aquatic organisms into fish-bearing waters or fish-rearing facilities when the proposed transfer poses low ecological, disease and genetic risks.
  • Risks associated with each movement, including shellfish for aquaculture purposes, are assessed by federal-provincial/territorial Introduction and Transfer Committees, which have representation from DFO and provincial/territorial governments.
  • To date, there has been little to no change in exports.
  • Reported mortalities of oysters thus far are from the original detection site. Significant mortalities have not yet been reported in farmed or wild populations at other suspected or confirmed infected sites; however, samples taken from oysters transported from infected sites to other sites have tested positive for MSX. Further, the parasite can be dormant or suppressed for long periods of time.
Dermo
  • On November 8th, 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was notified by the New Brunswick Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Department (NBDAAF) of a possible detection of Perkinsus marinus the causal agent of the “Dermo” disease, in farmed American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) during routine surveillance. The CFIA confirmed the detection on November 19th, 2024. No abnormal mortalities were observed on site. Haplosporidium nelsoni, the causal agent of the Multinucleate Sphere Unknown (MSX) disease was also detected on site.
  • The area of New Brunswick has been quarantined and strict movement controls were implemented to prevent further spread. Tracing activities and surveillance are ongoing.

F35 - Science in Support of Decision Making

Question 1: How is fisheries science consolidated in fisheries management decisions?
  • Science plays a key role throughout the decision-making process at DFO particularly in support of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework, the implementation of the precautionary approach and to inform fishery management and resource allocation decisions. DFO collects and analyzes information that helps us understand stock abundance, and factors that may affect abundance, including how potential decisions or events may affect the stock.
  • Through the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, experts with a range of expertise and perspectives consider the relevant information and generate evidence-based science advice.
  • Science advice is published on the Departmental website and considered along with other sources of information in fisheries management decisions.
Question 2: What is the Department doing to ensure impartial and transparent science?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s scientists are respected professionals who work across the country in labs, offices, and on the water to generate the science we need to conserve our oceans and aquatic ecosystems.
  • The best available science is used to inform the decisions of the Department - and science advice generated by Fisheries and Oceans considers the work done by Departmental scientists and by partners and experts in Canada and around the world.
  • For example, to help broaden the range of experts that can be drawn upon for its peer review processes, DFO, with input from Canada’s Chief Science Advisor and Departmental Science Advisor, has established an External Expert Identification Committee. The Committee can help by identifying external experts to broaden DFO’s existing network and contribute expertise that supports peer reviewed science advice. The Committee is chaired by the Departmental Science Advisor and includes both domestic and international science leaders.

Background

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science provides information, analysis and advice on key areas in support of decision-making, including sustainable fisheries, species protection and recovery, impacts of aquaculture on ecosystems, environmental and risk assessments, oceans management, and emergency response.
  • Departmental scientists conduct mandate-driven research to inform management decisions. Departmental monitoring programs provide long-term data to help understand and react to changes in the water.
  • The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) provides a consistent and systematic process for the delivery of peer-reviewed science advice for DFO. CSAS ensures an inclusive and transparent scientific process and can involve experts from DFO, other organizations (such as environmental non-government organizations, etc.), stakeholders (such as fishing industry, shipping industry, oil and gas industry, etc.), Indigenous groups and academia. These experts are subject to DFO’s policies including with respect to managing Conflict of Interest.
  • Through the CSAS processes, experts consider the body of relevant scientific work and review existing data and analyses to generate evidence-based science advice to inform decision-making relevant to DFO’s mandate.
  • As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work at DFO and of its employees. Scientific integrity is critical to the decision-making process, from the planning and conduct of research to the production of advice and the application of advice to the Departmental decision-making processes.
  • The Department’s Scientific Integrity Policy recognizes the importance of high-quality science, free from political, commercial and client interference and the importance of this in the decision-making processes utilized by the Department.

F36 - Seal Population and Market Access

Question 1: What is the Department’s current approach to seal management?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the Atlantic seal harvest in accordance with the Precautionary Approach.
  • This approach is informed by science, and ensures that seal populations stay above a precautionary reference level.
  • The commercial harvest of Harp and Grey seals currently fall well  below levels that the Department has identified as sustainable.
Question 2: What is the Government doing to regain access to international markets?
  • The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the trade in sustainably and humanely harvested seals and seal products to Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. 
  • Accordingly, the Government of Canada is committed to exploring new trade and commercial opportunities for Canadian seal products, including where market access opportunities have been restricted.
  • In August 2024, the Government of Canada submitted a written response to the European Commission’s review of European Union seal regulations to inform them of the impacts that import restrictions of seal products have had on seal harvesters, as well as on Indigenous and coastal communities in Canada.
  • The response calls on the EU to repeal its Regulation on the Trade in Seal Products and is posted publicly on the European Commission’s consultation website.
Question 3: How is the Government supporting market development for Canadian seal products?
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada has provided considerable support for the market development of Canadian seal products through programs such as the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund ($4.5 million), the Atlantic Fisheries Fund and Quebec Fisheries Fund ($1.3 million), and the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals ($5.67 million).
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with the sector, Global Affairs Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to develop international markets through programs such as the Trade Commissioner Service and Team Canada Trade Missions.

Background

Seal management
  • DFO manages commercial harvests for grey, hooded, and harp seals in the Atlantic region; there are currently no commercial fisheries for seals or sea lions in the Pacific region, however, there is a food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) harvest. The harvest of pinnipeds for FSC purposes is permitted across Canada.
  • The commercial harvest of harp seals typically occurs between late March and May on the “Front” off northern Newfoundland, and to a lesser extent in the Gulf of St Lawrence. Hooded seals are harvested within the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) region at the same time as the harp seal harvest; however, they are not the primary targeted species, and removals are minimal. Commercial harvest for grey seals occurs from late January to early February mainly around the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence..
  • Management is informed by science. DFO has dedicated seal scientists who conducts surveys and assessments to determine seal abundance, population trends and distribution.
  • In 2009, the European Union (EU) introduced a general ban on placing seal products on the EU market, and subsequently introduced exceptions for seal products originating from Indigenous subsistence harvests and for the personal use of travelers returning to the EU. 
  • As part of the European Commission’s public consultation on the EU’s regulations on the trade of seal products, the Government of Canada provided a submission letter, signed by the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, alongside several other Canadian Ministers, such as Minister Joly, MacAulay, Vandal, Hutchings, and Ng on August 6, 2024. Canada’s written response calls on the EU to repeal its Regulation on the Trade in Seal Products and is posted publicly on the European Commission’s consultation website.
  • The EU is expected to release a Fitness Check Report in early 2025. This Report should provide a more detailed summary of the consultations including analysis and recommendations. The Department and Global Affairs Canada will monitor the EU’s consultation portal closely for its release.
  • DFO has supported market access, including navigating EU recognition of Indigenous seal products via the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals (CMAPS), began as a five-year, $5.67M program.
  • Seal harvesters are receiving funding through the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF), through two projects with the sealing industry, totaling $4.5M, with the purpose of strengthening the sector and market conditions for Canadian seal products in domestic and international markets.
  • Sealing industry proponents are also eligible for project funding under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) and the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF). Combined, these funds have invested $1.3M in eight projects with the sealing industry in Atlantic Canada and Quebec related to product development, processing equipment upgrades and professional capacity building. Under the Indo-Pacific Strategy, DFO is supporting the seal sector as they expand into these markets. DFO will leverage opportunities such as the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in the Philippines and the 2024 trade missions to the region.

F37 - Reconciliation and UNDA

Question 1: How is the Department working towards reconciliation?
  • DFO is committed to advancing reconciliation and endeavours to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are full partners in the sustainable use of the fishery resource, the protection of fish and fish habitat, and the safety, conservation, and management of oceans.
  • The Department delivers a robust program suite to support Indigenous community capacity, collaborative management, and commercial and economic development opportunities. DFO is involved in 80 treaty and reconciliation negotiation tables nationwide.
Question 2: How will the Department implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan?
  • DFO is fully committed to advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) Action Plan measures under its purview in ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, to implement the UNDA and advance reconciliation.
  • DFO is working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support Indigenous-led marine conservation and advance shared conservation goals; to build Indigenous-led capacity in fisheries management and monitoring; and, enhance collaborative fisheries governance.
  • DFO is working to conclude treaty and fisheries reconciliation agreements with Indigenous communities across the country and to establish the new Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia.

Background

  • Through policies, programs, treaty tools, and reconciliation agreements, the Department strives to manage fisheries, oceans, aquatic habitat, and marine waterways in a manner that respects Indigenous rights and interests, meets legal obligations, and reconciles Indigenous rights and interests with the interests of all harvesters.
  • DFO’s 2019 Reconciliation Strategy presents a long-term approach to advancing meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, notably by helping employees understand why and how reconciliation is significant to their daily work.
  • On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) received Royal Assent. All Ministers have been directed to implement the UNDA in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to:
    • Take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration;
    • Prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the objectives of the Declaration; and
    • Develop annual reports on progress and submit them to Parliament.
  • On June 21, 2023, Justice Canada released the whole-of-government UNDA Action Plan, which provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take, in partnership and cooperation with Indigenous partners, to implement the Declaration and advance reconciliation.
  • DFO is currently identified as a lead department for the following 11 Action Plan Measures:
    1. Fishing rights, legislative, regulatory, and policy amendments and reforms;
    2. Collaborative governance and shared decision-making for fish and fish habitat and fisheries;
    3. Capacity funding for fisheries, oceans and marine-related services and decision-making;
    4. Support for fisheries Guardians;
    5. Incorporation of Indigenous knowledge;
    6. Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative;
    7. Marine Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas;
    8. Addressing systemic racism in enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations;
    9. National aquaculture legislation;
    10. Co-developing Nunavut Fishery Regulations; and
    11. Modern Treaty partner collaboration on fisheries legislation and policies.
  • Also, through Budget 2024, the government announced that it is establishing the new Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve in British Columbia, and proposes to provide $109.6M over 11 years, starting in 2025-26, with $57.9M in remaining amortization, and $10.7M per year ongoing, for its creation and operation.
    • Established through a process that has been guided by Indigenous knowledge and world-class science, this new national marine conservation area will not only protect the health of this unique ecosystem, but also the traditional practices and wellbeing of local communities.
  • The Department has initiated discussions with some Indigenous partners to deepen consultation and cooperation processes toward implementation of the action plan measures and this work will continue. Implementation-focused engagement will be prioritized in a way that respects existing relationships, partnerships, and established governance, while recognizing the capacity of Indigenous partners.
  • DFO negotiates and implements treaties and reconciliation agreements with Indigenous communities across the country. Currently, DFO is involved in negotiations with approximately 80 communities; is implementing obligations arising from the 26 modern treaties across the country; and is implementing fisheries reconciliation agreements with a number of Indigenous communities in coastal areas.

F38 - Treaty Negotiations on the West Coast

Question 1: What agreements with First Nations already exist in British Columbia?
  • In BC, there are four concluded modern treaties (representing eight First Nations) containing fisheries chapters, and four concluded reconciliation agreements that contain fisheries provisions (with 15 Nations), including the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (2021), Tsilhqot’in Nation Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (extended 2024), the Heiltsuk (Hailcistut) Increment House Post Agreement (2019), and the Incremental Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources (September 2024) signed by the “Five Nations” (Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/ Muchalaht and Tla-o-qui-aht).
  • Efforts are underway to meaningfully implement these agreements.
Question 2: What is the status of negotiations in British Columbia?
  • The Department is working towards concluding negotiations in the coming year, including treaties with Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, and K’omoks First Nations, with whom Canada initialled treaties in the summer of 2024.
  • The opportunity to conclude negotiations at British Columbia treaty tables in the next few years would be a significant achievement and support better relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada.

Background

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to be actively involved in multiple treaty and reconciliation negotiations and working towards concluding negotiations in the coming year. The Department is working with Indigenous Peoples at approximately 40 negotiation tables across British Columbia to explore new ways of working together to advance the recognition of Indigenous rights and self-determination.
  • DFO is prioritizing closing negotiations on multiple treaties and reconciliation agreements in BC over the next few years by resolving key fish issues. This includes treaties with Kitselas, Kitsumkalum, and K’omoks First Nations, with whom Canada initialled treaties in the summer of 2024.
  • The four concluded modern treaties in BC are:
  • Elements in the fisheries chapters in modern treaties describe the Nations’ fishing rights, including the right to harvest fish and aquatic plants for domestic purposes in their fishing areas in accordance with their treaties, describe fish allocations, and identify processes for engagement on fisheries through Joint Fisheries Committees. Treaties are constitutionally protected.
  • The four concluded fisheries reconciliation agreements are:
  • The Burrard Inlet Environmental Science and Stewardship Agreement (2021), created in partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and several Reconciliation Framework Agreements with Nations on BC’s North and Central Coast are examples of co-developed agreements. These agreements support Indigenous interests in fisheries, marine conservation, and integrated ocean management. Reconciliation agreements are not constitutionally protected.

G – Annexes

G39 - Upcoming Fisheries Decisions (Now to August 2025)

Region Fishery Description Key Messages

Maritimes

Elver - Mandate to Consult on Elver Commercial Fishery Distribution (Option 3)

Signed by the Minister on Sept 17 2024

Follow up:
2025 Elver Fishery – Consultation on Existing Licence Holders’ Individual Quota Allocations and Pilot Allocations

Signed by the Minister on October 28, 2024

Follow-up:
Consultation on Individual Elver Fishing Licence Allocations

2025 Elver Fishery Access, Allocations and Management Approach

A series of decisions will need to be taken in advance of the 2025 season, including with respect to access, allocation and total allowable catch (TAC).

I am committed to the conservation of American eel, with sustainability and orderly management as the top priorities for the elver fishery.

Over the last several years, the elver fishery has seen a pattern of increasing and very serious challenges, including safety and conservation concerns.

As part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, orderly and safe fisheries for all participants, the review of the elver fishery is underway. This review includes the potential redistribution of access and allocations to increase Indigenous participation in the fishery.

The Department is currently consulting on a potential 50 per cent reallocation of the elver fishery total allowable catch to increase First Nations participation in the fishery.

The Department is also consulting on including 150 new participants in the commercial fishery on a pilot basis, with a focus on those who have been designated to fish three of the past five years and large eel licence holders.

Work is also ongoing by the Department related to the possession and export of elver and the proposed regulations, changing how the fishery is managed and monitored, and is consulting on potentially enhancing the distribution of access to new entrants to the commercial fishery.

All of these changes are key to promoting compliance in this fishery and will also support deterrence and prosecution for non-compliance.

NCR

Unit 1 Redfish (Indigenous Access)

Decisions will be sought regarding Indigenous access to, and allocation of, the 10 per cent quota allocated to Indigenous harvesters.

Subsequently, a decision on the 2025-26 management approach, including TAC, will be required by May 2025.

On January 26, 2024, I announced the reopening of the Unit 1 Redfish commercial fishery with an allocation of 10 per cent of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to Indigenous communities and organizations.

Of the 60,000 tonne TAC, 10 per cent (5,500 tonnes) was allocated to Indigenous groups. For the first phase of the Unit 1 Redfish fishery, all Indigenous communities and organizations that hold a communal commercial mobile gear groundfish licence with access to Unit 1 have access, on a competitive basis, to the Indigenous allocation in the Unit 1 Redfish fishery.

This approach was informed by feedback from Indigenous communities and organizations through the Redfish Advisory Committee (RAC) in March 2024.

Due to the short lead time prior to the opening of the fishery, engagement on this interim approach was brief and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recognizes the need for formal consultation on long-term access and sharing with Indigenous communities and organizations prior to launching Phase 2 of the fishery.

To that end, DFO is beginning consultations with Indigenous communities and organizations in the Atlantic provinces and Quebec on access and allocation sharing of the Indigenous allocation for Phase 2 of the fishery.

Decisions resulting from these consultations will take effect at the start of the 2026 Unit 1 Redfish commercial fishing season.

I will take a decision on the management plan and TAC for the 2025-26 fishing season following discussions with stakeholders and Indigenous groups at the Redfish Advisory Committee in March.

NCR

Section 10 Allocation Decision for Northern Shrimp

Seeking a ministerial decision to allocate 1,500 t of Northern shrimp for 2025/26, from Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 4, under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act to support the continuation the Northern Shrimp Research Foundation (NSRF) – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) shrimp survey of SFA 4 and the Eastern Assessment Zone (EAZ).

Recently the SFA 4 allocation decisions have not been taken until late April to late May. I have asked my Department to ensure that work is expedited so my decision can be made as early as possible.

- In years when the collaborative agreement (CA) is being renewed with NSRF, the allocation decision is needed before the CA can be signed. As such, I recognize that an earlier decision helps to ensure the CA is completed well in advance of the survey work commencing.

NCR

Northern Shrimp, Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFA) 0 and 1

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) in SFAs 0 and 1.

SFA 0: A competitive TAC of 500t has been set annually since 1996 (with the exception of 2020 and 2023) and is
available exclusively to the offshore fleet. No commercial harvest has been
reported in SFA 0 since the onset of this fishery in 1996. The Northern shrimp stock in SFA 0 was last assessed in 2010 and is the latest science advice available.

On June 7, 2024, Baffin Fisheries Coalition and Qikiqtaaluk Corporation (Nunavut Inuit entities) were granted access to the SFA 0 fishery.

The 2025 TAC decision in SFA 0 will take into account the latest scientific advice (from 2010), as well as input from Indigenous partners, harvesters, and other industry stakeholders.

SFA 1: is a transboundary stock shared with Greenland.

The Canadian share harvested in SFA 1 has been allocated to the offshore fleet, Nunavut fishing interests, and Nunavik fishing interests.

The 2025 TAC decision will consider the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization’s Science Council’s advice and the overall sustainability of the fishery as well as input from Indigenous partners, harvesters and other industry stakeholders.

NCR

Northern and Striped  Shrimp, Shrimp Fishing Areas (SFA) 4-5

Seeking a ministerial decision on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for Northern and Striped shrimp in SFAs 4 & 5.

Peer review of the Northern and Striped shrimp stock assessments is scheduled for March 2025.

The Department will seek views from the Northern Shrimp Advisory Committee on the management approach for 2025.

The management decision for the 2025 season will take into account the latest scientific advice, as well as input from Indigenous partners, harvesters, the provincial government and other industry stakeholders.

NCR

Northern and Striped Shrimp in the Eastern and Western Assessment Zones (EAZ and WAZ)

Seeking a ministerial decision on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for Northern and Striped shrimp in the EAZ and WAZ through co-management process with wildlife management boards.

Peer review of the Northern and Striped shrimp stock assessments is scheduled for January-February 2025.

The Department will seek views from the Northern Shrimp Advisory Committee on the management approach for 2025.

This decision will also consider advice from co-management partners, and include input from stakeholders.

The management decision for the 2025 season will take into account the latest scientific advice, as well as input from Indigenous partners, harvesters, the provincial government and other industry stakeholders.

NCR

Atlantic Mackerel

Decision to be sought in spring on management plan, including TAC, for the 2025 season.

Peer review of the Atlantic mackerel stock assessment is scheduled for February 2025.

A 2025 management decision for Atlantic mackerel will be taken after the advisory committee meeting in March 2025. 

The 2023 Canadian stock assessment found that Atlantic mackerel declined further in the critical zone since the last assessment, with spawning stock biomass at its lowest-observed values.

The Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Plan was published on the DFO website on September 13, 2024.

Quebec

Northern Shrimp SFA 8, 9, 10 and 12

Seeking a ministerial decision on the TAC and management approach for the EGSL Northern Shrimp (SFA 8, 9, 10 and 12) for 2025.

A stock status update will take place at the end of November 2024 and will include harvest projections for the 2025 season based on different harvest control rules scenarios.

An Advisory Committee meeting will be held shortly thereafter, in December 2024, to gather industry perspectives.

The management decision for the 2025 season will take into account the latest scientific advice, as well as input from Indigenous partners, harvesters, the provincial government and other industry stakeholders.

Nfld & Lab

Northern Cod (2J3KL)

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 management approach.

Peer review of the Northern cod stock assessment is currently scheduled for March 2025 (TBC). Commercial fishery re-opened in 2024 with a Canadian TAC of 18,000t

The Department will seek views from the 2+3KLMNO Advisory Committee on the management approach for 2025.

The 2025 Northern cod management decision will consider the best available science advice and input from Indigenous partners, harvesters, the provincial government and other industry stakeholders.

A 2025 management decision for Northern cod will be taken after the stock assessment and advisory committee meeting in late spring 2025. 

Nfld & Lab

Capelin 4RST

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 management approach.

The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) assessment for the 4RST capelin stock indicated that the stock was not in the critical zone.

The total allowable catch for 4RST capelin was set at 10,225t which is a rollover from 2023.

Nfld & Lab

Capelin 2J3KLPs

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 management approach.

The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) assessment for the 2J3KLPs capelin indicated that the stock was not in the critical zone.

The 2J3KLPs advisory committee was held in March; however, industry walked out due to the addition of ENGOs to the committee, and later submitted views directly to the department.

The total allowable catch for 2J3KLPs Capelin was set at 14,533t which was a rollover from 2023.

Nfld & Lab

Recreational Groundfish

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 management approach.

The recreational groundfish fishery in NL primarily targets Atlantic cod in the NAFO management areas 2J3KL, 3Ps, and 3Pn4RS, with the highest concentration of activity occurring in 2J3KL (Northern cod stock area).

From 2018 to 2024, the annual season for the NL recreational groundfish fishery has been open for a total of 39 days; including a period of ten weekends in the summer (every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), with an additional nine-day period in late September-early October. Management measures have included a daily bag limit of five groundfish per person and a maximum boat limit (when three or more people are fishing) of 15 groundfish.

A decision on the management approach for the 2025 recreational groundfish fishery in NL will take place after the cod stock assessments. The Department will take the most recent science advice for all three stocks into account when making a management decision for NL’s recreational groundfish fishery for the 2025 season, along with stakeholder perspectives and other considerations.

Nfld & Lab

3Pn4RS cod (under moratoria)

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 management approach.

Department will seek stakeholder perspectives on 2025 management approach through advisory committee process.

The 2025 management decision will consider the approved rebuilding plan for 3Pn4RS cod, key socio-economic considerations, science and stakeholder views.

NCR

Unit 2 Redfish Use of Fish

Seeking a ministerial decision for the approval to set aside an allocation of 1,500 tonnes of Unit 2 Redfish for 2025-26 under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act to support the continuation of a joint industry-DFO project to conduct a survey of Redfish off the south coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Department will seek views from Unit 2 stakeholders on the Total Allowable Catch and the continuation of a 1,500t allocation for the Use of Fish at the Redfish Advisory Committee meeting planned for late March (24-25, TBC) 2025.

The 1,500t Use of Fish allocation support collection of science information for this stock, with the survey work being undertaken by the Atlantic Groundfish Council under a collaborative agreement with DFO Science. Unit 2 stakeholders supported maintaining the Use of Fish allocation for 2024-25.

I intend to make a decision on the Use of Fish allocation for this stock for the 2025-26 season following discussions with stakeholders at the Redfish Advisory Committee meeting in March.

TAC for this stock is negotiated at the Canada-France Advisory Committee which will take place in April.

Gulf

4RST Atlantic Halibut

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025-26 management approach.

The next scientific assessment for the 4RST Atlantic halibut stock is scheduled for February 2025. The most recent stock assessment (March 2023) informed the 2023-24 and 2024-25 TAC and indicated that the stock biomass and abundance are at a high-level.

The Department will be seeking stakeholder views of the Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee (GGAC) on the TAC for 2025-26 in March 2025. Views will also be sought on the temporary transfer of Atlantic halibut quota from the mobile gear fleet to the inshore fixed gear fleets given the reopening of the Unit 1 Redfish fishery.

Gulf

4TVn Spring Herring

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 fishery.

The fishery was closed in 2022. The rebuilding plan for this stock was approved on March 26, 2024 and work is currently ongoing to publish it on the Departmental website. The fishery closure was maintained in 2024.

This decision will consider the objectives listed in the rebuilding plan, and the latest science advice.

NCR

Atlantic Seal Harvest (Grey)

Seeking a ministerial decision on DFO’s management approach for grey seal harvest in Atlantic Canada.

The Atlantic Seals Advisory Committee met virtually on November 7th to discuss the upcoming 2025 grey seal season. Members indicated that they preferred to maintain the approach of not establishing and announcing seal harvest TACs.

NCR

Atlantic Seal Harvest (Harp and Hooded)

Seeking a ministerial decision on DFO’s management approach for harp, and hooded seal harvest in Atlantic Canada.

A peer review meeting will be taking place in late 2024 and will include Harp seals population assessment, science advice for 2025-2029, and a review of the existing Atlantic seal management strategy.

The Atlantic Seals Advisory Committee will meet to gather advisory member perspectives, to inform management decision for the 2025 and harp seal seasons.

Arctic

Greenland Halibut (Subarea 0A & 0B)

Seeking a ministerial decision on the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) for Greenland Halibut in Subarea 0.

This TAC decision will consider the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization’s Science Council’s advice and the overall sustainability of the fishery, as well as international considerations, stakeholder input including concerns on the economic and socio-economic impacts to Indigenous communities and Canadian fish harvesters, and advice from co-management partners.

Pacific

West Coast of Vancouver Island Chinook Rebuilding Plan (RP)

Seeking a ministerial decision on the approval of the West Coast of Vancouver Island Chinook rebuilding plan (RP) as per requirements under the Fish Stocks Provisions.

I have granted a 12-month extension for this rebuilding plan to allow for additional science work. This is permitted under the Fisheries Act. I will make my decision on this by April 3rd 2025.

G40 – Questions and Answers from the Ministerial appearance at FOPO on October 23, 2024

Cohen commission’s report on Fraser River salmon

Question from LPC: The Fraser River and the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing on the Fraser system: “During your tenure now as leading DFO, what has been the trend of DFO’s enforcement activities on the Fraser River? Have DFO’s conservation protection enforcement activities on the Fraser increased, decreased or stayed the same?

Should the responsibility to regulate aquaculture and promote the sector be spread across different federal departments?

Answer: Enforcement patrols were conducted on the Fraser River using a range of land, air and vessel patrols following a strategic, risk-based approach.

DFO has increased staffing and training of new officers with the initiation of a contract with the Atlantic Police Academy in 2022. Since this contract was established C&P Pacific has received 47 new Fishery Officers and 12 more officers dedicated to Pacific Region will graduate in early 2025. These new fishery officers support enforcement activity on the Fraser River and can be called upon to support other enforcement activities throughout the region.

Review of enforcement patrol hours during the peak of fishing activity on the Fraser River from April 1 to November 1, 2022, April 1 to November 1, 2023, and April 1 to November 1, 2024, shows that C&P enforcement activities have remained roughly the same level.

Impacts to enforcement activities in 2024 included a large environmental incident in the Yukon which moved resource to this area, Chilcotin River landslide, Wildfire, and drought.

The Government of Canada’s responsibilities for the fish and seafood industry is are split shared across a number of federal departments to promote a holistic approach that considers the needs of Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the broader public.

This multi-departmental approach harnesses specialized expertise to balance diverse interests, promotes transparent governance and oversight of the industry, fosters collaboration while also enhancing accountability, and ensures comprehensive oversight while maintaining needed flexibility to manage an evolving aquaculture sector.

Given that the Pacific fish and seafood sector is highly export oriented - about 75 per cent of production is exported - DFO’s Trade and International Market Access Directorate provides subject matter expertise to support AAFC and GAC with their seafood marketing and trade mandates.

Transition plan for British Columbia

Question from LPC: I’m wondering if, notwithstanding what may or may not be in the transition plan, there is ongoing dialogue with the industry out there about their future in British Columbia.

Answer: Issue Note: On September 20, 2024, the Government of Canada released the draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan for BC.

The draft Plan serves as the basis for consultation and engagement sessions with those impacted by the transition.

An interdepartmental task force, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull, has already convened several sessions to solicit feedback that will inform a final Transition Plan for release in 2025.

QP Note: If pressed on consultation process

Implementing this transition is a whole-of-government effort that will draw on the expertise of a number of departments in reconciliation, economic and community development, green technology, innovation, and aquaculture management.

The task force will support Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, who is leading the government engagement with a particular focus on First Nations, industry, and the Government of British Columbia—to ensure this transition is managed effectively with sustainability and reconciliation at the forefront.

Question from LPC: I’m wondering if you can give us the latest background on moves to add a little bit more credibility to science at the DFO. I’m concerned, for instance, that some of the studies done were funded by the aquaculture industry, and enlightened self-interest, of course, can worm its way in there. What can you tell us about the state of science at the DFO on the west coast? Are you convinced that they’re doing their job?

Answer: Issue Note (F35 – Science in Support of Decision Making)

Departmental scientists work with a range of partners and external experts in collecting data and conducting research to understand important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

The Department also provides science advice to inform decision-making and it openly publishes its findings. DFO draws on the knowledge of a wide range of experts and continues to take concrete steps to strengthen its science function and to re-enforce transparent, impartial and evidence-based peer review and scientific advice for decision-makers.

Issue Note (F26 Aquaculture Science)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducts research and provides science advice to support the sustainable management of aquaculture.

My department relies on internal science, science collaborations, external peer-reviewed research findings, and a robust peer-review process to provide science advice on interactions and potential impacts from aquaculture on wild species and ecosystems.

The Department engages a range of experts in its science, including its peer-review process. This includes Departmental scientists, academics, scientists from other government departments or other countries, and local and Indigenous knowledge holders.

Question How are external experts in aquaculture science advice processes identified?

The Department has established a Registry of External Science Experts, where external experts can self-identify.

The Department has also formed an External Experts Identification Committee, made up of world-leading Canadian and international external experts. When needed, this group can help identify a wide range of experts for the Department’s peer-review meetings.

Question from NDP: I’m wondering if you would be able to comment on the amount of consultation that has happened with industry through the process of developing a transition plan, which, in my opinion, is not happening in a timely enough manner.

Answer: Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has conducted extensive consultation and engagement since the release of its Transition Plan Discussion Framework on July 29, 2022. A What We Heard Report, released May 18, 2023, provides a summary of ideas and perspectives raised during Phases 1 and 2 of engagement. In response to requests from First Nations and others, the department has extended the time period for consultation on the transition with all interested parties.

First Nations, industry, coastal communities, all levels of governments, private businesses, academia, international experts and investors are all important contributors to the development of approaches to facilitate a transition in innovative and clean aquaculture technologies.

Question from LPC: This year the draft aquaculture transition plan was announced, and there were a few items in it that I’d like to dig into a bit. There was a commitment made that new licences will be done for a maximum of five years, but they also come with stricter conditions to ensure improved management of sea lice, robust reporting requirements and additional monitoring of marine mammal interactions. Minister, I hope you might be able to explain to this committee here how, with these new interim licences, the conditions differ from what was there before.

Answer: As announced in the draft Transition Plan on September 20, 2024 under theme 4, the Government of Canada provided some details on the enhanced conditions of licence that were introduced when licences we issued on July 1, 2024.

These conditions include progressive reductions in the allowable thresholds for both sea lice numbers and allowable time over threshold during the wild salmon outmigration periods; new requirements related to reporting marine mammal interactions which includes requirements to collect additional documentation; and; new inventory accounting requirements in order to better assess possible low-level escapes that are difficult to detect.

These conditions will strengthen protections for wild species and the marine environment, while ensuring aquaculture facilities can operate safely during this transition period.

The Government of Canada continues to undertake new research and reviews of science with increased engagement of external experts. At the two-year point in licences, a review of industry performance and new science will be undertaken, along with external consultation, to assess whether further protections should be introduced into licences for conservation reasons.

For the next five years, enhanced reporting will take place to ensure that detailed timely reporting on industry performance and compliance will be made publicly available in a timely manner. This includes public reporting on sea lice, sea floor impacts, marine mammal interactions, incidental catch, and escapes; and new annual public reporting related to salmon feed.

Question from LPC: Minister, I was hoping you might be able to explain how this will be a phased approach (implementation of the 5-year licences and the requirements). Part of the announcement was that restocking decisions would have to be made with this final band-aid of 2029 in mind.

Answer: A review and consultation on licence requirements and plan progress will be taken at the two-year point of licences, to consider if further enhancements to requirements of salmon aquaculture licences are needed in 2026.

Companies will be making decisions in 2025 on their brood programs for harvesting fish by 2029.

Salmon eggs harvested in the fall of 2026 will produce salmon which would be harvested from marine facilities in 2029.

The Task Force and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are both working with those implicated by the transition to ensure that support is provided where companies may opt to transition to closed containment technology, and to plan for closure of all remaining open net-pen sites by 2029.

Aquaculture Act

Question from CPC: In the December 2021 mandate letter to the minister, which is still referred to on the Government of Canada’s DFO website, it included instructions to work to introduce Canada’s first-ever Aquaculture Act. That mandate letter was from December 2021. That’s almost three years ago now. What progress has been made towards that goal? How close would you think we are to seeing a plan? Will it happen before we head to an election.

Answer: The sector is currently managed under a complex regulatory regime.

Federally, DFO manages aquaculture under the Fisheries Act, legislation designed for wild capture fisheries and does not reflect the distinct aquaculture context and requirements.

Developing stand-alone legislation to regulate the aquaculture industry would set a clear and consistent framework for managing aquaculture across Canada, enabling the industry’s growth while upholding and enhancing environmental protections.

Ultimately, Canada’s first-ever Aquaculture Act would provide more clarity and flexibility as this industry develops while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdictions.

The current departmental priority and resource focus is supporting transition of salmon aquaculture in British Columbia, including pursuing proposed amendments to the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations.

The plan’s outcomes and work to fulfill obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan commitments will help inform the development of the proposed federal Aquaculture Act.

DFO will continue to collaborate with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to further explore the potential for the development of a federal Aquaculture Act.

Funding for Harvester in QC

Question from the BQ: If there was money to support those boats [Harvesters in QC], can we hope that pelagic harvesters and the dozens of shrimpers in dry docks will also receive some support and significant quotas, so they can make a living from fishing at some point.

Answer: In May 2024 I announced that the redfish fishery would open with a TAC of 60,000t, of which 10 per cent would be allocated to shrimpers. In addition, we continue to provide flexibility such as licence partnership arrangements that can be implemented to minimize costs for the fleet.

My intention to extend the Quebec and Atlantic Fisheries Funds until 2026 was to provide priority to innovative projects related to the redfish fishery. This extension will provide our fish harvesters with the tools and financial means they need to transition to this new fishery.

For Quebec harvesters, further provincial support is available through the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ) which provides loan repayment relief for fishing businesses and acquisition of fishing equipment.

Question from the BQ: Can we hope that there will be budgets to support fishers who have suffered enormous losses as a result of closures and who are seeing offshore boats rolling out their wide nets? We know that these boats destroyed the resource 30 years ago.

Answer: The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not currently have an income support mechanism in place to mitigate challenges associated with TAC reductions or closures. The mandate is to ensure the management and conservation of resources to maintain sustainable fisheries.

Our government is working hard to ensure that Canada’s fisheries remain sustainable and healthy, and we also recognize the importance of the fisheries to many coastal communities. This is why we will continue to work with harvesters, provincial, municipal and community stakeholders, and other federal government departments that have an economic mandate to support the industry through this transition.

For Quebec harvesters, further provincial support is available through the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ) which provides loan repayment relief for fishing businesses and acquisition of fishing equipment.

Redfish

Question from the BQ: Were these offshore harvesters, who received significant quotas, aware of the opening of these fisheries, since they invested so much money?

Answer: The Department has been engaging with industry stakeholders from all fleet sectors, Indigenous groups, Provinces, and others on the reopening of the Unit 1 Redfish fishery since 2021 through the Redfish Advisory Committee. These discussions have included consultations on allocation to prepare for the reopening of a commercial fishery and Science presentations indicating improvements in stock status. RAC participants could have inferred from this information that the fishery was going to open.

Question from CPC: I’ll switch to unit 1 redfish, where the decision was recently made to let the 4RST vessels fish in shallower water than was originally laid out. Are they going to be able to use ground trawl beyond October 31? Will you consider making that measure a permanent measure so that the redfish harvesters could use their ground trawl all year in 4RST?

Answer: QP Note – Redfish Unit 1 - Rebuilding plans, including limits on bycatch, have been established for a number of depleted groundfish stocks.

Strict management measures are in place to limit bycatch of these stocks and other lucrative stocks such as Atlantic halibut. Based on the best available science advice, these measures are the most effective to limit bycatch, thereby preventing the Redfish fishery from being closed due to bycatch limits being reached.

My department will continue to consult with stakeholders, Indigenous communities and organizations, and provincial partners to refine the management plan for redfish for future years.

As I announced in January 2024, the commercial fishery for Unit 1 Redfish will be managed in two phases. Phase 1 is now underway. The Department will soon launch consultations with Indigenous communities and organizations, inshore and midshore fleets on longer-term distribution of allocations for Phase 2. My department will also continue to work with all stakeholders through the Redfish Advisory Committee to refine the management plan for Phase 2.

Question from BQ: In a context of a fundamental crisis where certain biomasses are collapsing, how can we explain that fishers are calling for the redfish fishery to be opened, citing the fact that it would be the loss of shrimp biomass if Canada didn’t react? I’ve been on this committee for a couple of years, and I’ve heard this for at least four years. Apparently, the problem is even older than that. How do you explain the fact that Canada can’t react more quickly to such a situation and solve the problem related to the collapse of the shrimp biomass?

Answer: Redfish Opening Date was June 15, 2024.

Since 2017, scientific advice indicates that the amount of redfish available to the fishery is sufficient to support a larger fishery targeting Sebastes mentella. However, in 2018, the majority of the fish were still too small to harvest without damaging the stock. The 2021 stock assessments also indicated that most fish were still small.

In consultations with stakeholders from 2020 to 2021, numerous stakeholders indicated they would prefer to delay the opening of the Redfish fishery until fish size increased to meet market preferences.

It was not until the 2023 stock assessment presented in January 2024 that that growth of the fish had slowed and was not expected to grow further.  In January 2024, the Minister announced the re-opening of the commercial fishery for the 2024-25 fishing season.

Coast of Vancouver Island (lighthouses)

Question from NDP: Minister, there was a report that came out in 2011 called “Seeing the Light”, which is quite appropriate, and it was very clear in its recommendations. I’m wondering if you have looked at this letter and have seen the recommendation in there that very clearly articulates that consultations are required and that consultations happen with all those impacted around the lighthouses. Has that been taken into consideration?

Answer: Advanced consultations were not possible in this instance, as the Department has a duty to ensure the safety of our personnel first and foremost.

The Canadian Coast Guard has met with the Chiefs of Ditidaht (dee-tee-dat), Pacheedaht (pa-chee-dat), Toquaht, (tow-kwat) and Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k:tles7et'h' (kai-you-cut / chek-tluh-seth) Nations to discuss the decision and they have noted their support of prioritizing the safety of personnel. The Department will continue working closely with the Nations to determine the future of the sites.

The Department has also contacted our federal partners including Environment and Climate Change Canada and Parks Canada, who are responsible for weather observation and safety on the West Coast Trail, respectively. We will work with them to assess and address community concerns around these areas.

Question from NDP: I want to ask the minister, and perhaps you could provide some additional feedback, of course, through the chair, if the consultation has happened with the light keepers themselves, as is stated clearly in the Senate report that came out. Are they being consulted? I want to ask very simply if you are aware of the lighthouse keepers who are being removed at Pachena Point and Carmanah Point on Vancouver Island starting this week. Is this something you’re aware of?

The question is if you are aware of these two lighthouses in particular, which the lighthouse keepers are being removed from.

Answer: The Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations hold cultural and historical interest to the people of British Columbia (BC) and Canada, and especially to those who live in the area, and hikers using the West Coast Trail.

Ensuring the safety of its personnel is always the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) priority. The CCG ultimately made the operational decision to relocate staff from both the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations for its personnel’s safety.

The safety concerns were identified and investigated by two external and independent evaluations; an initial Geotechnical Assessment, and a follow-up Geohazard Risk Assessment, which was finalized earlier this year. The latest Geohazard Risk Assessment report has been provided to the affected staff, their unions, and to regional First Nations. The lightkeepers accepted alternative postings to continue their duties and have now been relocated to those light station sites on Vancouver Island. They remain valued members of the organization.

The CCG has engaged the regional First Nations who support the CCG’s decision to relocate the staff from Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations. The CCG is committed to further engage the First Nations and other implicated partners once operational processes to complete the relocation of goods and secure the sites have concluded.

Question from NDP: Are you aware of the impacts on coastal communities, mariners and west coasters of these lighthouse keepers being removed from these lighthouses this week?

You talked about technology. Do you feel that the new, automat‐ ed navigation systems will allow people’s screams to be heard when they are.? We’ve heard of multiple instances of people dying along the coast, who were crying for help and had their cries heard by the people who were in these lighthouses. Do you feel that the new technology will be able to provide the same level of security that lighthouse keepers have for generations? I would like to get that in writing, please.

Answer: The CCG’s mandate is to provide services for the safe, economical and efficient movement of ships through the provision of aids to navigation systems and services. The CCG ensures that it effectively allocates its resources to ensure the effective maintenance and operation of its aids to navigation.

The CCG operates over 17,000 aids to navigation across Canada that facilitate the safety and security of mariners throughout Canada’s vast waters. This includes over 1,500 aids to navigation on the west coast of British Columbia. All of the CCG’s aids to navigations, including those at light station sites, have been automated for many years, and require no human intervention to operate. 

The CCG first prioritizes the safety of its staff and of the public that use Canada’s waters. In making any operational decision, the CCG considers potential impacts to mariners and the public. The CCG’s vast network of aids to navigation, overlapping coverages, long-standing operational practices, search and rescue services, and fleet resources along Vancouver Island continues to deliver world-class navigation, safety and security services to mariners.

This includes the aids to navigation (the lights) at Pachena Point and Carmanah Point light station sites, which have been automated and have provided reliable service since 2003. The removal of lightkeepers due to safety concerns from these sites will not impact the continued functioning of the lights.

Lightkeepers are not directly involved in marine search and rescue (SAR) operations, as these activities require highly trained and specialized staff. In rare cases, lightkeepers may support the CCG’s SAR personnel by sharing information and maintaining visual watch. As such, light stations are not relied upon for the provision of SAR services.

Both commercial mariners and pleasure craft owners also have access to many modern aids to navigation systems and services including lighted marine beacons and buoys, as well as advanced navigation tools that incorporate GPS and other satellite-based positioning systems. Mariners also use more advanced and reliable safety equipment such as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and satellite beacons to assess SAR organizations in Canada and around the world.

1 - Question from NDP: can you please confirm that you’ll be moving forward with the de-staffing of lighthouses at Carmanah Point and Pachena Bay starting this Friday?

2 - Question from NDP: If these two light stations are being de-staffed, what is the plan to ensure the safety of coastal communities?

Answer: Issue Note F15 Lighthouse Staffing - The lightkeepers from Pachena Point and Carmanah Point light stations have already completed their moves to their new postings. The CCG first and foremost prioritizes the safety of its staff and of the public who use Canada’s waters. In making any operational decision, the CCG considers potential impacts to mariners and the public. The CCG’s vast network of aids to navigation, overlapping coverages, long-standing operational practices, search and rescue services, and fleet resources along Vancouver Island continue to deliver world-class navigation, safety, and security services to mariners.

This includes the aids to navigation (the lights) at Pachena Point and Carmanah Point light stations, which have been automated and have provided reliable service since 2003. The removal of the lightkeepers due to serious safety concerns at these sites will not impact the continued function of the aids/lights.

The CCG encourages mariners and all those who use Canada’s waters to ensure that they are fully prepared when embarking on the water, including carrying the appropriate safety gear and communication and navigation devices, and ensuring that their vessels are properly maintained and functional.

Question from the NDP: Have consultations with those impacted by the stopping of operations taken place, including with light-keepers.

Answer: The safety concerns were identified and investigated by two external and independent evaluations, an initial Geotechnical Assessment and a follow-up Geohazard Risk Assessment, which was finalized earlier this year. The latest Geohazard Risk Assessment report has been provided to the affected staff, their unions, and to regional First Nations. The staff were offered alternative locations to continue their duties as lightkeepers and have accepted those offers. They remain valued members of the organization.

The CCG has engaged the regional First Nations who support the CCG’s decision to relocate the staff from Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations. The CCG is committed to further engage the First Nations and other implicated partners once operational processes to relocate the lightkeepers have concluded.

Ensuring the safety of all CCG personnel is an overarching employer responsibility and is always a priority for the CCG. Safety of personnel is the reason the CCG ultimately made this operational decision to relocate staff from both the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations.

Question from the NDP: Details on automated systems and if they provide the same level of security that are provided for by lighthouse keepers.

Answer: The CCG delivers its mandate to provide services for the safe, economical and efficient movement of ships through the provision of aids to navigation systems and services.

The CCG’s first and foremost priority is the safety of its staff and of the public that use Canada’s waters. In making any operational decision, the CCG considers potential impacts to mariners and the public. The CCG’s vast network of aids to navigation, overlapping coverages, long-standing operational practices, search and rescue services, and fleet resources along Vancouver Island continues to deliver world-class navigation, safety and security services to mariners.

This includes the aids to navigation (the lights) at Pachena Point and Carmanah Point light station sites, which have been automated and have provided reliable service since 2003. The removal of lightkeepers due to safety concerns from these sites will not impact the continued functioning of the lights.

The CCG encourages mariners and public users of our waters to ensure that they are fully prepared when embarking on their voyages – that they carry appropriate safety gear, communication and navigation devices, and that their vessels are properly maintained and functional. Safety begins at home.

Question: For more context on CCG’s automated aids to navigation:

Answer: The CCG operates over 17,000 aids to navigation across Canada that facilitate the safety and security of mariners throughout Canada’s vast waters. This includes over 1,500 aids to navigation on the west coast of British Columbia. All of the CCG’s aids to navigation, including those at light station sites, have been automated for many years, some as early as the 1980s, and require no human intervention to operate. 

The Department has 200 light stations which host operational aids to navigation. Only 51 of these light stations, in Western and Atlantic Regions, are staffed by the CCG lightkeepers. All other light stations are un-staffed and no aid to navigation sites, including staffed locations, are under 24/7 observation.

The number of staffed and un-staffed light stations in use has decreased since the 1980’s when the majority of the lights were automated and replaced by alternative low-maintenance, modern Aids to Navigation systems that provided enhanced services to mariners.

The CCG undertakes regular reviews of its aids to navigation, including light stations, to ensure the continued safety of mariners and efficiency of operations. The CCG’s network of assets, overlapping coverages, and long-standing practices for addressing system outages ensures continuous and reliable delivery of navigation information to mariners throughout Canada’s waters.

Question: For more context on mariner safety technologies and additional CCG services:

Answer: Mariner: Both commercial mariners and pleasure craft owners have access to many modern Aids to Navigation systems and services including lighted marine beacons and buoys as well as advanced navigation tools that incorporate GPS and other satellite-based positioning systems. Mariners also use more advanced and reliable safety equipment such as Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons and satellite beacons to access search and rescue organizations in Canada and around the world.

The CCG’s twelve Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centres across the country are the primary sources of safety radio-communication services, information sharing with vessels, and vessel traffic services which support the overall monitoring of our waters and contribute to the safety and efficiency of navigation 24/7/365.

In BC, the CCG employs its network of 3,500 aids to navigation, over 30 vessels, 16 lifeboat stations, two 24/7 MCTS centres in Sidney and Prince Rupert, and a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, to coordinate emergency response and alerting systems for search and rescue, to continue to keep mariners safe.

Lightkeeper roles and mariner safety: Lightkeepers’ roles have evolved dramatically in the past 50 years and they are no longer involved in the day-to-day operation or maintenance of the aids to navigation (the lights) at light stations.

In some locations, lightkeepers provide local marine weather observations, and radio watch at light stations when requested. Duties can also include minor maintenance and grounds keeping.

There is a perception that lightkeepers are responsible for the lights or heritage lighthouses, but this is not the case. All operations and maintenance of the lights themselves falls to the CCG’s Integrated Technical Services branch and Fisheries and Oceans Canada Real Property (DFO RP) branch to maintain and repair the heritage structures. This work is done on an ad-hoc and as-needed basis.

Lightkeepers are not directly involved in marine search and rescue (SAR) operations as these require highly trained and specialized staff. In rare cases, lightkeepers may support the CCG’s SAR personnel by sharing information and maintaining visual watch. Staffed light stations, however, cover a very limited area of Canada’s vast coastline and are not relied upon for the provision of SAR services.

Question: For more context on mariner safety technologies and additional CCG services:

Answer: Mariner: Both commercial mariners and pleasure craft owners have access to many modern Aids to Navigation systems and services including lighted marine beacons and buoys as well as advanced navigation tools that incorporate GPS and other satellite-based positioning systems. Mariners also use more advanced and reliable safety equipment such as Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons and satellite beacons to access search and rescue organizations in Canada and around the world.

The CCG’s twelve Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centres across the country are the primary sources of safety radio-communication services, information sharing with vessels, and vessel traffic services which support the overall monitoring of our waters and contribute to the safety and efficiency of navigation 24/7/365.

In BC, the CCG employs its network of 3,500 aids to navigation, over 30 vessels, 16 lifeboat stations, two 24/7 MCTS centres in Sidney and Prince Rupert, and a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, to coordinate emergency response and alerting systems for search and rescue, to continue to keep mariners safe.

Lightkeeper roles and mariner safety: Lightkeepers’ roles have evolved dramatically in the past 50 years and they are no longer involved in the day-to-day operation or maintenance of the aids to navigation (the lights) at light stations.

In some locations, lightkeepers provide local marine weather observations, and radio watch at light stations when requested. Duties can also include minor maintenance and grounds keeping.

There is a perception that lightkeepers are responsible for the lights or heritage lighthouses, but this is not the case. All operations and maintenance of the lights themselves falls to the CCG’s Integrated Technical Services branch and Fisheries and Oceans Canada Real Property (DFO RP) branch to maintain and repair the heritage structures. This work is done on an ad-hoc and as-needed basis.

Lightkeepers are not directly involved in marine search and rescue (SAR) operations as these require highly trained and specialized staff. In rare cases, lightkeepers may support the CCG’s SAR personnel by sharing information and maintaining visual watch. Staffed light stations, however, cover a very limited area of Canada’s vast coastline and are not relied upon for the provision of SAR services.

Question from the NDP: The 2024 Geohazard Risk Assessment sights reports from 2018, when were these reports referenced made available to the public and light-keepers and provide additional information on risks identified in these reports, if the labour code was followed, etc.

Answer: The 2018 report was a Geotechnical Assessment report, which looked at the site conditions involving soil and rock. The results of this report called for a Geohazard Risk Assessment, which examines how earthquakes, flooding, and landslides affect the geotechnical conditions (soil, rocks, and other land components) at the site and is a statistical calculation of human safety risk exposure. The second Geohazard Risk Assessment report was finalized in February 2024 and concluded that the area is not stable enough to meet risk tolerance criteria when assessed against criteria established by other local governments in the region.

After discussing findings from the initial 2018 Geotechnical Assessment report with DFO RP, and while the investigation continued, the CCG took measures to mitigate the potential risk to the lightkeepers by reducing the amount of time lightkeepers spend in the buildings identified as being located in a vulnerable area.

During this time, DFO RP explored several options for the site, including acquiring funding and working with building-moving professionals to assess the feasibility to relocate the residences and working with a geotechnical engineer to assess the feasibility of slope stabilization. Although this work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it was determined that the capital request to relocate residences was insufficient and slope stabilization would be cost-prohibitive.

The CCG and DFO RP have been in discussions throughout this time on risks at the site while the follow-up Geohazard Risk Assessment report was being finalized. If immediate risk to life or infrastructure was present, that would have warranted immediate action to mitigate. With the release of the Geohazard Risk Assessment report this year, the CCG is taking these steps to ensure the long-term safety of the lightkeepers and other personnel.

Question from the NDP: Details of funding for mitigation measures at a building (duplex) at Pachena Point that was not spent.

Answer: The project has a total estimated cost of $879,000, of which $769,100 has not been spent.

Approximately $90.9K spent between 2019-2021 on geotechnical testing, geohazard investigations, site visits with structural moving company.

Approximately $19.0K spent between 2022-2024 on revisiting structure moving options, additional site visits, and the geohazard assessment.

Prior to moving forward on any additional spending for the site, the CCG will work with DFO to assess the long-term viability of the site and long-term needs. The CCG is committed to further engage the First Nations and other implicated partners once operational processes to relocate the lightkeepers have concluded.

Icebreaking

Question from LPC: There was less ice than usual in the winter, but I know your teams were ready, and the contracts were signed. I just want to make sure that we’re ready again this year for the opening of the fishery. The ice may be a little thicker this winter. Are you ready? Have the contracts been planned? Is everything planned so there can be an early opening again this year?

Answer: Yes, the CCG Icebreaking Program is prepared for the upcoming season including having supply arrangements (contracts) in place to further support CCG icebreaking activities. CCG Central and Atlantic regions work collaboratively at ensuring icebreakers are positioned to address demands including the use of hovercraft where required.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Question from CPC: Minister, will you finally acknowledge that preventing the spread of zebra and quagga mussels in western Canada is essential and ensure western Canada receives its fair share of federal resources to prevent aquatic invasive species?

Answer: DFO is committed to preventing the introduction, establishment, and spread of aquatic invasive species, including Zebra and Quagga Mussels. In May 2023, DFO announced $8.75 million in contribution funding over five years as part of the newly created Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund (AISPF). The AISPF funds eligible organizations and projects that focus on preventing the introduction and establishment of aquatic invasive species across Canada.

In February the Minister announced funding of up to $540,000 from 2023 to 2025 for the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF), through the AISPF. The HCTF is a non-profit organization that specializes in funding important conservation projects. This funding will support the ongoing work of the Province of British Columbia’s existing Invasive Mussel Defense Program (IMDP), including ongoing efforts to prevent the introduction of Zebra and Quagga Mussels in B.C.

In addition to these financial contributions, DFO is continually working on new initiatives focused on detecting and responding to reports of imminent aquatic invasive species invasions including at international borders, and facilitating on-the-ground preventative action through partnerships. DFO is also investing $90,000 to acquire two new decontamination trailers in British Columbia to support the Province’s Invasive Mussel Defense Program. These decontamination trailers will help educate the public on the importance of cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft before moving between bodies of water, in order to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Combating the introduction and spread of Zebra and Quagga Mussels and other invasive species is everyone’s business, and requires involvement of the federal government, provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the general public. By working together, we can ensure the protection of Canada’s waterways.

Seal Licencing

Question from LPC: I want to go to another issue. I was pleased when you announced, this morning or yesterday, that you would be authorizing personal use sealing licences for P.E.I. Could you give us a bit of a number on what you hope this harvest may do because we’ve heard so much in this committee about efficient harvesting of this resource, which seems to be growing in abundance. Would you care to expand on just exactly what it means?

Is this a first for provinces—for P.E.I., I believe it is—to have a personal use licence? Is this the first time the department has issued such a licence?

Answer: We are currently developing pilots to begin the first phase of implementation for personal use seal licences in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. We are working with fish harvester organizations initially as their members are positioned well, from a knowledge and equipment standpoint, to execute the harvest. We expect that these limited harvests will occur before the close of the seal harvesting season on December 17. Information will be gathered from this experience and incorporated in our approach for future years to expand this activity. While the pace of the roll-out may be disappointing to some, it is very important in our opinion, and that of our partner provinces, to ensure a safe, humane, and sustainable harvest, and also one that does not reflect poorly on our commercial sealers who have already been subject to much unfair criticism and the closure of important markets for their products. 

We have also been working with Nova Scotia, where a limited number personal use licences (about 120 active licences) already exist, on expanding this number. While we work with our partners, existing licences will continue to be issued.

Fishery Closure due to Whales – Economic Impacts

Question from LPC: I have been very hard on you, DFO officials and the Minister due to this situation. People have said that the landed value to the fishery is $3 billion, so a two-week closure and a loss of $24 million would not have a devastating impact on the region. Will you introduce more flexible measures without compromising the protection of right whales? Are you going to listen to people in the industry and take into account the data presented to you by experts? In addition, the Government of Canada used three different charts showing the depth of the waters to determine where the whale was. This is unacceptable to me, as an elected official, and to the industry community and the community. We looked like a bunch of idiots—pardon me for using that term—and I hope there will be changes. Will there be any changes to the protection of right whales?

A meeting was held recently between the government and industry representatives regarding what the minister said following what happened in my region, when they wanted to close the fisheries for two weeks during the last fishing season. A whale had moved into waters that were less than 20 fathoms deep. Did that meeting take place a few weeks ago?

Answer: The Department will continue to prioritize the implementation of fisheries management measures that prevent the entanglement of NARW.

Through the Whalesafe Gear Strategy, the Government is working with harvesters, researchers, whale experts, First Nations, and fishing gear manufacturers to develop and adopt innovative fishing gear technology that will both protect whales, and support sustainable fisheries. The final strategy will be published in early 2025.

Small Craft Harbour

Question from LPC: Announcements were recently made about the small craft harbours program. All port associations find the process for obtaining digging, construction and environmental permits to be an administrative burden.  Wouldn’t there be a way, in 2024, to simplify this process in order to speed up the implementation of projects? Everyone says they know it’s not the government that’s the problem, but the public service is so cumbersome that nothing is moving forward. Can you not do anything to move projects forward?

Answer: Small Craft Harbours (SCH) construction projects are made up of many phases that need to be followed in sequence to ensure success. Major capital projects, in particular, can take anywhere between two and six years, depending on project complexities, the scale of the project, and the availability of funding.

In general, the phases related to major Capital SCH projects include:

Obtaining permits is a very important element of planning for a SCH project. These permits, which are required by law, are designed to protect animals and fish habitat, the environment and to ensure other things, such as navigation, are protected. As part of our permitting requirements, it is also vital to have meaningful engagement with our Indigenous communities, especially in areas where our harbours accommodate Indigenous fishers.

The procurement process is another key part of Government of Canada construction projects. Procurement rules can take time, but they ensure that projects are undertaken fairly, transparently and that they provide the most value for the Government.

SCH program officials do what they can to move projects along efficiently, but every phase of a project must be completed to ensure a project’s success and to respect our rules and regulations.

Mandatory e-logs by 2025

Question from NDP: We know that the report takes note of an internal DFO briefing note from 2020 stressing the need to improve data collection and indicating that e-logs would be mandatory by 2023. We know that that has not happened. We know that harvesters are still continuing to use paper logs, and I was hoping you could clarify for us today if that commitment remains to mandate the introduction of national e-logs for the 2025 season across Canada.

Answer: DFO remains committed to working with industry as we continue to improve and enhance our catch reporting services. We’re putting a lot of effort on moving to electronic data collection, and we anticipate national mandatory use of ELOGs in some select fisheries in the Gulf and Quebec regions by January 1, 2025.

Mussels

Question: How many years does it take for generations of mussels to grow?

Answer: In the Maritime provinces, Blue mussels grow for 18 to 24 months, depending on location, water temperature and the availability of plankton for feed. The average market-size blue mussel is harvested when it reaches between 5.5 to 6 centimeters.

Inshore Fish Harvesters

Question from CPC: You made a statement that the inshore cod grounds were different from the offshore cod grounds for northern cod. How did you come up with that idea? What kind of knowledge does your department have on where inshore harvesters fish? Did you analyze the locations, the logbook data, that’s submitted by the inshore fishery? If you did, you would have known that they were fishing in the same grounds.

Answer: The Department uses various mechanisms to track where the inshore fleet activity takes place in the 2J3KL Northern cod fishery.

This includes mandatory VMS for larger vessels, a logbook requirement and ongoing communication within the inshore fleet throughout the season.

Specifically:

Support for the future of fishing

Question from BQ: I see a certain lethargy setting in when it comes to support for Quebec’s inshore fisheries. Canada is not proactive. There’s a real problem. I said it earlier, and I repeated it to the minister. There have also been television reports on the matter. Fishers have other things to do than take part in TV reports. If they do, it’s because they’ve reached that point. How do you intend to support the inshore fisheries, be it the shrimp fishery or the pelagic fishery? How are you going to support these fisheries so that they continue to exist and there’s a next generation with the necessary skills? What are you going to do to prevent coastal villages from dying in Quebec? That’s what your decisions are causing, whether or not they’re your own decisions or those of the minister. How can we stop this and start moving in the right direction? Are you looking at solutions? If so, have you proposed them to the minister, and are they being considered?

Answer: Coastal fisheries are experiencing profound upheavals and are unfortunately the first witnesses to the impact of the ecosystem changes that are currently occurring in the Gulf of St. Lawrence at a frantic pace. Several species such as shrimp, turbot and pelagic fish are showing significant signs of decline, while others such as lobster, Atlantic halibut and redfish are increasing.

Our mandate is first and foremost to ensure that our fisheries management decisions are based on the best available information to promote the sustainability, stability and prosperity of fisheries.

Our recent decisions prioritize the restoration of fish stocks and provide modern protection measures to preserve these populations and their habitats for future generations and allow Canada’s fishing industry to continue to grow the economy and support coastal communities.

Year-Round Employment

Question from CPC: You said that the minister had reopened the commercial northern cod fishery because she wanted year-round employment from it. Basically, the inshore portion of that quota was taken in seven weeks. The offshore portion will be taken in a couple of weeks, and the number of people who have taken part in that harvesting and will take part in the offshore harvesting is relatively small. How does that equate to year-round employment?

Answer: When I announced the 2024 Management Plan for Northern Cod, I committed to cautiously but optimistically build back this fishery with the prime beneficiaries being coastal and Indigenous communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

This responsible reopening is generating significant economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador while supporting good paying jobs in the commercial fishery and the processing industry.

In this first year of the reopened 2J3KL Northern cod commercial fishery, the intent is to responsibly expand the fishery with the long-term goal of sustainable growth.

It is critical that future expansion is carefully managed.  It is the goal to gradually return to a year-round fishery and this cannot be accomplished in a single year.

The inshore fleet is comprised of smaller vessels (less than 65’). Currently, this fleet prioritizes higher valued species such as Snow crab in the spring and with weather patterns and fish movement later in the fall, the season length for the inshore fleet is typically July to early October.

The six per cent share allocated to the Canadian offshore fleet in 2024 is fished outside this period and thereby further distributes catch over a longer period, provides valuable processing employment after closure of the inshore season and supports the continued development of a year-round and economically viable fishery.

Appearance by Minister Byrne on Cod

Question: The commitment that the first 115,000t of directed access would be for the inshore fleet and Indigenous groups in Newfoundland and Labrador

Answer: The 2024 management decision provides a majority allocation of over 90 per cent of the TAC for the inshore sector and Indigenous groups.  The primary beneficiaries are coastal communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The offshore fleet was allocated six per cent of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) that includes all directed catch and bycatch. Given that 98 per cent of the offshore enterprise allocations are owned by Newfoundland and Labrador interests, nearly all (99 per cent) of the Canadian TAC is providing direct benefit to Newfoundland and Labrador.

If the first 115,000 tonnes of commercial Northern cod were allocated only to the inshore fleet and Indigenous harvesters, other Canadian fleets would be excluded from the fishery while directed fishing by other NAFO Contracting Parties would be permitted in the NAFO Regulatory Area outside the Canadian 200-mile limit.

Question: Specific Allocations in the 2024 Management Plan for NAFO Division 2J 

Answer: Historically, participation of 2J harvesters in the Stewardship fishery was low due to unique challenges that harvesters in the area have faced – including weather conditions and the need to travel further to fish in remote areas.

In 2022 and 2023, 2,600t of the 12,999t maximum allowable harvest in the Stewardship fishery was set aside exclusively for fishing in 2J. The 2,600-t set aside acknowledged the impacts of reductions in other fisheries and provided some assurance of additional fishing opportunities in Labrador.

The 2024 management decision included 20 per cent allocation of the inshore fleet sector to Labrador-based harvesters. This decision is built upon the changes implemented in 2022 and 2023.

Question: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)/International Obligations

Answer: With respect to NAFO, as a responsible fishing nation, and in line with our international obligations, Canada cooperates with other countries on the sustainable management of transboundary and high seas fish stocks.

There is no debate that Northern cod remains a Canadian-managed stock. Canada alone completes the science assessment of this stock and sets the annual Total Allowable Catch.

Given that a portion of the stock is located in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area, outside of Canada’s 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone, Canada had previously negotiated strong conservation measures to limit catches in this area and the establishment of a limited NAFO fishery remains contingent on a Canadian management decision.

Following DFO’s establishment of a domestic commercial fishery in June 2024, these measures ensured that the allocation to other NAFO Contracting Parties remained limited to five per cent of the overall TAC.

At the 2024 NAFO Annual Meeting, Canada successfully negotiated strengthened conservation and management measures for the Northern cod fishery in the NAFO Regulatory Area – including season dates, a seasonal conservation closure, gear requirements, and minimum fish size – that align with Canada’s domestic management measures.

Under NAFO measures, the Canadian TAC is considered 95 per cent of an overall TAC with the remaining five per cent allocated to other NAFO Contracting Parties to be fished outside of Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The changes to the allocation of Northern cod accepted at the September 2024 NAFO Annual Meeting apply only to other Contracting Parties and how the 5 per cent is allocated between them. This has no effect on the established Canadian share of 95 per cent or Canadian management authority.

Question: Point of clarity as there was confusion by Minister Byrne between the Sentinel fishery and Stewardship fisheries.

Answer: From 2006 to 2023, the Department established a Stewardship fishery for the inshore fleet. It was established to obtain a better understanding of the stock, collect data on inshore areas to contribute to informed participation in stock assessments and advisory meetings and further cultivate a culture of stewardship.

The Sentinel Fisheries Program is entirely separate from the Stewardship fishery. It is an ongoing, Science led program established in 1994 with the objective of developing a catch rate time-series for the inshore areas, to incorporate knowledge of inshore harvesters in the assessment and to gather biological and oceanographic data.

Moderate Livelihood

Question from CPC: In the recent letter you sent to the fishery, you were basically telling the 12 licence-holders—eight of whom are the commercial ones who, for 30 years, have actually created and built this industry—that you’re going to expropriate 75 per cent of their quota and give it to others without compensation. You’re ignoring the willing buyer/willing seller policy your department has yet again. If you are going to take 75 per cent of their quota and give it to others—not for conservation, but just to give it to others—will you abide by the willing buyer/willing seller policy?

Answer: Departmental officials are working diligently to improve the management and bring stability to the fishery.

To build a sustainable, safe, orderly, and well-managed fishery, decisions will be taken on changes in three key areas: enhancing access for Indigenous communities; establishing new regulatory requirements for possession and export of elvers; and development of updated management and traceability systems.

Regulatory changes are needed for stronger oversight of elvers from the time they are fished to export. Management changes, including traceability tools, are required to bring order to this fishery. Long-term stable access, which includes enhanced Indigenous participation, is also needed.

Assistance for Shrimp Harvesters

Question from LPC: In March, shrimp fishers came to meet with the minister and officials to propose an assistance plan. I’m told there has been no follow-up since then.  Are you aware of these fishers’ request for the assistance plan? They want to know if you agree with this assistance plan. Have you met with them about this?

Answer: QP Note – Support for Fish Harvesters - I am well aware of the role that fishing plays as an economic driver in our coastal communities and am aware of concerns raised by industry members that some may not qualify for Employment Insurance.

Through the Fall Economic Statement, up to five additional weeks of Employment Insurance regular benefits were given to eligible seasonal workers in 13 economic regions.

Budget 2024 proposes an extension of support in targeted regions until October 2026, with a cost estimated at $263.5 million over four years, starting in 2024-25.

QP Background - Fishing employment insurance (FEI) makes a substantial contribution to the livelihood of self-employed fish harvesters, particularly in the lean winter months. It is estimated that FEI benefits represent slightly more than 30 per cent of the total annual income of self-employed fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. The percentage is significantly higher for lower earning harvesters (close to 60 per cent for the bottom 25 per cent earners).

ESDC is the Department responsible for the administration of Employment Insurance (EI). DFO does not play a role in the administration of EI. However, stakeholders such as the FFAW have reached out to DFO in the past to request changes to EI. It is expected that they may do so again.

Capacity for CCG to communicate in French

Question from BQ: Have you been able to remedy the problem of unreasonable delays in processing harassment and intimidation complaints, particularly in the Quebec City area? Have you also been able to restore the Coast Guard’s ability to communicate in French?

Answer: Employees can contact the department’s Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Centre, where responses are typically provided within 48 hours.

The department fully complies with the Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations, ensuring that the resolution process for notices of occurrence is completed within the mandated 12-month time frame.

Services from our department’s Harassment and Violence Prevention and Resolution Centre are available in both official languages.

Between March 6, 2024, to November 20, 2024, the Department received a total of 10 complaints related to Official Languages. Two of these complaints were linked to CCG operations in Quebec where signage was only available in English on DFO premises.

In all cases except one, the complaints are linked to Part IV of the Official Languages Act, which deals with communications with, and services to, the public. One is related to Part V, which addresses language of work issues.

In general, the complaints are linked to the availability and quality of information in both official languages on DFO’s website and signage. Most complaints are about notices and signs being available only in English, or the French versions not being of equal quality to the English versions.

All of these complaints have either been resolved or in the process of being resolved. As such, there are no outstanding issues to report.

To the Department’s knowledge, no causal link has been demonstrated between the ability to communicate in French and the delays in processing harassment and intimidation complaints. Delays are primarily influenced by the complexity of the cases and the availability of resources. Always striving for improvement, the CCG takes continuous measures to strengthen its processes and enhance the efficiency of case management. These measures include ongoing staff training, accompanied by awareness sessions, as well as optimized resource management.

The CCG also implements strategies to ensure that its staff can provide services in French. Recruiting bilingual employees, particularly in regions where this is essential, as well as offering targeted language training, are priorities. The CCG also ensures that all internal communications, official documents, and signage are available in both official languages, while maintaining a rigorous follow-up on language needs.

Removing Politics from Decision Making

Question from BQ: Protection and fishery management decisions should favour a co-management mechanism that would bring together people on the ground and a number of stakeholders other than political ones. What do you think of that idea? We’ve heard that the minister made decisions that were contrary to her department’s directives, and we’re wondering what the best way to protect the resource would be for the future.

Answer: For all fisheries, the Department has long-established fisheries advisory processes to consult on fishery plans each year with provincial and territorial governments, co-management partners, rights-holders, Indigenous peoples, fish harvesters and other stakeholders before making a decision about the harvest level on stock.

Prior to rendering my decisions, I consider all of the feedback received during these advisory processes, as science advice on the conservation of stocks, Indigenous and treaty rights as well as other factors. Thus, fishery decisions are not made in a vacuum.

Question from BQ: Successes of Norway and Finland go far beyond those of Canada, because those countries aren’t subject to a federal regime. Doesn’t this kind of overlap between the federal and provincial governments create a kind of efficiency bottleneck, as Mr. Cormier was saying earlier? Shouldn’t Canada decentralize fisheries management?

Answer: In addition, Canada employs co-management of fisheries where modern treaties are in place.

In a world where marine environmental conditions are changing rapidly and the distribution of fish stocks extend across provincial borders and Canada’s border, strong federal governance of fisheries is essential to meet our national and international goal of sustainable and prosperous fisheries.

The Department has long-established fisheries advisory processes to consult on fishery plans each year with provincial and territorial governments, co-management partners, rights-holders, Indigenous peoples, fish harvesters and other stakeholders. These consultations take place before a decision is made about the harvest level on stock.

In addition, the demands from First Nations for increased access to fisheries require sustained dialogue between the federal government and First Nations (nation-to-nation).

Elver Fishery

Question from CPC: You couldn’t enforce the law on eight licence-holders. How are you going to enforce the law on 150 licence-holders when you couldn’t do it for eight?

Answer: Departmental officials are working diligently to improve the management and bring stability to the fishery.

To build a sustainable, safe, orderly, and well-managed fishery, decisions will be taken on changes in three key areas: enhancing access for Indigenous communities; establishing new regulatory requirements for possession and export of elvers; and development of updated management and traceability systems.

Regulatory changes are needed for stronger oversight of elvers from the time they are fished to export. Management changes, including traceability tools, are required to bring order to this fishery. Long-term stable access, which includes enhanced Indigenous participation, is also needed.

Question from CPC: Earlier, in the minister’s testimony, she stated that there were no rules in reference to the elver fishery, and that’s why they had to close it down or why it’s been so chaotic. Would you agree with that statement that there were no rules? Were there no regulations regarding the elver fishery? Were there rules around licensing?

Answer: Issue Note – F22 Elver Fishery

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable, orderly, and safe fisheries for all participants, a review of the elver fishery is underway.

The review has three key areas of focus:

Question from CPC: I have one last question. How much TAC or quota will you give the eel licence-holders, the 30 that you say you can convert to elver? What will the quota be for them, and why would you take it from existing quota when that measure should produce a larger quota under conservation rules?

Answer: Final decisions on individual licence allocations in the elver fishery are still being determined. Decisions on the total allowable catch for the fishery are taken annually. A decision for 2025 has not yet been taken and will be based on a number of factors, including the best available science. Oversight of buyers licences are under the jurisdiction of the provinces; however, as referenced in the regulatory impact statement for the new possession and export licences, we are aware of over 40 buyers licences in the province of Nova Scotia that include the opportunity to buy elver and buyers licences are not required in New Brunswick.  

Mackerel Fishery

Question from CPC: The minister just disregarded the advice of her own scientists on reopening the commercial northern cod quota. I’m wondering if there’s a chance she might reopen a commercial mackerel fishery, given that she just went against her department on northern cod. Are we going to see a mackerel fishery in 2025?

Answer: G39 – Fisheries Decisions – Peer review of the Atlantic mackerel stock assessment is scheduled for February 2025.

A 2025 management decision for Atlantic mackerel will be taken after the advisory committee meeting in March 2025. 

The 2023 Canadian stock assessment found that Atlantic mackerel declined further in the critical zone since the last assessment, with spawning stock biomass at its lowest-observed values.

The Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Plan was published on the DFO website on September 13, 2024.

QP – Atlantic Mackerel consumption by predators – On April 25th, I announced the opening of a 470 tonne (t) Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery this spring, along with the continued closure of the Atlantic mackerel commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for the 2024 season.

We understand the hardship the ongoing closure of the mackerel fishery is having on harvesters and the local communities they live in, and that purchasing mackerel for bait from other sources has become very expensive.

We believe that this bait fishery will be beneficial for harvesters without jeopardizing the ongoing rebuilding of this stock.

Fish caught under a bait licence are intended for personal-use and are not permitted to be sold, traded or bartered.

Question from CPC: I understand your department has been conducting some science on mackerel over the past summer. Do you have any of those results tabulated yet? Do you have any directions? Are there any improvements in the mackerel stock, based on the science you’ve conducted over the last couple of years?

Answer: QP Note – background: The commercial and bait fisheries were closed in 2022, while recreational and Food, Social, and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries remained open. A limited personal use bait fishery of 470t will be open in 2024.

The Canadian portion of the Atlantic Mackerel stock (predominantly NAFO subareas 3 and 4) is in the Critical Zone of the precautionary approach framework.

The 2023 stock assessment showed that the spawning stock biomass (SSB) for mackerel declined to its lowest values in 2021 and 2022 (40 per cent and 42 per cent of the Limit Reference Point; LRP), relative to 79per cent and 56 per cent of the LRP in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The age structure remains truncated, and this erosion has increased over time. There were very few fish over age 5 in 2021 and 2022 (3 per cent or less).  

The available evidence indicates the stock rebuilding potential is currently limited by a truncated age structure, low recruitment, and high predation pressure.

In response to industry concerns about predation, DFO Science conducted an investigation of predation pressure on mackerel by various predators in Canadian and US waters for the 2023 assessment, which suggests an overall increase in predation-induced mackerel mortality over time. Prior to publication, the results of this work were presented to the Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee in February 2024. This study has now been published by the department and has gathered media interest.

Compared to seals, Northern Gannets likely have a larger impact on predation induced mortality of mackerel (annual consumption by Northern gannets estimated to be between 11,000 – 23,000 over the last 10 years).

Modernization of the Oceans Act

Question from CPC: Okay. Also in that mandate letter were basically directions to modernize the Oceans Act to explicitly consider climate change impacts and so on. What progress has been made towards that goal, to modernize that act? It would be something that would need to go through the legislative process in the House of Commons and then eventually come to this committee. Time is ticking. Are we ever going to see it?

Answer: The 2021 Mandate Letter included a commitment to modernize the Oceans Act to consider climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and species. Under Canada’s Nature 2030 Strategy and the National Adaptation Strategy, the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the Greening Government Strategy, and Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy, the Government of Canada has established strong policy and administrative measures that support the consideration of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and species in regional ocean management, including the establishment of marine conserved areas, as well as measurable progress indicators and objectives.

Political Meeting Reporting

Question from LPC: A woman who was working at a lower level in a DFO office called me. What she told me was very disturbing. She said that if I wanted to meet with her and get information she needed to sign a document, ask if she could meet with me and then report back what was said in that meeting. I’m an elected official. Does such a document exist? What she told me is that this doesn’t come from a minister or a government decision. It comes from the higher deputy levels at 200 Kent Street. They need to sign a form that says which MP they met with and what the purpose of the meeting was and then report that back to the deputy minister’s office. Does such a document exist, yes or no?

Answer: Contact with MPs is not prohibited; however, when they meet a senator or MP in their role as a departmental employee, it is important that the Department be informed of the communication. The Minister herself may wish to respond in lieu of a Department Official.

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

Question from LPC: That’s the Pacific salmon strategy initiative, which, to my knowledge, is the largest recovery package for any species in Canadian history. This was announced in 2021, and there are several components of it. I was hoping you might be able to give us an update on how this program is rolling out, particularly if you can give some metrics and statistics on things like areas of habitat restoration and some of the other outcomes that we can point to from this program.

Isue Note– F28 – Pacific Salmon - As of March 31, 2024, the Department has invested $201.5 million in targeted actions to address Pacific salmon declines, of which $90.9 million was delivered through partners. So far in 2024-25, the Department has already spent $26 million, $11.1 million of which was delivered through partners.

Key activities include:

Over 2024-25, the Initiative will continue to advance Pacific salmon rebuilding, in collaboration with partners.

Yukon targeted efforts are also being made:

Procurement of Ice Breakers

Question from CPC: The polar class 1 icebreakers announced in 2007 at a cost of $700 million, the first vote, still do not have, all these years later, a design approved. The Parliamentary Budget Officer put out a report in 2021 and updated it this year. When you were here last time, before we had the update, you agreed that the cost estimates were right there, but you said that we would be on time and on budget. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has updated that and actually says at the current estimate now, it’s actually $1.2 billion more than it was just a year ago, and that it will be $260 million in additional costs for every year before steel is cut. Do you agree with that assessment and that what was said to the committee a year or so ago was incorrect in that it won’t be on time and on budget since it’s already yet again not on time and not on budget? 

Answer: Fleet Renewal efforts remain a key priority to ensure the Canadian Coast Guard can continue supporting the safety and accessibility of Canadian waters.

To date, the CCG has taken delivery of three large vessels and 19 small vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, as well as 23 helicopters, and four interim icebreakers.

We are also making tangible progress to advance the construction of two Polar-class icebreakers in two shipyards across Canada. In May 2023, Vancouver Shipyards cut steel on a prototype block for the Polar Icebreaker, marking a critical step in the shipyard’s work on the project. And on September 19, 2024, we awarded a contract valued at $16.47 million to Chantier Davie Canada, in order to advance work on the procurement of second Polar-class icebreaker.

We know that icebreakers are essential to Canada’s economy, supporting safe year-round trade, Arctic science and Canada’s sovereignty in the North. Rest assured we are taking the necessary steps to build Canada’s next generation of CCG icebreakers as quickly as possible.

Question from LPC: You said that the first ship would be in the water by 2030, but that’s clearly not going to be the case now. In 2030, that will be over 20 years to get this done. Isn’t that a little excessive?

Answer: We are taking concrete steps to advance icebreaker construction in Canada, under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

On April 4, 2023, the Prime Minister welcomed Chantier Davie of Lévis, Québec, into the National Shipbuilding Strategy, as the third shipyard.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Davie will build up to six Program Icebreakers and one Polar Icebreaker for the CCG.

Through this strategic partnership, a contract was awarded in March 2024 to the shipyard to commence initial design work on the Program Icebreakers and work is underway.  More recently on September 19, 2024, a contract valued at $16.47 million was awarded to Chantier Davie to advance work on the procurement of the polar icebreaker.

The icebreakers will be essential to Canada’s economy, supporting safe year-round trade, Arctic science and Canada’s sovereignty in the North.

Conservation and Protection

Question from LPC: The work that these men and women (employees) do in the various regions has certainly gotten more complex and more dangerous. I’m wondering if you could talk to us a little bit about what we’re doing to assist these men and women to do their jobs effectively. I know that there have been requests and different types of activities and discussions around equipment and things of that nature. I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit about that, because I think that’s important.

Answer: Fishery officers are operating in a complex environment particularly with respect to their enforcement role and recognizing Indigenous and treaty rights, while at the same time performing their duties to enforce fisheries legislation. Increasingly, they must navigate The enforcement of the law in an environment where there is often profound disagreement around the scope of these rights.

Fishery officers are designated under the Fisheries Act, and are authorized to enforce that Act and the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act.

On October 4, 2024, the Department received a Direction from the Labour Program regarding its investigation. The Department provided a formal response that outlines both planned and ongoing actions. Our officers have since returned to full duties, as mitigation measures have been implemented.

The Department makes every effort to provide a secure and healthy work environment for our employees. DFO respects the right of employees to refuse dangerous work, and we take reports of dangerous work seriously. When an employee refuses work, based on dangerous working conditions, we are obligated to investigate any report as a requirement under Part II of the Canada Labour Code.

Fishery officers are dedicated, highly trained professionals, and any acts of violence or threats directed towards them will not be tolerated.

The health and safety of all Fishery Officers and the public remains our top priority.

My Department makes every effort to minimize operational impacts and continue enforcement activities. Fishery officers continue to verify compliance with the Fisheries Act and investigate potential offences.

Enforcement

Question from LPC: I would like you to kind of walk us through and maybe give us a specific example of something in the south shore with respect to what’s been happening in terms of enforcement and the different activities around processors being investigated.

Answer: We amended the Fisheries Act in 2019 to strengthen these protections.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages implementation of the Fisheries Act and verifies compliance with it through a risk-based and intelligence-led enforcement approach.

Our fishery officers monitor activities on and off the water, and when warranted, seize gear, catch and lay charges for violations under the Fisheries Act.

Fishery officers take a progressive approach to enforcement, taking situational factors into consideration in the exercise of their discretion. This approach begins with providing education and issuing warnings, and can escalate to making arrests and laying charges, as circumstances warrant.

Fishery officers patrol the Canada-US boundary year-round, and since the beginning of August this year, fishery officers in Southwest New Brunswick have seized American lobster traps that were placed over the boundary line in Canadian waters for offences under the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, which are now under investigation. The American traps we seized are tagged with US tags. We followed up with United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to pass along the information to them.

Departmental use of science

Question from LPC: I’ve heard a lot from inshore, offshore and NGOs around the importance of working with DFO in terms of the analysis and the synthesis of science. I know we have a particular model of how we engage those groups, but I’m wondering, are we looking at other ways to further engage them in those aspects of science—the retrieval of science, the understanding of science and the synthesis of science—in terms of making a broader collaboration deeper?

Answer: My department is committed to effective and meaningful engagement and collaboration on science with stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples and is always exploring opportunities to improve and expand on our processes.

DFO Science is working with the fishing industry on a range of important monitoring and research initiatives. Further, in October 2024, the Department launched the DFO Science Industry Collaboration Hub to provide a focal point for industry organizations interested in exploring opportunities for collaboration on aquatic science projects. 

The Department continues to look for ways to engage directly with industry and other experts on key issues. For example, a Science Summit on MSX was recently held on November 13-14, 2024, which gathered external experts and industry partners to discuss what we know about MSX as well as priority areas for additional research.

Question from BQ: The independent scientists at DFO consult the fishers on the ground a lot. They take into account their observations, which are the most accurate observations that can be made. Your boats con duct analyses, but fishers are on the water every morning, and they are not being listened to. That creates distress. When people are not consulted and the government decides how their lives will unfold, it is difficult for them. Do you think things will change?

Answer: DFO Science collaborates with the fishing industry when collecting data used in stock assessment. This includes data to assess abundance and other biological information. DFO also uses data from the fishery (i.e. catch and effort) in stock assessments.

Through the Advisory Process, harvesters are consulted on changes in their fishery. Harvesters expertise is also taken into consideration through their participation in the generation of science advice. DFO Science recognizes that expertise required to provide high quality science advice may come from a wide variety of sources, including DFO researchers, external scientists from academic, other departments, local and Indigenous knowledge holders, and experts involved in environmental non-governmental organizations and industry.

B.C. Supreme Court in the Mowi aquaculture case

Question from CPC: In 2022, the B.C. Supreme Court in the Mowi aquaculture case ruled that the minister could not make decisions that didn’t come up as one of the policy recommendations from the department. Did the department comply, or did the minister comply with that court ruling in making the elver fishery decision that she made recently? In other words, did the department recommend this as one of the options?

Answer: [transcript clarifies that this is in reference to the proposed pilot project]. The Department is currently consulting and engaging with existing licence holders, Indigenous communities, large eel licence holders, and previously designated elver harvesters regarding a pilot project to accommodate approximately 150 new commercial entrants. This engagement was initiated based on direction to consider redistribution of the benefits of the elver fishery to new commercial participants. No decisions have been made regarding the number of new participants as consultation and engagements are on-going.

Question from CPC: I don’t know how it would be legal since the court also ruled that reasons had to be provided, legitimate policy reasons, in the consultation. This letter that went out contains no reasons. There’s not one reason about why it’s being done. That’s your consultation: in writing, a one-page letter, “We’re considering doing this. Tell us in two weeks what you think.” That’s not a real consultation. It doesn’t say anywhere in that letter the reasons, so you’re, once again, on that level in breach of the B.C. Supreme Court ruling.

Answer: Letters sent on October 15, 2024, reference the consideration of a pilot project to broaden the distribution of benefits to include new commercial participants.

Additional Questions added by EOS

Newfoundland and Labrador Region Fall Multispecies Survey

Question 1: What is the importance of the Newfoundland and Labrador Region fall multispecies survey?

Answer: Multispecies bottom trawl surveys have been conducted annually in the spring and fall in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region since the 1970s.

The NL fall multispecies survey covers NAFO Div. 2HJ3KLNO, extending from the Labrador Shelf in the North to the Grand Bank in the South.

DFO’s multi-species surveys provide invaluable data sets for many fisheries that underpin our scientific advice, which helps inform decisions to ensure stocks are healthy for generations to come.

The Department has comprehensive data sets that allow DFO to track stock changes over time and improve our ability to forecast the future of stocks. They also provide a wealth of knowledge on overall ecosystem conditions, and information on species distributions, growth, and diet.

Question 2: What ships are used to deliver the Newfoundland fall multispecies survey?

Answer: The CCGS John Cabot and CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier are used for this survey.

These state-of-the-art vessels are designed to advance our fisheries research priorities while also being equipped to conduct oceanographic research activities.

Question 3: What issues have been encountered with the survey to date this year?

Answer: The 2024 NL fall multispecies survey is planned from October 2 to December 17, 2024, on the CCGS John Cabot, and from October 2 to December 22, 2024 on the CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier.

Progress is being made; however, there have been some challenges including with weather and equipment.

DFO and the CCG will continue to work closely to maximize every opportunity to collect data for key stocks and preserve time series of data on important commercial species, where possible.

Question 4: What actions are being taken by the department to mitigate the impacts?

Answer: To ensure that we are maximizing data collection efforts, we are pursuing use of an additional vessel for a few weeks through an existing collaborative agreement currently in place with Atlantic Groundfish Council.

Question 5: How are decisions made when there are gaps in survey data?

Answer: The Department utilizes all available data and information, which may include:

One of the benefits of having long-term data sets is the ability to extrapolate when we are missing a portion of a mission or a year of data.

Scientific modeling can sometimes be used to help bridge gaps in data and information, and any related scientific uncertainty is considered in the science advice provided to support management decisions.

While vessel-based research missions are an important tool for gathering data and developing advice, other methods of gathering data and information are sometimes available, including collecting data from sources such as industry partnerships or through the use of various technologies.

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