Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) - Ministerial Appearance

A – Opening Remarks
B – Departmental Overview
C – Senate Specific Notes
D – Impacts and Supports for the Fish and Seafood Sector
E – Fisheries and Aquaculture Management
F – Ecosystem Protection and Science
G – Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation

A – Opening Remarks

Final Opening Remars were not provided with this binder

B – Departmental Overview

B1 – Enabling Divestiture of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

I recognize the important role that the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation has played in the lives of harvesters, including those in remote and northern Indigenous communities, for more than 55 years.
The proposed legislative amendments are necessary to enable the divestiture and to eventually repeal the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act, should a successful divestiture agreement be negotiated.

Question 1: Why is the Government divesting the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation?

While the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation has operated as the single-desk buyer and seller for fish from inland fisheries in western and northern Canada for interprovincial and export markets since its creation in 1969, times have changed.
Since 2011, all jurisdictions, except for the Northwest Territories, have withdrawn their participation in favour of the open market.
The divestiture of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation will help ensure it can be competitive in today’s open market and continue to meet harvester needs.

Question 2: How will remote Indigenous harvesters be served?

The Department structured the competitive process with bid rating criteria that promoted Indigenous economic reconciliation and continued market access for rural, remote, and isolated harvesters.

Question 3: Why did officials decline to appear at POFO?

The Department offered to appear in camera at POFO given officials are currently engaged in exclusive and confidential negotiations with a preferred bidder.
Consistent with the requirements of competitive processes of this nature, details of the bidder or the proposal cannot be disclosed until negotiations with the Crown have concluded.
This confidentiality is essential to maintaining fairness, protecting process integrity, and securing the best outcome for Canadians.

Question 4: Why did officials publicly appear at FOPO?

Although the premise of the appearance at FOPO was on Part 5, Division 33, of Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, it had been agreed that FOPO members could ask questions on my mandate.
That being said, when we were asked questions about those specific amendments, we clearly explained to FOPO members that we were engaged in exclusive and confidential negotiations with the preferred bidder and that we had to keep commercially sensitive information confidential.

Background

Budget 2025 proposed legislative amendments, through Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, to enable the divestiture of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC) and to eventually repeal the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (FFMA).

These amendments are necessary to enable the divestiture, as the Financial Administration Act states that shares of Crown corporations cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of, and Crown corporations cannot be dissolved or amalgamated, unless authorized by an act of Parliament.

The FFMC is a federal Crown corporation created in 1969 through the FFMA. It is a single-desk purchaser, processor, and marketer of freshwater commercial fish in provinces and territories participating under the Act. Originally Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and the Northwest Territories (NWT). Divestiture has become necessary as the FFMC's operating environment has changed in recent years: Ontario withdrew in 2011, Saskatchewan in 2012, and Manitoba in 2017. Alberta closed its commercial fishery in 2014. The NWT remains the only active participant, although other jurisdictions continue to sell fish to the FFMC under contracts.

In November 2023, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the Government of Canada’s decision to divest the FFMC through an open, transparent and competitive process, which allows the Department to assess the merits of any proposal received. The divestiture process is structured to eliminate, or reduce, financial liabilities to the Crown while promoting Indigenous economic reconciliation and continued market access for rural, remote, and isolated harvesters.

The process began with the Solicitation of Interest (February 19 – April 5, 2024) followed by the Request for Proposals, launched on December 5, 2024. The solicitation of non-binding final letters of intent concluded on September 17, 2025, and a preferred bidder has been selected based on pre-established criteria. DFO is currently engaged in exclusive negotiations with the preferred bidder toward a binding final agreement to acquire the FFMC. Indigenous organizations, who have historically faced barriers to accessing capital, have been provided the opportunity to access capacity funding to facilitate their participation in the competitive bidding process to provide a more level playing field with private sector interests.

Should a binding final agreement be concluded, the proposed amendments in Bill C-15 would enable the transfer of ownership to a successor entity. The amendments allow the repeal of the FFMA on a date to be set by the Governor-in-council.

From December 2025 to February 2026, the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) repeatedly sought DFO officials to appear on their pre-study of Bill C-15; however, DFO consistently advised that officials could only appear in camera due to commercially sensitive negotiations; the Committee could not accommodate an incamera meeting. POFO noted that the Minister had appeared publicly at the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) on February 2, 2026, on Bill C-15, and used this as an argument to press DFO to also appear publicly at POFO; DFO explained that the Minister was prepared to answer a broad range of mandate-related questions, but could not to speak to the commercially sensitive operational details of the FFMC divestiture.

On February 13, 2026, POFO presented their report on Bill C-15 and noted DFO’s “refusal to appear” as a “great disrespect” towards the Senate and the Committee. However, DFO maintained that officials could appear in camera before POFO. DFO provided a detailed letter signed by the interim Deputy Minister, explaining FFMC’s context, rationale for divestiture, Indigenous and harvester considerations, and the status of confidential negotiations.

B2 – Budget 2025 and Comprehensive Expenditure Review

The government and my department are making key investments through Budget 2025, a generational investment plan focused on building an economy that is strong, self-sufficient, and more resilient to global shocks.
The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to help Canada’s fish and seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands.
Budget 2025 focuses driving growth and innovation, with the launch of a new Trade Diversification Strategy. The strategy will help our fish and seafood industry expand exports overseas, ensuring strong economic growth here at home in our coastal communities.
To meet the Comprehensive Expenditure Review targets, the Department conducted a comprehensive and evidence-based review of all programing areas and regions. The Department has ensured that spending is sustainable and directed to programs and activities that are cost-effective, complementary to other government programming, and aligned with the Government’s core mandate and priorities.

Question 1: To meet the ongoing Comprehensive Expenditure Review target of 15 per cent, what is the financial impact to the Department, in dollars?

Starting in 2026-27, and over the next three years, targets are set at 7.5, 10, and 15 per cent.
Through the development of saving proposals, the financial impact in dollars to the Department is as follows:
- A reduction of $54.5M in 2026-27; $101.9M in 2027-28; $193.8M in 2028-29; $193.8M in 2029-30 and $192.7M ongoing.

Question 2: What will be the impact on programs, services to Canadians and the workforce?

The Comprehensive Expenditure Review exercise is an opportunity to reinvest in areas aligned with government priorities and realign resources in key areas, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The objective remains to ensure an effective workforce that is well equipped to continue delivering results and to maintain essential services for Canadians.
Approximately 500 indeterminate employees received letters to inform them that their position will or may be affected. In total, Fisheries and Oceans Canada needs to reduce its workforce by approximately 725 positions by 2028-29. Over 40 per cent of these reductions have so far been achieved through natural attrition. We expect that more of these reductions will continue to be through voluntary departure.
Details of reductions will be included in the Main Estimates.

Background

On November 4, 2025, the Government published “Budget 2025: Canada Strong” focused on building major infrastructure and homes to transform the economy, protecting our communities and borders, and empowering Canadians with better careers and a more affordable way of life.
Canada is facing global uncertainty and economic disruption, prompting a shift toward greater resilience and self-sufficiency. “Budget 2025: Canada Strong” outlines a plan to invest in housing, infrastructure, defence, and productivity, while reducing government operational spending. With $60 billion in savings and new revenues, the budget aims to unlock $1 trillion in investments over five years, modernize government, and empower Canadians through better jobs, services, and affordability. It’s a strategy to build a stronger economy by Canadians, for Canadians.
For Fisheries and Oceans Canada specifically, the Budget mentioned three programs – Small Craft Harbours (SCH), the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) and the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC).
Small Craft Harbours
No new money for SCH was provided through Budget 2025. However, it did highlight that the SCH program, which manages over 950 harbours, received $463.3 million over three years starting in 2024–25 under Budget 2024 for repairs and maintenance. This is in addition to its $90 million annual base budget and $70 million over two years starting in 2022–23 for Hurricane Fiona recovery. These investments ensure safe, fully operational facilities that support 45,000 Canadians and sustain commercial fishing in rural and coastal communities.
Budget 2025 did note a commitment to install a breakwater in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. As Petty Harbour is a SCH, the Department is involved with advancing its implementation.
Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program
Budget 2025 also highlighted a one-year funding extension that was provided to the FFHPP before the 2025 election. It provided funding of $84 million in 2025–26 with $12 million sourced from existing resources, for a net new investment of $72 million. This funding supports streamlined reviews for low-risk projects and prioritizes higher-risk activities to protect aquatic ecosystems, ensuring the sustainability of fish populations and habitats critical to Canada’s biodiversity and fisheries.
Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation
Budget 2025 announced proposed legislative amendments, through the Budget Implementation Act, to enable the divestiture of FFMC and the eventual repeal of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (FFMA).
These amendments are necessary to enable the divestiture, as the Financial Administration Act states that shares of Crown corporations cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of, and Crown corporations cannot be dissolved or amalgamated, unless authorized by an act of Parliament. The Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 was introduced in the House of Commons on November 18, 2025.

B3 – 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates C

These Supplementary Estimates are the third and final supplementary exercise for 2025-26.
$4.6 million is being presented, with the entire amount consisting of voted appropriations.
The $4.6 million in voted appropriations is primarily comprised of transfers from other government departments for the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program and the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.

Background

On February 12, 2026, the President of the Treasury Board tabled the 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C) in the House of Commons.

The 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates (C) are presenting a total increase of $4.6 million in voted appropriations.

The $4.6 million increase in voted authorities is mainly attributed to:

$1.9 million in support of the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program;
$1.7 million for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan; and
$1.1 million for the renovation of the Murray Building at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

In addition to those increases, these Supplementary Estimates include a decrease of $0.1 million for a transfer to another government department for the Fisheries and Oceans Aquatic Science supplements.

In all, the sum of all items represents an increase to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) spending levels, over and above what was approved in the Main Estimates.

Additional context for the largest items:

$1.9 million from the Department of Natural Resources in support of the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program
- This transfer is part of a multi-year collaboration in support of the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program.
- DFO will undertake data collection projects and activities where there are known gaps in knowledge in the offshore areas of Nova Scotia that have been identified as priority potential Wind Energy Areas.
- This funding will support DFO-led activities to acquire new wildlife and habitat data necessary to support future anticipated regulatory decisions on offshore wind development within the jointly managed Canada-NS waters.
$1.7 million from the Jacques-Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc. for the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan
- The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan aims to reduce environmental and human health risks from contaminated sites across Canada, with a focus on remediation and risk management.
- This funding will be used to complete sediment remediation activities at the Whitby Harbour in Whitby, Ontario, for projects such as dredging, transportation and disposal of contaminated sediments.

C – Senate Specific Notes

C4 - Status of recommendations from the May 2024 report, Sealing the Future: A Call to Action

I thank the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans for its report, Sealing the Future: A Call to Action. I appreciate the report’s comprehensive recommendations.
The Government of Canada’s seal management approach focuses on a harvest that is sustainable, humane, and well-regulated, and that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural, and coastal communities.
The Government will continue its initiatives to facilitate sealing activities, while also maintaining its conservation and humane-harvest objectives.

Question 1: What actions have been taken by the Department since this report was tabled?

The Government of Canada’s existing efforts and initiatives speak to the Committee’s various recommendations on scientific research, domestic and international markets, and sustainable management of seal populations.
The Department recognizes that a sustainable seal harvest contributes to the economic and cultural strength of our coastal and Indigenous communities.
My department’s work to manage seal populations reflects this understanding, grounded in both our dedicated seal scientists’ efforts and valuable contributions from our research partners. Together, they are advancing our understanding of seal populations and their role in Canada’s ecosystems.

Question 2: What has the Government done to counter misinformation and disinformation about Canada’s seal populations, seal harvest, and seal products industry by promoting credible sources of information?

The Government of Canada’s response to these recommendations is expected to be tabled in the spring of 2026.
Current activities on educating Canadians on seal populations, seal harvest, and the seal products industry include sharing clear and accurate information to Canadian and international audiences through the Department’s website and through other public-facing material.
Additionally, the Department regularly publishes facts, statistics, and regulatory information on Canada’s seal harvest on our public website.
This information emphasizes the humane approach to Canadian seal harvesting, and the importance of the seal harvest to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Background

The “Sealing the Future: A Call to Action” report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) was first tabled on May 23, 2024, and adopted by the Senate on September 24, 2024. Although a Government Response was drafted in November 2024, it was never tabled under the former government due to prorogation, and the subsequent 2025 federal election.

POFO’s report contains 9 recommendations that can be categorized under 3 themes:

sustainable population management;
expanding market access for seal products, building research capacity, and encouraging closer scientific collaboration; and,
countering misinformation and promoting education.

Indigenous Peoples, industry representatives, members of academia, provincial and territorial representatives, and other expert witnesses from diverse backgrounds provided testimony to the Committee during its consultations for this report. Witnesses expressed concerns about negative impacts of seal populations on fisheries, and others shared personal stories about the impact of international market barriers, and attitudes toward the seal product industry on their livelihoods and cultural practices.

The responses acknowledge the concerns of relevant stakeholders and the committee and highlight the Government of Canada's existing efforts and initiatives to respond to the recommendations, by not proposing any new changes to its programs or policies.

POFO adopted the same report on November 6, 2025, with a request that the government table a comprehensive response in Parliament within 120 calendar days, or by April 5, 2026.

C5 - Moderate Livelihood Implementation

The Department’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable fishery for the benefit of all.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rights implementation. The Department is firmly committed to working with the 35 Treaty Nations in Eastern Canada to further implement their Treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
These efforts will also align with Canada’s Action Plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Question 1: How will the Government ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the fishing licences (“access”) needed to exercise their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood?

In December 2024, the Department committed $259 million over three years to further implement the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood of the 35 Treaty Nations in Eastern Canada.
This funding is to support commercial fisheries access acquisition through the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ approach and continued engagement to establish long-term collaborative fisheries management agreements between Fisheries and Oceans Canada and interested Treaty Nations.
The ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ approach remains the Department’s preferred approach through which Treaty Nations acquire rights-based fishing access

Background

On February 24, 2023, the government issued its response to the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) report entitled “Moderate Livelihood Implementation: Advancing the Full Implementation of Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkati Rights-Based Fisheries” (the Report).

The Report was tabled in the Senate on September 27, 2022. It examined the federal government’s response to the 1999 Marshall decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada and the implementation of the rights of 34 Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqiyik First Nations in the Maritime Provinces and the Gaspé region of Quebec, and the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik (“Treaty Nations”), to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. The Report examines past policy responses and nation-to-nation agreements, concluding that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has not fully implemented rights-based fisheries for these Treaty Nations.

The Report presents ten recommendations for DFO, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including to directly reallocate fishing licences to Treaty Nations, to increase anti-racism and rights-based fishing education efforts, and to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into collaborative fisheries management decisions.

Some Treaty Nation representatives have criticized the government response for a perceived lack of willingness to change fisheries-related regulations, policies, legislation, or programs to fulfill Canada’s obligations. DFO continues to implement rights-based fishing through an array of programming and nation-to-nation understandings and agreements. However, the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood is not frozen in time and requires ongoing implementation and adjustment over time. Work is ongoing in this regard.

In 2024, DFO committed $259M over three years to support further implementation of the Treaty right through: $244.3M for the Community-Based Access Acquisition initiative to support the 35 Treaty Nations in Eastern Canada in acquiring new access through the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’, approach on the open market; and, $15.1M to extend Treaty-Related Measure funding for continued engagement on the establishment of long-term collaborative fisheries management agreements between DFO and interested Treaty Nations.

In June 2023, Canada released its Action Plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. All Ministers have been directed to implement the Action Plan and to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to advance their rights. DFO is leading on 11 Action Plan measures including item #36 to pursue amendments to fisheries legislation, regulation, or policies to support self-determination and the implementation of Indigenous fishing rights. Efforts to implement Action Plan item #36 will align with recommendations made by the Senate Committee in the Report.

C6 - Ocean Carbon Sequestration

Canada’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems play a significant and increasingly well-understood role in natural carbon storage. We are protecting these ecosystems, so they continue to deliver climate, biodiversity, and economic benefits for Canadians.
Thank you for your work to explore ocean carbon sequestration. My department has reviewed the report and is working with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada to provide a response.

Question 1: How does ocean carbon sequestration fit into Canada’s climate strategy?

When we protect and restore ocean ecosystems, we strengthen their capacity to store carbon and protect communities from flooding and extreme weather.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is advancing nature-based solutions, such as conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems, to enhance biodiversity and resilience.
These solutions are cost-effective, adaptable, and provide long-term benefits for both people and ecosystems but more research is needed to fully understand their carbon storage potential.

Question 2: How are risks to fish and fish habitat from ocean carbon sequestration technologies managed?

My department is committed to the protection of fish and fish habitat and species at risk and is supporting of the development of the scientific knowledge required for the safe and environmentally responsible advancement of innovative technologies in the marine environment.
Guided by the best available scientific, technical, and Indigenous knowledge, Fisheries and Oceans Canada works with proponents to review projects that interact with fish and fish habitat.
Some projects might require approval under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act to proceed if they present a risk to the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Background

The oceans are the largest carbon sink on the planet, absorbing approximately 30 per cent of human-produced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the beginning of the industrial era through natural processes. Aquatic carbon management refers to interventions designed to reduce, remove, and store CO2 in aquatic environments through two main approaches:

Nature-based solutions (NbS) such as protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems.
Technological interventions, such as marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) and carbon capture and storage.

Blue carbon ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, tidal marshes, mangroves, and kelp forests, are among the most efficient natural carbon sinks, sequestering carbon in sediments at rates up to ten times greater than mature tropical forests. However, more research is needed to fully understand the sequestration capacity of these ecosystems.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is advancing policy and science to support NbS, including blue carbon, because they are cost-effective, adaptable, and provide long-term benefits for both people and ecosystems. This includes:

research on blue carbon ecosystems such as seagrasses, kelp and sediments;
integrating NbS into marine protected area planning and fish and fish habitat protection and restoration; and
supporting aquatic habitat restoration through programs such as the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund.

In addition, carbon sequestration enhancement technologies, such as mCDR, are being explored in Canada. While recognizing the early potential of mCDR approaches, Canada and its international partners in the London Protocol (LP), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, note that further research is needed to understand its efficacy, safety, and readiness for deployment with considerable variability in outcomes and limited understanding of the environmental impacts.

DFO plays an important role in impact assessment and regulatory review processes for projects that have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat and aquatic species at risk in Canada, including carbon management projects in the aquatic environment. The Department is looking to advance its scientific knowledge while still allowing small-scale pilot projects to proceed. Assessments of these projects are proceeding on a case-by-case and site-specific basis.

The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) recently released a report recognizing the potential for mCDR, urging the federal government to advance research, regulation, and collaboration to support safe and effective marine carbon sequestration. DFO is collaborating with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada to develop a government response.

D – Impacts and Supports for the Fish and Seafood Sector

D7 – Fisheries Funds

My department will continue to work collaboratively with provincial partners on the execution and delivery of these programs.

Question 1: What is the Government’s long-term plan for the Fisheries Funds?

Funding is allocated to the funds until March 31, 2026, allowing recipients time to fully implement their projects.
Several programs announced in Budget 2025 will support fish and seafood businesses impacted by tariffs, including the AgriMarketing Program and the Regional Tariff Relief Initiative.

Question 2: How is the Department supporting fisheries impacted by tariffs?

The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to help Canada’s fish and seafood sector transition to meet growing market demands. Budget 2025 focuses on driving growth and innovation across all sectors with the launch of a new Trade Diversification Strategy.
The strategy will help our fish and seafood industry expand exports overseas, ensuring strong economic growth here at home in our coastal communities.
Additional programs announced in Budget 2025 to support fish and seafood businesses impacted by tariffs include the AgriMarketing Program and the Regional Tariff Relief Initiative.
Businesses in the fish and seafood sector will be able to access these programs to meet their unique needs as they navigate the impact of tariffs.

Background

The regional Fisheries Funds are the flagship federal-provincial program to support Canada’s sustainable seafood sector. The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), the Quebec Fisheries Fund (QFF) and the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF) are delivered by the Government of Canada with a 70:30 federal to provincial funding ratio.
AFF was established with the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island) with over $400 million over seven years, starting in 2017.
QFF was established in 2018 with $42.8 million over five years.
BCSRIF was established in 2019 with up to $254.08 million over seven years to support protection and restoration activities for salmon and priority wild fish stocks.
Funds will be fully allocated to projects this year and program expenditures are planned to sunset on March 31, 2026.

D8 – Tariffs on Canadian Fish and Seafood

The Government of Canada will continue to stand up for Canadian fish and seafood businesses and workers and defend them from the harmful effects of unfair trade policies.
Canada is actively engaging in constructive dialogue with officials from the United States and China to address trade concerns.
The Government of Canada has a robust system of economic support programs and is putting in place new trade resilience measures for businesses and workers directly or indirectly impacted by tariffs.

Question 1: What progress has Canada made in addressing China’s tariffs?

As of March 1, 2026, China suspended the 25 per cent tariffs on lobster and crab until the end of the year as part of measures under the January 16, 2026 Agreement between Canada and China.
Removal of these tariffs directly benefit Canadian farmers across the country and seafood harvesters on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by increasing demand, stabilizing prices, and creating more predictable market opportunities for their products.
This is a first step towards lower tariffs on many of the impacted goods.

Question 2: What progress has Canada made in addressing United States tariffs?

At this time, goods compliant to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement remain exempt from U.S. tariffs. Under the Agreement, there is no U.S. tariff on Canadian fish or seafood exported to the United States.
We continue to engage with our partners, the United States and Mexico, to advance our shared economic prosperity and security in North America.
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement is a successful trilateral agreement that strengthens the whole North American region. It is in our common interest to ensure it continues to support our shared prosperity.
Canada will continue consultations and engagements with provincial and territorial governments, stakeholders, Indigenous rightsholders, and Canadians on Canada’s interests and priorities.

Question 3: How is the Government of Canada supporting the sector to mitigate the impact of tariffs?

The Government of Canada has a robust system of economic supports.
Budget 2025 announced a new Trade Diversification Strategy to boost Canada’s global exports. As part of this approach, several tariff response measures have been implemented. Notably, a $1 billion Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by trade disruptions. This includes $80 million over three years for Atlantic Canada and $75 million over five years for the AgriMarketing program to promote Canadian agriculture and fish and seafood in new markets.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has received $80 million to ensure that Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises can mitigate the impacts of the tariffs.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is working closely with federal, provincial, and territorial partners to respond to the unique needs of the region and build one strong Canadian economy.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to be a champion for the fish and seafood sector by working collaboratively with other government departments to advance the sector’s priorities and promote its unique needs.

Background

The United States (U.S.) is Canada’s largest fish and seafood export market. In 2024, 68 per cent of Canada’s fish and seafood export value were destined for the U.S. and 16 per cent for China. The impacts of both the potential U.S. tariffs and current Chinese tariffs represent significant stressors for the sector, with the two markets representing roughly 84 per cent ($6.8 billion of Canada's $8.1 billion) of fish and seafood exports in 2024.

Canadian goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), including harvested fish and seafood, are exempt from U.S. tariffs provided they meet the Agreement’s rules of origin requirements.

Formal discussions on CUSMA renewal started in January 2026 and are set to conclude on July 1, 2026. The review could result in one of four outcomes: renewal of the deal for another 16 years; a more complex renegotiation; annual rolling reviews, or withdrawal from the agreement by one or more countries.

On February 27, 2026, China announced a suspension of 25 per cent tariffs on lobster and crab from March 1 until the end of 2026 as part of the Preliminary Agreement in Principle to Address Economic and Trade Issues between Canada and China, advanced during the Prime Minister’s January 14-17, 2026 visit to China. The March 20, 2025, 25 per cent tariff imposed by China on other Canadian imports including, shrimp, prawn, clams, sea cucumber, geoduck (Pacific region only), Greenland halibut products, and herring oils are not in the Agreement.

On September 5, 2025, PM Carney announced a comprehensive package of new measures for workers and businesses in sectors most impacted by trade disruptions. Supports that are most relevant to Canadian fish and seafood businesses include: Employment Insurance (EI) measures, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), increased funding to the AgriMarketing program, and Immediate Liquidity Relief. The Government will extend the temporary EI waiver of the one-week waiting period so that workers will receive benefits for the first week of unemployment (investment of $418 million [M] over two years). Additionally, the Government will invest $1.6B over five years to temporarily give long-tenured workers 20 extra weeks of income support, up to a maximum of 65 weeks.

The $1B RTRI, delivered through regional development agencies over three years, includes non-repayable contributions of up to $1M to allow more small and medium-sized enterprises grow, diversify, and innovate. The Government will invest an additional $75M over five years to strengthen Agriculture and Agrifood Canada’s AgriMarketing Program, to expand the program into high-growth areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. To support tariff-impacted sectors, the Government will provide immediate liquidity relief by increasing the Business Development Bank of Canada maximum loan size from $2M to $5M.

D9 – International Market Access and Canada’s Ocean Economy

Canada’s ocean economy is an important part of how we will build the strongest economy in the G7.
We will always defend Canada’s interests and do what is best for Canadians and the Canadian economy. I am committed to working closely with industry on tariffs and other trade-related issues.
It is more important than ever for Canadian businesses to explore other options. The Government of Canada will continue to support Canadian businesses to diversify and expand their export markets.

Question 1: What is the Department doing to support trade diversification?

The Government is implementing new strategic measures to mitigate the impact of tariffs and trade disruptions and position Canadian businesses for long-term success.
Budget 2025 announced a new Trade Diversification Strategy to boost global exports, supported by several tariff response measures aimed at supporting trade diversification, for example the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and AgriMarketing Program.
My department is committed to championing the fish and seafood sector by continuing to work collaboratively with other government departments to advance the sector’s priorities and promote its unique needs.

Question 2: What is the Department doing to support the sector in meeting the European Union Catch Certification requirements?

Amendments have been made to the European Union’s Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Regulation, resulting in changes to their catch certification scheme, which came into force on January 10, 2026.
The Department is adapting current systems and processes to meet these new requirements and will continue to engage with industry through information sessions preparing them to meet these new requirements.
The Department will align all data elements in our national catch certification system with those of the European Union’s new electronic certification system to ensure that Canadian exporters remain compliant with international standards.

Question 3: Is Canada compliant with the United States’ Marine Mammal Protection Act to ensure its access to the U.S. market?

I am very pleased to say that this past September, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that measures to protect marine mammals in Canadian fisheries and aquaculture operations are comparable in effectiveness to measures in place in the United States.
Canada’s strong fisheries management measures are key to preserving seafood competitiveness and access to the U.S. market.

Background

International Market Access

Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with other departments such as Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency to support market access for Canadian seafood products.

In Budget 2025, the Government of Canada announced the development of a new Trade Diversification Strategy (TDS) which aims to increase Canada’s non-United States (U.S.) exports by 50 per cent by 2030. This will be achieved through diversifying and strengthening Canada’s collaboration with trading partners beyond the U.S., such as those in Asia and Europe, notably by leveraging existing free trade agreements.

Industry recognizes the importance of reducing reliance on the American and Chinese markets. Several stakeholders are pushing forward trade diversification, including through activities funded by the AgriMarketing program. Some have called on the Government to increase support for domestic marketing for fish and seafood. The Department—with support from the Trade Commissioner Service—is exploring opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region, European Union, and in the Middle East—notably in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

European Union (EU) Catch Certification

Catch certification schemes such as the EU’s, require all imports of fish and seafood products to be accompanied by a catch certificate, a government-issued attestation that the product originates from legal, reported, and regulated fisheries. The document itself must contain specific information that identifies the source of the product.

Amendment to the EU’s regulation includes the introduction of new key data elements to increase traceability. This means that our industry will need to provide additional information including fishing gear type, additional level of detail on vessels contributing to catches, processing plants, storage, and transport.

Certain sectors of the fish and seafood industry may be disproportionately impacted by changes to the EU catch certification requirements, as they will be required to submit data related to the harvest of product that they had previously been exempt from providing.

United States (U.S.) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

The U.S. MMPA import provisions came into force on January 1, 2026. The new rules establish conditions for evaluating a harvesting nation's regulatory program for reducing marine mammal incidental mortality and serious injury during the course of commercial fishing and aquaculture operations.

To maintain U.S. market access, fish and seafood-harvesting nations must meet or exceed U.S. standards in terms of mitigating marine mammal bycatch. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed that all Canadian fisheries and aquaculture operations received comparability findings under the MMPA.

Canada’s strong fisheries management measures are key to preserving U.S. market access and seafood competitiveness.

D10 – Next Generation of Licence Holders

The fisheries sector is aging, with succession and recruitment an increasing area of concern.
My department is committed to better understanding these issues and encouraging the fair transition of licences between generations.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada welcomes any insights from partners and stakeholders on the need for training and other support for the next generation of licence holders.

Question 1: What challenges are aspiring licence holders facing?

The next generation faces several challenges when aspiring to become licence holders in a fishery, including limited availability of licences, rising cost of entry, and accessing affordable capital.
Most aspiring licence holders do not have the collateral or credit to access the required financing for today’s costs, while many existing licence holders rely on the current value of their enterprises for retirement.
Additionally, regulatory and policy requirements exist, specifically around training and eligibility; while recognized as important and necessary, they pose barriers to aspiring licence holders.
Ensuring the independence of new owner operators is vital to sustaining a successful inshore fishery for future generations. Owner Operator provisions of the Inshore Regulations require licence holders to remain independent and free from third-party control.

Background

On June 17, 2025, the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) approved a motion to undertake a five-meeting study on the need for training and financial support for the next generation of fishers given the challenges they face entering with the high cost of licences and equipment.

The fisheries sector is aging:

The fisheries sector has a significantly older workforce than other industries (15.4 per cent of fish harvesters are 65+ compared to 4.9 per cent of the overall Canadian labour force).
Individuals aged 55+ working in the fishing industry increased from 16 per cent in 1995 to 40 per cent in 2022.
50 per cent of self-employed fish harvesters (mostly licence holders, but also crew members on catch share) are in the 45-65 age bracket, whereas only 25 per cent are in the 25-44 age bracket, and 5 per cent in the under 25 age brackets.
The majority of wage-earning fish harvesters (crew) are younger (< 45 years old) than self-employed fish harvesters, with approximately 37 per cent in the 25-44 age bracket and approximately 16 per cent under age 25.
On the west coast, licensing information related to age is not available but individuals over 55 years of age represent 49 per cent of self-employed fish harvesters versus 19 per cent for those under 35 years of age.

There are significant differences in how licensing is conducted on the east and west coasts.

On the east coast, the Inshore Regulations codify the Owner Operator, Fleet Separation, and Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fishery in Canada’s Atlantic Fleet policies under a regulatory umbrella. The Inshore Regulations restrict the issuance of licences and require licence holders to personally fish. They prohibit licence holders from transferring the rights and privileges conferred under the licence to any third party; restrict the issuance of inshore licences to licence holders that have not transferred the rights and privileges; and prohibit anyone other than the licence holder from using and controlling the rights and privileges.

There are significant differences in how licensing is conducted on the east and west coasts.

While there are efforts underway exploring the application of Atlantic inshore-style policies on the west coast (e.g., Made-in-British Columbia Owner Operator and Fleet Separation), the current challenges for the next generation of fish harvesters are not uniform across coasts.

D11 – Investing in Small Craft Harbours

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s small craft harbours are critical infrastructure for many coastal communities, supporting their economic prosperity.
As part of Budget 2024, the Government of Canada announced $463.3 million over three years for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona.
Through these investments, repairs to Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s wharves and breakwaters are being made using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, increasing the overall resiliency of our harbours, so that they remain dynamic economic drivers for Canadian coastal communities well into the future.
A project aimed at building a breakwater at Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, was identified in Budget 2025 as a priority project under the Build Communities Strong Fund. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, through the Small Craft Harbours program,has been earmarked$8 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to construct and maintain the new breakwater.

Question 1: How does the Small Craft Harbours program prioritize investments in infrastructure?

The Small Craft Harbours program manages and maintains a national network of harbours used by the commercial fishing industry. The program maintains these harbours so that they are safe and accessible for fish harvesters and other users.
Investments in infrastructure are considered based on an internal prioritization process, which takes into account various factors, including:
the current state of the infrastructure;
whether the conditions at harbours are safe;
operational needs;
socio-economic impacts; and,
alignment with Government of Canada priorities.

Question 2: Why are certain busy harbours belonging to Fisheries and Oceans Canada being barricaded, impacting the ability of harvesters to earn a living?

The program’s mandate is to operate and maintain a network of harbours, providing commercial fish harvesters and other harbour users with safe access to the harbour facilities.
Program staff work closely with harbour authorities to monitor and assess harbour conditions and to determine any necessary maintenance and repairs.
As infrastructure degrades over time, urgent safety issues can arise leading to harbours, or portions of harbours, being barricaded to ensure the safety of users and the public.
In these situations, the Department works closely with the respective harbour authorities to identify ways to adjust operations while repairs are considered or underway.

Background

Small craft harbours (SCH) provide key support to the commercial fishing industry. The mandate of the SCH 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 $90 million, of which $20 million covers administrative costs.

In April 2024, the Government of Canada announced, as part of Budget 2024, that $463.3 million over three years would be invested in the repair and maintenance of SCHs, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, which started in fiscal year 2024-25.

Since 2016, the Government of Canada has announced over $1.4 billion in new funding to support SCHs.

The SCH program is responsible for 939 harbours:

656 core fishing harbours; and
283 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 non-core harbours to third parties; particularly those that are not widely used by fishers or that are focused primarily on recreational boating.

D12 – Fish Harvester Safety

The safety of fish harvesters is a top priority for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
My department is responsible for safety at sea in fisheries management regulations and policies, including actively promoting safety awareness and collaboration with all stakeholders.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with Transport Canada and all stakeholders to ensure safe, sustainable, and prosperous fisheries.

Question 1: What initiatives has the Department undertaken to ensure fish harvester safety?

The Department developed a Safety at Sea advertising campaign, which was launched in 2024 and is continuing through 2026.
The goal of these advertisements is to remind commercial harvesters that safety at sea is a priority and shared responsibility between governments, harvesters, and industry.

Question 2: How does the Department work with its partners to ensure fish harvester safety?

My department engages in quarterly data exchanges with Transport Canada to ensure regulatory requirements on registration between both departments are met.
The Department works with harvesters to determine appropriate timing for opening fisheries, considering factors such as ice and wind conditions, and, in some cases, has dedicated working groups to facilitate this process. This collaborative approach ensures harvesters are not put in the position of choosing between safety and competitiveness.
My department also provides timely and essential information to the Transportation Safety Board during a fishing vessel incident investigation and takes all recommendations provided as a result of investigations seriously, looking to implement them where possible.

Background

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans studies and reports on matters related to the federal role in the management of Canada’s fisheries and safeguarding its waters.

On October 7, 2025, a motion was adopted to study the safety in the fishing industry given that fishing is Canada’s deadliest industry with an average of 11 harvesters losing their life each year compared to a nation like Iceland that lands two times more fish than Canada, with an average of only one life lost per year.

The study has not commenced, and could involve consultations with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard – National Defence, representatives from other countries, and different stakeholders and experts.

E – Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

E13 – Fisheries Decision-Making

I recognize and value the important role fisheries play as economic drivers in our coastal communities—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
I am committed to making evidence-based fisheries decisions that uphold conservation as my first priority to protect fish stocks for current and future generations of Canadians.
The views of Indigenous partners, harvesters, and other stakeholders are taken into account through formal advisory processes.

Question 1: Who makes decisions?

Responsibility for fisheries decisions rests with me; I entrust many decisions to regional leadership, who know the stakeholders and have the expertise to make well-informed decisions closer to the wharf.
I am committed to having decisions made closer to the wharf wherever possible and ensuring strong communication with harvesters, Indigenous partners, and other stakeholders.

Question 2: How does advice from advisory committees inform decision-making?

My decisions are supported by science advice, fishery legislation and policies, socioeconomic considerations, and the advice received through consultations and engagement with Indigenous partners, harvesters and stakeholders.
Advisory committees serve as a forum for industry, Indigenous partners, provinces, and environmental groups to discuss and provide advice on issues pertaining to the management and development of fisheries.
I value and consider the input provided by stakeholders when making decisions.

Background

The Government of Canada has federal jurisdiction over coastal and inland fisheries, and the Fisheries Act gives the Minister of Fisheries authority over fish harvesting decisions. The Department has international fisheries responsibilities, with more than 20 per cent of Canada’s fish stocks managed in cooperation with international counterparts.

The Minister has the authority to determine how much is fished, who gets to fish, and when and how stocks can be fished. Conservation is the first and foremost consideration in decision-making, followed by Indigenous and First Nations treaty rights, legally binding agreements and the orderly management of the fishery. Economic considerations figure in decision-making as well. Decision-making is supported by:

Science advice: Peer reviewed science advice on stock status, total allowable catch (TAC) and other conservation measures;
Socio-economic considerations: Analysis of short- and long-term impacts of fisheries decisions on the fishing industry and reliant communities;
Fishery policies: such as the Sustainable Fisheries Framework, which is a suite of tools including the precautionary approach, bycatch, sensitive ecosystems, fishery monitoring, etc. This is reinforced by new legislative obligations to document and publish, in some cases, the decision-making process; and licensing policies (e.g., owner operator, residency);
Indigenous and cultural considerations: through formal consultation and less formal engagement processes, including the consideration of Indigenous knowledge offered voluntarily; and
Consultations with Indigenous partners, and relevant stakeholders: A broad set of advisory processes involving Indigenous partners, fishing industry participants, the provinces, and relationships with commercial, recreational, and environmental groups.

Regional authorities traditionally make routine, less complex decisions (e.g., management measures, TAC, quota transfers, openings and closures) while more complex decisions (e.g., new or deviations from existing policy, discrepancies in science advice and TAC recommendations, politically sensitive issues, and multi-regional fisheries) are typically made by the Minister.

Fisheries management decisions and harvest strategies are designed to promote and maintain fish stocks within the healthy zone. In the cautious zone, decisions and strategies promote stock rebuilding to the healthy zone. In the critical zone, stock growth is promoted, and removals are kept to the lowest possible level, and rebuilding plans are required for stocks prescribed under the Fish Stock Provisions.

Collaboration with Indigenous partners is an important aspect of our fisheries decision-making processes and where treaties and reconciliation agreements with First Nations include commitments to collaborative governance, we develop dedicated structures and processes which support the development of recommendations on decisions within the Department’s jurisdiction.

E14 – Fish Stock Rebuilding

Healthy, sustainable fish stocks are the backbone of economically prosperous fisheries and fishing communities.
The Fisheries Act’s Fish Stocks provisions, which came into effect in 2022, require the Department to develop rebuilding plans within regulated timelines for major stocks that are depleted and are prescribed to the Fish Stocks provisions.
The Department remains committed to developing and implementing strict fish stock rebuilding plans where and when required, to ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada’s fish stocks.
In Budget 2024, the Government announced $33 million over five years to undertake fish stock assessments and rebuild depleted fish stocks in support of the Fish Stocks provisions requirements in the Fisheries Act.

Question 1: What work has the Department completed to date?

Since 2022, when the Fish Stocks provisions came into effect, the Department has developed the required rebuilding plans for 15 of the prescribed stocks.
These rebuilding plans were completed within the regulated timelines.

Question 2: What are the Department’s plans moving forward to advance the Fish Stocks provisions?

In 2022, the Department prescribed the first batch of 30 major fish stocks to the Fish Stocks provisions.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is continuing to work to make a second batch of stocks subject to the provisions.
The Department will continue to develop management recommendations that are consistent with the Precautionary Approach Policy and the obligations of the Fish Stocks provisions for prescribed stocks.

Background

In 2009, the Department introduced its Precautionary Approach Policy, which requires that rebuilding plans be developed for depleted key harvested fish stocks. The 2019 amendments to the Fisheries Act introduced the Fish Stocks provisions, which — among other requirements — set a legal requirement to develop rebuilding plans for depleted major fish stocks that are prescribed in regulation. Supporting regulations require these plans be completed within 24-36 months. The introduction of this legal requirement has resulted in an increase in the pace of the development of rebuilding plans for depleted fish stocks.

Of the 30 stocks currently prescribed to the Fish Stocks provisions, 15 are depleted—that is, they are below their Limit Reference Point in the critical zone. Since 2022, rebuilding plans have been developed for these 15 stocks in the critical zone.

Since 2017, over $158 million has been invested to support work to meet the requirements of Fisheries Act’s Fish Stocks provisions for prescribed fish stocks. These requirements include developing rebuilding plans for depleted fish stocks and applying measures to maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels. This funding included $33 million—announced in Budget 2024—to further support the science work needed to implement the Fish Stocks provisions, such as developing stock reference points, collecting data on stock health, conducting stock status assessments, and producing science advice to develop rebuilding plans.

E15 – Fisheries Act Review

The Fisheries Act was amended in 2019 to provide stronger protections for fish and fish habitat, strengthen the role of Indigenous Peoples, and better support the sustainability of Canada’s marine resources for future generations.
In collaboration with Indigenous partners and stakeholders, the Department continues to implement key changes under the 2019 modernized Act, including Canada’s first legislative requirement to sustainably manage major fish stocks and rebuild depleted ones.
My department looks forward to the recommendations from the House Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans following its study of the Fisheries Act, and we will continue to keep Canadians informed of our progress.

Question 1: Will the Department implement recommendations from the House Standing Committee’s report?

I valued the opportunity to hear the insights and experiences from Indigenous communities, organizations, and stakeholders, during the House Standing Committee’s review of the Fisheries Act and I look forward to their report and recommendations.
What we hear during Committee studies – and the recommendations that result from them – provides important guidance for the Department’s ongoing work to protect and sustain Canada’s fisheries, maintain vibrant coastal communities, advance reconciliation, and promote the long-term health of our aquatic ecosystems.

Background

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) launched its comprehensive review of the Fisheries Act in the previous Parliament in September 2024. FOPO adopted a motion in June 2025 to resume the study and produce a report with a request for a Government Response. FOPO held its final meeting of the review on December 9, 2025. In total, FOPO held 17 meetings, hearing from 95 witnesses, and received 39 written briefs. The report and recommendations are expected to be presented to the House in the Spring of 2026.

Recommendations to date through oral and written testimony:

The fishing industry proposed to include harvester knowledge as a mandatory consideration for the Minister’s decision-making and to replace the “absolute discretion” of the Minister with a transparent “shared decision-making” for fishery leases and licences.

Other industries (mining, energy, forestry, and agriculture) proposed to restore the focus of the Act to sustaining the productive capacity of fisheries, and to include socio-economic considerations in the Minister’s decision-making.

Environmental non-governmental organizations suggested the inclusion of climate change considerations, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and western-based science as part of decision-making, more protections for fish stocks, and the creation of an administrative monetary penalty regime.

Indigenous partners and organizations requested further implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and recognition of Inherent and Treaty-protected rights-based fisheries. They advocated for the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in decision-making.

With respect to Fisheries Act permitting, industry representatives, environmental non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous partners supported amendments to enable third party habitat banking and fee in lieu of offsetting; these amendments would provide more flexibility and efficiency when offsetting impacts from development projects.

Implementation of 2019 Fisheries Act changes

Over $500 million has been invested to support the implementation of the updated fish and fish habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act. This includes funding for the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program, which supports Indigenous involvement in consultations, policy development, regulatory initiatives, and capacity-building projects.

E16 – Fisheries Act Enforcement

The Government is committed to sustainably managing fisheries, as well as conserving and protecting fish and fish habitat, and places a priority on ensuring fisheries are carried out in an orderly manner.
Fishery officers monitor activities on land, on the water, and in the air, and they apply enforcement measures decisively and progressively, using their discretion while fully accounting for situational factors.
They adopt a progressive approach, which begins with providing education and issuing warnings, and can progress to include ticketing, seizures, arrests, and the laying of charges, as circumstances warrant.

Question 1: What are the details of a certain case before the courts?

We do not comment on ongoing investigations, or cases currently before the courts.

Question 2: What are the enforcement efforts in relation to moderate livelihood fisheries?

My department works closely with Indigenous harvesters (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) to support their constitutionally protected Aboriginal and/or Treaty rights to fish.
Fishery officers actively conduct patrols at sea, on land, and in the air to verify compliance of harvesters with the Fisheries Act, and to ensure that Indigenous harvesters can carry on with their authorized fishing activities without interference.
These fisheries include food, social and ceremonial and, communal commercial fisheries, which include interim understandings reached to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
The sale, barter, or trade of food, social and ceremonial catch is not authorized. Anyone caught selling, buying, or offering to buy or sell food, social and ceremonial catches is subject to enforcement under the Fisheries Act.
My department has recently implemented new food, social and ceremonial licence conditions in southwest Nova Scotia to manage the fishery in a more orderly fashion.
Fishery Officers work with community harvesters to ensure compliance with these new licence conditions.
They maintain a consistent presence in the lobster holdings facilities, at dockside, and on the water in an effort to deter the non-reporting of catch and/or the unauthorized sale of lobster.

Question 3: Are there sufficient enforcement efforts related to Fisheries Act activities?

The Department allocates fishery officers across Canada to ensure the orderly management of fisheries.
In some cases, this involves augmenting regional or local capacity during key seasons with fishery officers from other areas or regions to supplement enforcement coverage.
The Department has implemented internal governance procedures to ensure requests from regions for supplemental enforcement support are addressed as quickly as possible.

Question 4: Why are more Fisheries Act offences not prosecuted?

The role of the fishery officer is to verify that those who participate in fisheries do so in accordance with the Fisheries Act.
When fishery officers find non-compliance, including what may be unauthorized fishing activity, they gather evidence to determine whether an offence has been committed. Specific enforcement actions are undertaken by fishery officers based on their law enforcement discretion.
Upon completion of an investigation, if the fishery officer wishes to pursue charges, they submit the file to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for consideration.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada then conducts an internal assessment of the case and determines whether 1) there is a reasonable prospect of conviction, and 2) it is in the public interest to lay charges. If so, charges are laid and a prosecution commences.

Question 5: Do Fishery officers encounter political interference?

Fishery officers are entrusted with the ability to exercise discretion and professional judgment in the course of their enforcement duties. This flexibility is essential to ensure that enforcement actions are proportionate, context-sensitive, and aligned with the Public Sector Values and Ethics Code.
Their actions have direct impacts on the livelihoods of Canadians—particularly in coastal and Indigenous communities—and they often face constant pressures while conducting patrols in the very communities they serve. This reality underscores the importance of supporting fishery officers with clear guidance, ethical frameworks, and operational autonomy.
The Department’s updated Code of Conduct outlines our shared commitment to respect, integrity, and excellence in public service. It applies to all employees, including fishery officers, and provides guidance on professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and workplace leadership.
The Code was modernized in 2025 to reflect today’s workplace realities and the evolving context in which we operate. Given the complex working environments of fishery officers, we continue to explore complementary tools—such as enhanced guidance, training, and policy instruments—that support ethical and transparent enforcement practices.
The Conservation and Protection sector is continuously modernizing its training, policies, and procedures, drawing on industry best practices and feedback from fishery officers in the field. These efforts aim to ensure that enforcement remains effective, fair, and responsive to evolving challenges in a complex legal fisheries environment.

Background

Conservation and Protection (C&P) is the enforcement arm of the Department.

Fishery Officers (FOs) are designated under the Fisheries Act and are authorized to enforce that Act and the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act.

FOs are also designated as enforcement officers under the Oceans Act and the Species at Risk Act, and as such, they have enforcement responsibilities under these Acts. They verify compliance with the Fisheries Act through a risk-based enforcement approach, informed by intelligence.

FOs operate in a complex environment, particularly with respect to their enforcement role and recognition of 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.

Violations of a criminal nature such as theft, destruction of property, or acts of violence are beyond the scope of C&P’s authorities and are therefore referred to the police of local jurisdiction.

E17 – Unauthorized Lobster Fishing in Atlantic Canada

The Government is committed to sustainably managing fisheries, as well as conserving and protecting fish and fish habitat, and places a priority on ensuring fisheries are carried out in a sustainable and orderly manner.
Fishery officers verify compliance through monitoring activities on and off the water, and when warranted, seize gear, catch and lay charges for violations of the 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, seizures, and laying charges, as circumstances warrant.

Question 1: What is the Department doing to address the issue of unreported cash sales of lobster?

The Department regulates whether lobster can be sold, but not the manner in which the payment is made; this is generally a provincial responsibility. We are collaborating with provinces to find ways to improve information sharing.
Although fishery officers can take action on issues related to unreported landings, or unauthorized sales, none of the statutes enforced by fishery officers provide them with the authority to investigate non-compliance with the Income Tax Act, including matters related to unreported cash sales.
Combatting illegal activities in the fishing industry is a priority for the Government of Canada.
To address unreported fish landings and unreported cash sales, an all-of-government approach involving the federal government, as well as other orders of government, is required.
Fishery officers work closely with enforcement colleagues across both federal and provincial jurisdictions and focus on any unreported landings to manage fisheries, and unauthorized sales.
Government sectors and departments with relevant mandates are collaborating on, and will continue to work towards, eliminating illegal and illicit activities related to unreported landings and unreported cash sales in the lobster commercial fisheries.

Question 2: What are the enforcement efforts in relation to unauthorized lobster fishing in Atlantic Canada?

Fishery officers actively conduct patrols at sea, on land, and in the air to monitor compliance of harvesters with the Fisheries Act.
Fishing activity occurring without the required authorization or not in compliance with licence conditions are subject to enforcement action.
Fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, making arrests, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act.

Background

Conservation and Protection (C&P) is the enforcement division for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and its Fishery Officers (FOs) operate 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.

FOs are designated under the Fisheries Act to enforce that Act and the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act. They are also designated as enforcement officers under the Oceans Act and the Species at Risk Act, and as such they also have enforcement responsibilities under these acts. Violations of a criminal nature such as theft, destruction of property, acts of violence are beyond the scope and mandate of C&P and are the responsibility of the local police of jurisdiction. C&P works with enforcement partners when they discover potential violations or acts of a criminal nature. FOs verify compliance with the Fisheries Act through a risk-based enforcement approach, informed by intelligence.

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.

Combatting illegal activities in the fishing industry is a priority for the Government of Canada. To address unreported cash sales, an approach involving all of the Government of Canada as well as other orders of government is required.

An Intergovernmental and Interdepartmental Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by DFO and the Province of Nova Scotia, as well as an Operational and Policy subcommittees were created. Government sectors and departments with relevant mandates are collaborating on, and will continue to work towards, mitigating illegal activities related to unreported landings, unauthorized sales and unreported and cash sales in the lobster fisheries.

FOs 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, unauthorized fishing, unauthorized sale of fish or possession of illegally caught fish. FOs 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.

E18 – Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

Canada is committed to combatting the global challenge of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and to working alongside international partners to end its devastating impacts on fish stocks, ecosystems, and economies.

Question 1: What enforcement mechanisms does Canada use to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?

Canada takes an integrated approach to tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by strengthening the rule of law, enforcement, and partnerships.
The strengthening of enforcement and compliance mechanisms at international regional fisheries management organizations is a priority for Canada.
Canada participates in cooperative, multinational fisheries enforcement operations, such as Operation North Pacific Guard to enforce the rules around international fishing and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Canada also organized joint aerial patrols with other countries, such as the Philippines.In 2024, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Fishery Officers supported Filipino officers in combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulatedfishing using the Department’s aerial surveillance aircraft.
Canada is working with the flag states of suspected illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing vessels to further investigate observed non-compliance and hold vessel master’s accountable through international regional fisheries management organizations and push to strengthen rules to promote sustainable fisheries, such as the prohibition of shark finning.
Canada’s operations have led to robust financial penalties and fishing bans for vessel operators, helping to deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific.

Question 2: How is Canada supporting international partners and what investments are being made?

Canada chairs the illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing Action Alliance, bringing together countries and their partners to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing through greater transparency, the use of technology and sharing best practices.
Under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Shared Ocean Fund is investing over $80 million up to March 2028 to help reinforce a healthy marine environment in the Indo-Pacific region, including enhanced measures to illegal, unreported, and unregulated.
Under this program, we currently deliver the innovative Dark Vessel Detection program in the Philippines, Taiwan, and across the Pacific islands.
The Shared Ocean Fund helps countries to strengthen their fisheries management and compliance capabilities to support sustainable fisheries.

Question 3: Do you have an example of a mission that led to concrete results?

The Department’s Operation North Pacific Guard 2024 resulted in the detection of shark finning and intentional dolphin killing perpetrated by an illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing vessel.
Taiwanese authorities are investigating three cases of dolphin killing and shark finning forwarded by the Department.
On April 26, 2025, Taiwanese media outlets reported the recent arrest of the vessel captain and detention of crew as part of the investigation.
This investigation highlights the Department’s presence and impact under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in preventing shark finning.

Background

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term for fishing activities which are conducted in contravention of, or undermine national or international fishing regulations, and can concern all aspects and stages of fishing and the use of fisheries resources. While difficult to quantify, there is common agreement that unreported catch has a global value reaching billions of dollars each year. Canada is engaged in a number of efforts to combat IUU fishing, which are organized under three pillars of governance, enforcement, and partnerships.
Governance Efforts
Canada is a Member of seven regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOS) where it actively participates in the negotiation of binding and enforceable measures to combat IUU fishing by sustainably managing fish stocks, conserving ocean resources, and strengthening the rules-based international order through transparency, improved monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement. These include efforts to strengthen shark management, prohibit shark finning, and better manage activities such as transshipment.
Enforcement Efforts
Canada is a recognized leader in efforts to improve global compliance with international rules through robust fisheries monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement practices.
Canada participates in cooperative, multinational fisheries enforcement operations, including under Operation North Pacific Guard (Op NPG), working with partner nations to conduct high seas fisheries compliance inspections of high seas fleets on the water, air, and from space using remote sensing satellites. In 2025, Op NPG was the first to have enforcement officers from four nations (Canada, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea) on a single ship. Op NPG is funded under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative until FY 2025-26.
Partnership Efforts
In November 2022, Canada announced its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), a comprehensive framework for Canada’s engagement in the region over the next decade. Under the IPS, Fisheries and Oceans Canada established the Shared Ocean Fund (SOF), investing over $80 million to increase maritime cooperation, support healthy marine ecosystems, and combat IUU fishing.
Activities under the SOF include expanding support for various states (such as the Philippines and Taiwan) to access our Dark Vessel Detection surveillance platform to track illegal fishing vessels, support maritime security efforts within sovereign waters, and support international partners in strengthening their fisheries management and compliance through training and capacity-building.
In 2022, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom launched the IUU Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA) to drive global efforts to address IUU fishing through greater transparency, the use of technology, and support for State and non-State partnerships. Member countries include Canada, Chile, the European Union, France on behalf of its overseas territories, Ghana, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Canada is the current chair of the IUU-AA from 2024 to 2026 and has hosted several virtual and in-person events to advance the work of the group.

E19 – Enforcing Inshore Regulations (Owner Operator)

My department administers “Inshore Regulations” to preserve the principles of Owner Operator and Fleet Separation and is committed to promoting viable and profitable operations for small, independent fishing enterprises.
We are supporting the sustainability and independence of Canada’s inshore fisheries through the regulatory requirements, which ensure that fishing licences and their associated benefits remain in the hands of independent, small-vessel owner-operators.
Stakeholder engagements are currently being planned for winter 2026 to capture diverse industry perspectives on the overall plan and options to strengthen the regulations.

Question 1: What are you doing to prevent processors from having “controlling” agreements over licence holders?

My department supports the independence of inshore licence holders by prohibiting third parties (including processors) from using or controlling the rights and privileges under a licence.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides advice to harvesters and associations upon request and when an application for a licence reissuance is submitted.
Stakeholders also have access to a suite of documents via the Department’s website that provide guidance on the expected obligations and requirements of inshore licence holders. This guidance includes how to maintain their independence and the types of clauses that may result in control as understood by the Department. The intent is to support inshore licence holders in complying with the regulations.
To respond to concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the need for stronger enforcement, the Department is reviewing the Inshore Regulations in order to develop effective options for their update.
Licence holders must maintain use and control over the inshore licence they hold and directly benefit from that licence. At the same time, processors play a vital role in providing much needed capital access to the harvesting sector and new owner operators in particular.
Collectively, we need to find the right balance to continue having the processing sector as a key industry participant, while not overstepping on owner operator decision-making independence over their operations.

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 assured via enforcement.
Since the Inshore Regulations came into effect in April 2021, over 4,500 administrative reviews have occurred and in 2,120 instances additional information was required by the Department to complete the eligibility determination.
In 319 reviews, one or more agreements were revised to achieve compliance. This data is provided publicly and is updated every six months on the Department’s website.

Question 3: What is your department doing to enforce the Inshore Regulations?

Fishery officers use a range of monitoring and compliance methods on and off the water.
Multiple investigations have been launched related to potential violations of the Inshore Regulations.
Charges laid to date have so far produced ten convictions, each with a fine ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 and a forfeiture of the catch. In other cases, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada decided to not proceed with prosecution.
The Conservation and Protection team continues to engage with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada on avenues and options to support successful prosecutions moving forward.

Background

In 2021, the “Inshore Regulations” enshrined the spirit of key Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) policies such as Owner Operator, Fleet Separation, and Preserving the Independence of the Inshore Fleet in Canada’s Atlantic fisheries into regulations. Inshore regulations include Part III of the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985 and Part I.1 of the Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations.

The intent was to a) respond to stakeholder concerns (inshore harvesters, fleets and industry associations) that “controlling agreements were compromising licence holders’ ability to make independent decisions,” and b) enable DFO’s enforcement measures for non-compliance. These regulations restrict 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 require that licence holders or operators named in the licence personally carry out the activities authorized under the licence.

The requirements of the Inshore Regulations are monitored through licensing administrative review processes and through Conservation and Protection enforcement measures. Licensing officials concentrates their efforts on determining the eligibility of licence holders 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 the prosecution of both licence holders and third parties.

A well-defined administrative review process is in place. DFO requires all licence holders to self-declare via the National Online Licensing System that they have not transferred any of their rights and privileges under the licence when they pay the licence fee. Confirmation of eligibility is done using three kinds of reviews:

Reissuances: all industry requests to reissue (commonly referred to as ‘‘transfer’’) a licence are reviewed;
Targeted: DFO-initiated review in response to complaints or information about potential non-compliance by a specific licence holder; and
Non-Targeted: DFO-initiated review when a fishery of interest is identified, and some fishers within that fleet are randomly selected for review.

In all targeted and non-targeted reviews, and in reissuance cases as needed, a questionnaire is sent to the licence applicant requiring all relevant documents and information be provided to DFO.

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.

The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans is currently studying the Independence of commercial inshore fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

E20 – Recreational Fishery Regulations

Management of recreational fisheries is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
My department is monitoring the evolving interests of fishers and coastal communities in recreational and personal use fisheries.
The Fisheries Act and associated regulations establish rules like catch limits and gear restrictions, which vary by species and by region.

Question 1: What is the government doing to support the food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador and is the Minister aware of the concerns raised in the private members’ bill brought forward by the member for Terra Nova—The Peninsulas?

I would like to thank the member for Terra Nova—The Peninsulas for introducing this bill and highlighting such an important issue. As a fellow Newfoundlander, I understand how vital the food fishery is to our culture and identity.
The bill proposes to amend the Fisheries Act to provide measures for managing Atlantic groundfish fisheries, including harmonization of close times. The bill was defeated and will not proceed to the committee stage.
However, our government is listening to the concerns of coastal communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, and I welcome ongoing dialogue and collaboration with members of the House, Indigenous groups, harvesters, and local communities.
Many factors must be carefully considered, especially for species already fished commercially and through rights-based fisheries.
To advance some of this work, a two-month engagement process on the recreational groundfish fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador closed on January 9, 2026. Input gathered through this survey will help inform rules for the food fishery in 2026.

Background

Canada’s marine and tidal recreational fisheries contribute meaningfully to the lives and livelihoods of Canadians and coastal communities. Management of these fisheries is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. In general, the federal government is responsible for all marine species. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for freshwater species, with the exception of the management of salmon in British Columbia, which is under federal jurisdiction.

Over 30 marine species are fished for recreational and personal use, where licensing, regulations, monitoring, and reporting under the Fisheries Act and relevant regulations, vary by species and by region. In the Pacific region, all marine recreational fisheries are managed under one licence, where conditions, restrictions, and mandatory reporting requirements are adapted as needed. The Arctic region follows a similar model, where a sport fishing licence allows fishing in all waters in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut with specific conditions or restrictions.

In Atlantic Canada and Quebec, there is no all-inclusive licence and only a few species have a licensing requirement. In cases where licencing does not apply, regulations which set catch limits, gear restrictions, area restrictions and reporting requirements can be in place, depending on the species.

Coastal community members and other Canadians have raised concerns about inconsistent regional requirements for recreational, sport and/or personal use fisheries. In Atlantic Canada’s recreational groundfish fisheries, recreational fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador is restricted to weekends, while in the Maritimes, no such limitation exists. There is a growing interest from communities and businesses for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to enhance or create access to recreational fisheries.

DFO is monitoring the evolving interests of fishers and coastal communities in recreational and personal use fisheries and is assessing opportunities to address their expectations.

For the recreational groundfish fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department recently held consultations that attracted strong participation to explore differences in the health of the province’s cod populations on the south and west coasts, as compared to Northern cod, along with daily limits, dates of the fishery, and other measures. In 2025, DFO also implemented a recreational groundfish tour boat pilot project in Newfoundland and Labrador, where feedback received in-season from participants was generally positive. A full analysis of fishery results, feedback on the pilot, the Recreational Groundfish Fishery survey, and the latest stock status for each stock will be used to inform 2026 management decision.

Private Members Bill (C-237) was introduced in the House of Commons on September 22, 2025. The bill proposes to amend the Fisheries Act to provide measures for managing Atlantic groundfish fisheries, including harmonization of close times. Proposed amendments included expansion of the Minister’s reporting obligations; addition of a new publication requirement for Governor in Council regulations and prescription of a timeframe for advanced notice for close times, quotas, and variation orders; the development of a fish catch monitoring system; and expansion of record-keeping requirements for harvesters. Following a vote, the bill was defeated on February 25, 2026.

E21 – Northern Cod Management Plan 2025-26

I recognize the importance of capelin and Northern cod to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Last year’s management decisions were informed by broad consultations with stakeholders who bring a range of perspectives.
In making these decisions, I carefully considered their input along with the latest science advice, taking a responsible approach to strengthen our fisheries while promoting conservation and sustainability for future generations.

Question 1: Why was the Northern cod quota more than doubled in the second year after re-opening the fishery?

The total allowable catch was increased from 18,000 to 38,000 tonnes based on the latest scientific data showing the stock is in a healthier state than previously thought.
Although some decline is expected in the next several years, current levels are among the highest in decades, allowing for a responsible increase that brings economic benefits to coastal communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
The re-opening of the commercial fishery in 2024 benefitted harvesters, crew members, plant workers, and Indigenous groups in coastal communities.
Since 2024, the increase in total allowable catch has extended processing and harvesting employment allowing for the increased sale of Northern cod to valuable European markets.

Question 2: Why were there no changes to the Recreational Groundfish Fishery this season?

The three cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador vary in their overall stock health, with lower levels on the south and west coasts. We recognize that the Northern cod’s stock status has improved.
We have heard the concerns of recreational harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador on the current management measures including personal limit, boat limit and season length.
To inform future management decisions for the recreational cod fishery—known to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as the food fishery—the Government launched a public consultation last fall to gather input and to highlight differences in the health status of the province’s three cod stocks.
In addition, a Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat peer-review meeting to assess the status of the Northern cod stock is scheduled for late March 2026.
The feedback received in the public consultation and the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat peer review will inform the management decision for the 2026 season.

Question 3: Why was there a Special Allocation of Northern cod in 2024 and 2025 to the NunatuKavut Community Council?

My department has a longstanding relationship with the NunatuKavut Community Council, a self-identifying Inuit collective in Southern Labrador.
They are a valued stakeholder in the fishing industry and are adjacent to the fishery resource.
The allocation to the Council provides benefits to coastal communities including harvesters, crew members, and plant workers.

Question 4: What is the impact of seal predation on Northern cod and how is it accounted for in the stock assessment?

Although seals eat cod, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s research indicates that harp seal predation is not the primary driver of the northern cod stock. It is well established that northern cod dynamics are driven by capelin availability.
Scientists routinely review the assessment model for Northern cod. During the last review, in October 2023, the information did not support inclusion of harp seal predation in the model. However, seal predation is accounted for in overall estimates of cod mortality.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Science continues to conduct research to improve our understanding of Canadian seal populations and, where possible, impacts on cod and other fish stocks.
Recent research from scientists at the Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland indicates that cod predation by seals exceeded fishery removals over the entire moratorium period.
There are many contributing factors to natural mortality of Northern cod, and these results are consistent with Departmental research indicating natural mortality is the primary driver of the Northern cod stock.

Background

The commercial fishery for 2J3KL Northern cod re-opened in 2024 with a total allowable catch (TAC) of 18,000 tonnes (t) following a 32-year moratorium.

This TAC was fully utilized by all fleets in 2024. The landed value of this fishery was $37.5 million.

A full stock assessment in March 2025 determined the stock to be at two times the Limit Reference Point (LRP) compared to 1.2 times the LRP in 2024. While the trend in the Spawning Stock Biomass has remained relatively stable since 2017, we now understand that the stock was in a healthier state in previous years than we understood.

While the stock is projected to decline in the short term under all scenarios assessed, including from no catch to double the 2024 catch level, there is a high probability (greater than 96 per cent) that the stock will remain above the LRP in 2026.

In April 2025, the Department convened the 2+3KLMNO Groundfish Advisory Committee to seek perspectives on a 2025 management approach. Perspectives were diverse, with TAC recommendations ranging from 8,750 t to 50,000 t. Several stakeholders proposed revisions to the 2024 allocation regime.

Following this consultation, the TAC was increased from 18,000 t in 2024-25 to 38,000 t for 2025-26. This approach considers the significant shift in our understanding of stock status since the 2024 management decision, as well as the very high probability that the stock will remain above the LRP in 2026.

This stock is subject to the Fish Stocks Provisions under the Fisheries Act. The recommended TAC and associated management measures are consistent with the obligations of subsection 6.1(1) of the Act and Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) supporting guidelines.

Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been vocal in expressing their criticism of the current management measures in the Recreational Groundfish Fishery, which primarily targets Atlantic cod. The main criticism remains that the fishery is only open primarily on weekends with concern also expressed on the personal limit and boat limit. In response, DFO launched a public opinion survey in October to highlight the differences in the province’s three distinct cod populations and to gather feedback from the public that will inform the 2026 management decision.

A CSAS peer-review meeting to assess the status of the Northern cod stock is scheduled for March 2026. This Science advice will inform the 2026 recreational fishery decision.

The assessment model for Northern cod was last reviewed and updated at a framework peer review held in October 2023. During that process, all available data was reviewed, and assumptions about important drivers of stock dynamics were evaluated. Data and research on harp seals were considered but were not included in the model at that time. The review process concluded that Northern cod productivity is linked to Capelin availability. Therefore, Capelin biomass was included in the model.

E22 – Elver Fishery and Trade

In 2025, the elver fishery remained opened for the entire season due to the implementation of new possession and export regulations, modifications to access to expand First Nations’ participation, and management changes including the implementation of a national elver monitoring and traceability system.
These changes and new tools support my department in protecting the sustainability of the American eel, combatting unlawful harvesting, and in maintaining an orderly fishery.
The new traceability system allows the Department to better track elvers throughout the supply chain and helps to ensure the lawful harvesting and sale of elvers.

Question 1: What was the status of elver enforcement in 2025 and what are the plans for 2026?

Fishery officers had a strong presence at the riverside, inspecting holding facilities and export points, and working with law enforcement partners to enforce the Fisheries Act. This will continue in 2026.
In 2025, there were improved levels of cooperation between harvesters as well as a decrease in aggression toward Fishery Officers compared to previous seasons and we expect this momentum to continue.
Fishery Officers have a range of compliance measures that they can use. During the 2025 elver season, they conducted 3,839 river patrols and 1,078 inspections, along with 154 holding facility and 478 airport inspections. These enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of 253 nets, 225 kg of elvers, and more than 100 arrests—that is, detainment and subsequent release—for violations under the Fisheries Act and related regulations.

Question 2: How have you worked with the provinces?

There is longstanding cooperation between my department and the provinces and territories on fisheries enforcement.
The provinces were kept informed of proposed changes to the fishery and new possession and export regulations.
The provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are members of the elver fishery advisory committee.
Nova Scotia conservation officers collaborate with Fishery Officers on enforcement of the elver fishery.

Question 3: Some First Nations publicly reported they would not be fishing under Fisheries and Oceans Canada-issued licences nor use the new traceability system. What is your response to this?

My department is committed to ongoing engagement with First Nations to support their interests in this fishery, including the 2026 season.
All elver fishing and possession licence holders are required to use the Elver Monitoring and Traceability system, which allows for near real-time tracking of the movement of elvers from harvest to export. Those who do not meet the management conditions set for the fishery are subject to enforcement action.
Departmental staff provide training in addition to support during the fishing season to ensure all users are able to use the Elver Monitoring and Traceability system in accordance with conditions of licence.
This system supports the ongoing conservation of elver and the management of the fishery in an orderly manner.

Question 4: What is the status of the total allowable catch in the elver fishery for 2026?

Given the available science, and the trends on the index river, the total allowable catch has been increased to 12,180 kg for the 2026 season.
Scientific evidence shows there was a decline in the American eel population in Canada in the mid-1980s through the 1990s, yet the population has remained stable at that lower level.
Localized scientific reports shows positive returns of elver in Nova Scotia; and the Department will continue to work licence holders and Indigenous groups on science and monitoring.
Changes made in 2025 saw reduced levels of unauthorized fishing of elvers which has been a consideration in taking a precautionary approach to setting the total allowable catch.

Question 5: What is the status of allocations for the 2026 season?

Following the total allowable catch decision, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is consulting with commercial and communal commercial licence holders on potential changes to elver quota allocations for the 2026 season.
This includes a potential allocation of 180 kg to support elver science activities under Section 10 of the Fisheries Act.
Under the proposed allocation approach for 2026, no licence holders would see a decrease to their quota.
Feedback provided during the consultation period, which concluded on February 23, will be taken into account in the final decision.

Question 6: American eel has been under review by the Department to provide advice on the potential listing under the Species at Risk Act. What is the status?

On November 28, 2025, the Government decided not to list American eel under the Species at Risk Act.
This decision was based on a rigorous analysis of many factors including the outcomes of consultations, scientific advice, socio-economic impacts, and alternative management options.
A statement setting out the reasons was included in the Species at Risk Public Registry and published in the December 17th edition of the Canada Gazette, Part II.
My department will ensure protection and management of American Eel, including by reducing impediments to fish passage; advancing restoration projects with Indigenous peoples; and by implementing a Precautionary Approach Framework to support sustainable management of fisheries.

Question 7: What was the outcome of the European Union proposal to list all non-listed freshwater eels’ species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at its 20th Conference of Parties (CoP20)?

At the 2025 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and FloraConference of the Parties, the European Union’s proposal to list all eel species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was not adopted.
Canada voted against the proposal since our analysis shows that American Eel does not meet listing criteria laid out by the Convention, which require a 70 per cent population decline to be listed. Canadian science shows American Eel has been stable over the past two decades, while declining prior to that time.
My department worked closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada to engage rights holders, harvesters, stakeholders, and international partners to develop Canada’s voting position.
Canada will continue to implement strong domestic management measures for the import and export of elvers in Canada.

Background

Elver Fishing Possession and Export

The elver fishery was closed early in 2023 and remained closed in 2024 due to high levels of unauthorized fishing that resulted in risks to conservation and safety. The 2025 season opening included several key changes: reallocation of 50 per cent of the total allowable catch in the fishery to increase First Nation participation, updates to licence conditions in the fishery, and two new types of licences (possession and export), which include the requirement to report through a new elver monitoring and traceability system. Unauthorized fishing did continue in 2025; however, an increase in compliance and a more orderly fishery was observed. Planning is underway for the 2026 fishery, including engagement on new allocations for the 2026 season, which could open as early as the regulated opening date of March 1.

Species at Risk Act (SARA)

In 2015-2016, Fisheries and Oceans Canada consulted on the possible listing of American eel under SARA and a check-in to confirm what was heard during those consultations was conducted in 2024. The decision not to add American Eel to Schedule 1 of SARA considered the outcomes of consultations, scientific advice, socio-economic impacts, and alternative management options.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

The CITES Conference of the Parties was held in late November 2025. The European Union (EU), Honduras, and Panama’s proposal to include all non-CITES listed freshwater eels, including the American eel, under Appendix II of the convention was not adopted as it didn’t receive two-thirds of the vote needed to pass. Canada voted against this proposal based on the review of the proposal guided by Canada’s principles for CITES.

E23 – Striped Bass Abundance in the Miramichi River

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has taken steps to manage striped bass with caution by providing incremental access for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries, an Indigenous commercial fishery, as well as recreational fishery opportunities over the past years.
Although the striped bass population has grown in recent years, the stock remains in the cautious zone. The Miramichi River is the only known consistent and successful spawning location for striped bass in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Annual fluctuations require cautious management and further increases in access will be carefully evaluated to avoid compromising long-term sustainability.

Question 1: What actions has the Department taken to manage and support the striped bass fishery in the Gulf Region?

My department continues to monitor striped bass and applies an adaptive management approach. The long-term sustainability of the fishery is a priority, recognizing its growing popularity and socio-economic value.
In 2024, in response to the species’ renewed abundance, my department increased the daily possession limit from three to four fish in the recreational fishery in Gulf Region.
Last year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced an allocation of up to 175,000 striped bass to First Nations in the Gulf Region for the establishment of a communal commercial fishery.
A recent update of stock status indicators was conducted in December 2025 which demonstrated that striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate, and the population remains in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Question 2: How is the Department managing striped bass bycatch?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has implemented a pilot project to gather information on the degree of bycatch in the lobster fishery to better understand potential interactions.
A Fisheries Management Order was issued for the gaspereau commercial fishery in Eastern New Brunswick to address an extraordinary situation.
Industry’s role in providing reliable and consistent information is critical to making informed decisions regarding striped bass bycatch.
Interactions of striped bass in other fisheries will continue to be monitored and fishery management decisions for the upcoming season be made in a timely manner.

Question 3: Are striped bass negatively impacting Atlantic salmon populations?

Striped bass are a native species in New Brunswick and a natural part of the aquatic ecosystems in the region. They co-evolved with Atlantic salmon.
The decline of Atlantic salmon is not isolated to the Miramichi River or New Brunswick. As a whole, salmon are declining throughout the species’ range across North America, in many rivers across the Atlantic coast, as well as in Europe.
Striped bass are opportunistic feeders, and there is no evidence they specifically target Atlantic salmon. However, studies are ongoing in the Miramichi River to quantify the predation by striped bass on Atlantic Salmon.

Background

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence is an anadromous fish that spawns primarily in the Northwest Miramichi River in New Brunswick.

The southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population of striped bass have rebounded from critically low levels in the 1990s, which led to the closure of the commercial fishery in 1996, and the closure of the recreational and food, social and ceremonial fishery in 2000. After more than a decade of closures, the food, social and ceremonial and recreational fisheries reopened in 2013.

A recent update of stock status indicators was conducted in December 2025 under the Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat. Striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate, and the population remains in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework in recent years.

The Department has been steadily increasing striped bass access in recent years. In 2024, daily bag and possession limits increased from three to four in the recreational fishery. The communal commercial fishery, established in 2018, saw its allocation increase from 50,000 to 175,000 fish for the 2025 season. A pilot project for the lobster fishery to retain striped bass bycatch was conducted in 2024 and 2025.

The Eastern New Brunswick gaspereau fish harvesters raised concerns through the Maritime Fishermen Union about the apparent increase in striped bass bycatch in their nets. In late June 2025, a Fisheries Management Order was issued to retain striped bass bycatch of legal size (50-65 cm) in the gaspereau fishery. The Department continues to have discussions with the Maritime Fishermen’s Union and Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association on the management of striped bass.

Recent studies on striped bass and Atlantic salmon interactions in the Miramichi River show that striped bass predation is not the main cause of salmon decline. Although striped bass eat smolts during a short spring overlap, salmon populations are declining throughout their entire range.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation has done a study where they surgically implanted salmon smolts (e.g. small out-migration Atlantic salmon). In the Miramichi system, these were shown to have a lower survival rate. However, the impact of the surgery on the smolt may confound the interpretation of decreased survival.

E24 – Unit 1 Redfish (Gulf of St. Lawrence)

After nearly 30 years under moratorium, the Unit 1 Redfish commercial fishery reopened in 2024 with a 60,000-tonne quota. Approximately five per cent of the quota was landed.
To support economic viability and encourage participation, the Department relaxed management measures for 2025, while maintaining strong monitoring measures to protect depleted groundfish stocks.
The quota remains at 60,000 tonnes for the second season. Approximately 13.4 per cent has been landed. The season will continue until March 31, 2026.

Question 1: Why was only five per cent of the 60,000 tonnes quota landed in 2024?

Low landings could be due to a developing market, limited processing capacity, small redfish sizes, low prices at landing, time needed for harvesters to prepare their gear or develop their business plans, and restrictive management measures aimed at limiting and monitoring bycatch.

Question 2: Why is the Department not continuing consultations on allocation sharing?

The Department does not plan to hold further consultations on allocation sharing at this time and intends to maintain the current approach for the long term.
This decision was based on low engagement in earlier consultations, limited catches, and general support for the current model.
Given the expected natural stock decline, market uncertainty, and the complexity involved in implementing new allocation models, an additional review of the sharing arrangement is considered of limited practical value at this time.
Engagement will continue through the advisory committee process, and the Department remains open to adapting its approach based on future interest.

Background

Redfish Stock Structure and Status

Two species of redfish, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes fasciatus, are managed as one biological stock in two management units: Unit 1 in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Unit 2 in the Laurentian Channel. Unit 1 redfish stocks experienced a major growth in biomass following strong recruitment (new baby fish) events in 2011, 2012, and 2013. However, redfish recruitment is episodic and unpredictable, with no significant new recruitment observed since. As of 2025, S. mentella remains in the healthy zone under the Precautionary Approach framework, while S. fasciatus is likely in the healthy zone but approaching the cautious zone, with some uncertainty. The 2025 stock assessment noted limited growth in fish body size and high natural mortality, with projections indicating a gradual population decline over the next decade, even in the absence of fishing. The next stock assessment is planned for 2027.

Fishery Reopening and Participation

After nearly 30 years under a commercial moratorium (1995-2024), the reopening of the Unit 1 Redfish fishery was officially announced on January 26, 2024. A modernized allocation key was introduced to support Indigenous access and participation across fleet sectors. On May 31, 2024, the Department announced a 60,000 t quota and a management plan for the 2024 season, including a temporary allocation sharing framework for 2024 and 2025. Despite the available quota, only about five per cent of the quota was landed in 2024, primarily by the inshore fleet. Stakeholders cited high operating costs, low market value of redfish, and restrictive management measures as barriers to participation. They called for relaxing management measures to support the fishery’s development.

In 2025, the quota was maintained at 60,000 t for Unit 1 redfish and management measures were relaxed to encourage participation in the fishery. The second year of fishing is currently underway, with approximately 13.4 per cent of the 60,000 t quota landed as of January 16, 2026. The season will remain open until March 31, 2026.

Conservation Measures

Unit 1 overlaps with five groundfish stocks currently in the critical zone, all subject to rebuilding plans under the Fisheries Act. To protect these vulnerable stocks, the Department monitors fishing activity and bycatch levels closely and enforces strict bycatch limits. In 2024, none of the bycatch caps were reached due to low fishing effort. For 2025, management measures were relaxed to encourage greater participation in the fishery, while maintaining strong monitoring practices to ensure bycatch levels for depleted groundfish stocks remain within established limits.

Allocation Sharing and Future Approach

Broader consultations were originally planned to inform long-term allocation sharing, with implementation anticipated in 2026. However, due to low engagement in earlier consultations and general support for the current model, the Department has decided not to proceed with further consultations at this time. The current allocation sharing model will be maintained with competitive access for Indigenous communities and existing sub-fleet shares for other fleet sectors. Ongoing engagement will continue through the advisory committee process, and the Department remains open to revisiting its approach based on future interest.

E25 – Atlantic Mackerel and Atlantic Herring

I recognize the importance of mackerel and herring to the fishing industry in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and I am committed to managing these fisheries in a manner that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the stock for future generations.
Conservation remains a priority as these stocks play a key role in the marine food chain, and their health directly affects the species and fisheries that depend on them.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada values the perspectives and observations of harvesters and continues to work with them to collect data, ensuring that we have the best science possible to inform future decisions.

Question 1: What’s Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s response to reports of high mackerel abundance and predation?

Mackerel are a schooling, pelagic fish; therefore, seeing large schools of this species is not unusual, even in cases where the overall population abundance is low.
Mackerel are a key prey source in the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem with several predators contributing to total natural mortality.
The Department’s latest science advice shows that the northern contingent of mackerel has been in or near the critical zone since 2011. The available evidence indicates the stock rebuilding potential remains limited by fewer older fish and low recruitment.
Any observations of increasing abundance on the ground could be positive signs that our conservation measures are starting to make an impact, but it is important to allow the stock to continue to rebuild out of the critical zone and towards the healthy zone.

Question 2: Why does the Department not use acoustics data in the mackerel assessment?

Mackerel are highly mobile and form dense, fast-moving schools that can change depth and location rapidly. Egg surveys are the most effective approach for assessing mackerel populations because spawning areas are predictable.
Acoustic technology can detect mackerel. However, it would require designing a dedicated acoustic survey for mackerel, which would pose significant scientific and practical challenges and would not improve existing stock estimates or the assessment model.

Question 3: What is the Department’s response to the recent U.S. stock assessment and its decision to increase U.S. quota?

We are aware of the significant increase in the U.S. Atlantic mackerel catch limit for 2026 and the potential implications for the sustainability of this shared stock.
The U.S. and Canada assess mackerel differently. The U.S. assessment includes both northern and southern contingents, while Fisheries and Oceans Canada assesses the northern contingent only, which migrate to U.S. waters during the winter and is subject to fishing by American harvesters.
The level of impacts on the northern contingent remain uncertain as the southern contingent is thought to have increased relative to the northern contingent, the U.S. is likely to catch more southern contingent fish.
In light of recent U.S. assessment results, I am advancing Canada’s next assessment to summer 2026, ahead of the original 2027 schedule.

Question 4: What are the impacts of climate change on potential stock recovery, including on natural mortality?

Atlantic mackerel is a key forage species, and its population naturally fluctuates in response to environmental conditions.
Climate and environmental factors influence where mackerel migrate, but there is no evidence at this time that these changes are affecting stock productivity or rebuilding.
My department continues to monitor and research these changes, including potential temperature-related shifts in migration and spawning, to ensure decisions remain grounded in the best available science.

If pressed on Atlantic herring quota decisions:

I revised the total allowable catch for the Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy Atlantic herring fishery from 16,000 to 20,000 tonnes for the 2025 fishing season. I set the same total allowable catch for the 2026 season after reviewing all of the available data.
Fishery management decisions are grounded in the best available science, considering input from Indigenous groups, harvesters, processors, environmental non-governmental organizations, and the provinces.
I recognize the economic challenges created by declining stocks but we will continue to work with harvesters and community members to advance sustainable management of the resource.

Background

Atlantic Mackerel

This stock has been in the Critical Zone of the Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework since 2011 and is subject to the Fish Stock Provisions (FSP) of the Fisheries Act, mandating Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to rebuild the stock and promote sustainability. A rebuilding plan is in place for Atlantic mackerel; while the stock rebuilding potential is currently limited by fewer older fish and low recruitment, short-term projections showed a high probability of growth; however, these were based on 2025 US catch limits for Atlantic mackerel.

The commercial and bait fisheries were closed in 2022; however, the bait fishery reopened in 2024. The 2025 stock assessment found that if the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for mackerel is kept at or below 500 tonnes (t), there is a high probability (75 per cent) that the spawning stock biomass—a key indicator of the population's health—will be larger in 2027 than it is in 2025.

DFO conducted an investigation of predation pressure on mackerel by various predators in Canadian and U.S. waters for the 2023 assessment, which suggests an overall increase in predation-induced mackerel mortality over time, with high year-to-year variability.

DFO conducted additional egg and larval surveys from 2021 to 2024, indicating spawning activity was low in Western Newfoundland and nearly absent in Southern Newfoundland.

The Department has raised Canada’s interest in stronger bilateral cooperation with U.S. officials, noting potential impacts on the sustainability of the shared Atlantic mackerel stock.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has decided to significantly increase U.S. Atlantic mackerel quotas for the 2026 season, following a 2025 stock assessment showing improved biomass. The U.S. annual catch limit has been increased from 3,126 t in 2025 to 10,214 t in 2026.

NOAA and DFO Science typically participate in each other’s Mackerel stock assessments. However, the 2025 U.S. assessment was only internally peer reviewed.

4T Atlantic Herring Spring Spawners

This stock has been in the Critical Zone of the PA Framework since 2001 and is subject to the Fish Stock Provisions of the Fisheries Act, mandating DFO to rebuild the stock and promote sustainability.

The commercial and bait fisheries for this stock have been closed since 2022.The 2024 stock assessment indicated that even in the absence of fishery removals, it is likely (> 84.7 per cent probability) that the stock will remain in the critical zone until 2029. The next stock assessment for Atlantic herring is scheduled for March 18-19, 2026, and the Department will be engaging with the Gulf Small Pelagics Advisory Committee the following week.

Southwest Nova Scotia/ Bay of Fundy (SWNS/BoF) Atlantic Herring

This stock has been in the Critical Zone of the PA Framework since 2018. This stock has been recommended as a Batch 2 stock and will require a rebuilding plan should it remain in the Critical Zone. The Department is beginning work on this rebuilding plan with a target completion date of late 2027. An updated scientific framework process is also currently underway, with plans to complete the review and provide updated stock advice by early 2027.

The annual TAC for Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy herring was set at 16,000 t for the years 2024-2027. However, the TAC for the Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy Atlantic herring fishery was revised in September 2025, from 16,000 tonnes to 20,000 tonnes for the 2025 fishing season. A TAC of 20,000 t was set for the 2026 season. This decision was made after considering all available information, including recent scientific data, which shows that there has been an increase in the survey estimate of the spawning stock biomass.

The Department will continue to engage with members of the industry and other stakeholders through the Scotia-Fundy Herring Advisory Committee, with the next meeting of the committee planned for this winter. Separate working groups will also be held to inform both the scientific and rebuilding plan processes.

E26 – Development of Lobster Fishery in Quebec

The Department has issued new exploratory lobster fishing licences in underfished areas of the estuary and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, including Anticosti Island.
These licences are intended to assess whether stocks can sustain additional harvesting in a sustainable manner and generate significant economic benefits for coastal regions in Quebec.
On February 27, I announced the continuation of the regional knowledge acquisition and development plan for areas 17, 18, and 19 and the issuance of 17 additional licences planned for Phase II in lobster fishing area 19 for 2026.
This decision will stimulate economic growth in Quebec's coastal and Indigenous communities, which is a key priority in the Government of Canada's commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive blue economy.

Question 1: What scientific information did the Department use as a basis for issuing the new exploratory fishing permits?

The regional plan for knowledge acquisition and development of a lobster fishery is based on data from multiple sources showing lobster abundance and distribution have increased in Quebec.
In addition to independent scientific surveys, the Department uses multiple well-established indicators for lobster stock assessments in Quebec, including landings, demographic data, fishing effort and stock productivity, to support informed decision-making.
Experimental fishing projects on the North Shore and in the Gaspé Peninsula since 2018 found lobsters in areas not commercially exploited.
The Department also identified coastal habitat suitable for lobsters and assessed trap density across areas in Quebec to limit fishing effort based on available fishing grounds.

Question 2: How did Fisheries and Oceans Canada allocate permits among Indigenous communities and individual fishers?

In line with government guidelines, the regional Plan for knowledge acquisition and development of lobster fishery in areas 17, 18, and 19 prioritized access for First Nations, fleets in precarious situations, and new harvesters active for ten years or less.
- The Plan provided 33 licences to First Nations and 43 to individual fishermen from priority fleets in the three zones.
- First Nations were allocated 8250 traps and individual fishermen in priority fleets were allocated 6400 traps.
In 2023, 13.9 per cent of the population in the North Shore and Gaspé–Magdalen Islands regions identified as Indigenous.
In Quebec, Indigenous communal commercial fisheries held seven per cent of active licenses and generated 11.5 per cent of landing value in 2024.
In 2025, Indigenous community fishing licences, including new exploratory licences, represent 10.2 per cent of all lobster fishing licenses (commercial and exploratory) issued in Quebec.
- This is comparable to 2024 data. In 2025, the Department added 17 licences to First Nations and 32 licences to individual fishers from prioritized fleets out of more than 600 lobster licences in Quebec. In terms of the number of traps, the proportion for First Nations increases slightly in 2025.

Question 3: How will the Department use the information collected through these exploratory licences?

Data gathered from exploratory fishing activities over time will be analyzed by the Department to assess the status and the response of lobster stocks to additional fishing.
This information could inform future management decisions.

Question 4: What are the preliminary results of exploratory fishery in 2025?

The 2025 exploratory lobster fishery was successful in areas 17, 18, and 19. Landings and catch per unit effort, two indicators traditionally used to monitor lobster stock abundance, were very high in the vast majority of subareas and exceeded expectations.
Anticosti (Lobster Fishing Area 17), exploratory fishermen operating with only half the number of traps authorized for commercial fishermen landed an average of 42 tonnes (92,594.2 pounds) of lobster per licence during their first season.
North Shore (Lobster Fishing Area 18), average catches per exploratory licence ranged from 13 to 80 tons, depending on the subarea.
Gaspé Peninsula (Lobster Fishing Area 19), exploratory fishermen landed up to 65 tonnes (143,300 pounds) of lobster with only 100 traps. Some subareas reported catch levels up to six times higher than those observed in the commercial fishing zone of the Magdalen Islands.
Exploratory fishing landings in the three areas totalled more than 2,700 tons of lobster, with a landed value of over $47 million.
Importantly, these exploratory catches did not negatively affect commercial fishermen already active in the area. On the contrary, commercial landings continued to increase, reaching record levels in 2025.

Background

Since 2014, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has recorded a significant increase in yields and landings in commercial fishing throughout Quebec. In 2023, Quebec's lobster sector was the most lucrative sector of Quebec's fisheries, with revenues of $232.3 million. In 2024, for the third year in a row, Magdalen Islands fishermen broke a record with more than 16 million pounds of lobster landed on the archipelago's docks (just over 7.2 million kilograms).

Before the issuance of the new exploratory licences, landings in the Gaspé Peninsula and on the North Shore were increasing significantly. In 2022, landings in lobster fishing areas (LFAs) 19, 18, and 17 were respectively, 488.2 per cent, 386.3 per cent, and 158.1 per cent higher, compared to the 1997–2021 average.

In this context, in 2024, the Department approved a regional plan for the acquisition of knowledge and development of a lobster fishery in Quebec, which provides for the issuance of exploratory fishing permits in several phases.

The process of developing the exploratory fishing plan, including the allocation criteria, was transparent, rigorous, and objective. The approach to issuing exploratory fishing licences gives priority to First Nations. Documents were shared throughout the process and prior to the allocation meetings.

The development of the permit allocation criteria was based on an exhaustive consultation process with First Nations and associations representing commercial harvesters from Gaspésie, Magdalena Islands and North shore of Québec.

The list of struggling fleets considered for licensing was identified in collaboration with the industry. Harvesters who maintained a level of activity despite challenges were prioritized in recognition of their resilience and commitment to the fishery. Contiguity criteria were applied and attention was given to the next generation of fishers.

Harvesters who already held lobster fishing licences or significant snow crab quotas, as well as companies owned by shareholders that are not required to operate their licences themselves, were not eligible.

A total of 76 exploratory permits were issued in 2025 for the first phase of the plan (including 4 exploratory permits that had been active since 2023). Depending on the results, a maximum of 30 additional permits could be added in subsequent years (phases II and III of the plan).

Preliminary results for 2025 are very encouraging in some sectors. Officials are continuing their analysis and will make recommendations this winter for the 2026 season.

E27 – North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic right whale is listed as Endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act, its survival is threatened by vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement.
Starting in 2018, Canada invested $167.4 million over five years to protect endangered whales. Budget 2023 provided an additional $151.9 million over three years.
My department continues to work actively with stakeholders to adapt whale protection measures and identify innovative tools that prevent fishing gear entanglements and support Canadian seafood competitiveness in global markets.

Question 1: What is the status of the Whalesafe Gear Strategy?

On February 3, 2026, I launched Canada’s Whalesafe Gear Strategy, which will guide the development and implementation of whalesafe gear nationally over the next five years.
The Strategy was developed with input from harvesters, Indigenous groups, non-governmental organizations, among others.
This Strategy is national in scope, with an initial focus on reducing risk to endangered right whales in eastern Canada.

Question 2: What does the Whalesafe Gear Strategy mean for Canadian fisheries?

Canadian innovators are developing on-demand gear and other technology to making fishing gear safer for whales.
We know that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and so we continue to work with fish harvesters to find the best ways to implement whalesafe gear in their fisheries, such as lobster and crab.
Together, we will find ways to reduce the risk of entanglement to whales in fisheries across Canada while ensuring fishing operations continue safely and effectively. Our strategy is about co-existence, not closures.

Question 3: How has the Department worked with harvesters to advance whalesafe gear?

My department is working with harvesters and other relevant experts to incorporate whalesafe technology and practices into their operations—identifying the most suitable and safe options for the conditions of each fishery.
Canadian snow crab fisheries have been world leaders in testing rope-on-demand fishing gear in the Gulf of St. Lawrence since 2018.
In 2024 and 2025, my department worked closely with lobster fisheries in the Bay of Fundy, and in shallow waters throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec to pilot measures to reduce vertical lines in the water and to test low breaking strength rope to help large whales self-release.

Question 4: What is the impact of North Atlantic right whale entanglements on compliance with the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act and market access?

I am very pleased to say that this past September, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that Canadian fisheries are comparable in effectiveness to measures in place in the United States.
Canada’s strong management measures are key to preserving access to the United States market and seafood competitiveness around the world.

Question 5: Will new science on threats to survival and recovery of North Atlantic right whales result in more restrictive management measures?

My department conducted a Recovery Potential Assessment for North Atlantic right whales which assesses a broad range of topics including abundance and distribution, habitat requirements, threats, and recovery targets.
The biggest threat to North Atlantic right whale survival and recovery is human activity, particularly vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements.
Population projections show that if key threats, namely entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes, are reduced, the population can recover over time.
The information stemming from the assessment constitutes the best available science. It does not create any new regulatory requirements. It will be used to inform updates to the recovery strategy and inform the comprehensivemanagement measures to protect them and their habitat.
Decisions on management approaches are informed by the best available science, as well as engagement with industry, Indigenous groups, environmental organizations, and take into account socioeconomic considerations.

Background

The North Atlantic right whale (NARW) has been listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act since 2005. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting endangered marine species, including the NARW, by taking strong actions informed by science to prevent entanglements in fishing gear.

The latest annual population estimate for North Atlantic right whales is approximately 384 individuals in 2024, up from the revised estimate of 376 individuals in 2023. This modest increase, along with gains since 2020, signals early signs of stabilization after years of decline. However, the species remains endangered with only about 72 breeding females. Continued efforts to reduce vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements remain essential to recovery.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) implements world-class adaptive fishery management measures focused on preventingfishing gear entanglement, including aligning the opening of spring fisheries when right whales are suspected to be in lower numbers in Canadian waters, closing fishing areas where and when whales are detected, maintaining a robust scientific surveillance regime, implementing more whalesafe fishing gear technology, and taking action against ghost gear. The approach is in collaboration with harvesters, Indigenous communities, scientists, and international partners. These measures reflect Canada’s commitment to protecting seafood market access and competitiveness.

DFO is working with harvesters in relevant fisheries to incorporate whalesafe technology and practices into their operations, identifying the most suitable and safe options for the conditions of each fishery. These include whalesafe pilot initiatives underway in certain lobster and shallow water fisheries in Eastern Canada.

The Whalesafe Gear Strategy—based on extensive engagement with stakeholders and partners—will guide the implementation of innovative fishing gear in commercial fisheries across Canada to reduce the impacts of whale entanglements, while supporting sustainable modern fisheries. This strategy will guide efforts to implement gear innovations that prevent entanglement (e.g., on-demand gear systems) as well as gear modifications that mitigate the impacts of entanglements if they occur (e.g., lower breaking strength gear). The goal of the strategy is to support sustainable, modern and productive fisheries that coexist with whales by implementing whalesafe gear to reduce whale entanglements in areas with the highest risk of whale interactions with fisheries.

This goal is supported by 5 objectives:

Objective 1: DFO to develop the policies, processes and legal instruments needed to support the responsible use of whalesafe fishing gear in Canadian fisheries, in close collaboration with fish harvesters and experts.
Objective 2: Assess fisheries across Canada to identify those with a high risk of whale interaction and entanglement.
Objective 3: Continue to address knowledge gaps on the implementation of whalesafe gear in Canadian fisheries.
Objective 4: Identify management areas that present a high risk of entanglement to enable testing and support implementation of on-demand gear where appropriate.
Objective 5: Test and implement other gear modifications, devices or systems to prevent and alleviate whale entanglement harm.

In 2025, two NARW have been observed in Canadian waters interacting with fishing gear. Entangled NARW 5132 was re-observed in May near les Escoumins, and in June near Prince Edward Island. Attempts to relocate the animal to assist with disentanglement were not successful. This whale was first observed entangled in December 2024 in U.S. waters. In May, DFO published a gear analysis concluding the gear photographed in the December entanglement is likely from Lobster Fishing Area 38 (Bay of Fundy). In August 2025, NARW 4146 was observed entrapped but free-swimming in a weir off Grand Manan, Nova Scotia. The whale was successfully freed following a response by the harvester, Conservation & Protection, and a marine mammal response partner (the Campobello Whale Rescue team).

On December 3-4, 2025, the Georgia State Department of Natural Resources disentangled NARW 5217. The gear removed was consistent with the requirements for vertical lines in Canadian Crab Fishing Area 12. In accordance with the bilateral protocol between DFO and ma, analysis of retrieved gear is underway by DFO, which will publish a final gear analysis on the DFO website. In January 2026, NARW 5217 was observed dead in US waters.

E28 – Southern Resident Killer Whales

The protection of Canada’s species at risk, including the iconic Southern Resident Killer Whale population, continues to be a priority for our Government.
Since 2018, our Government has made significant investments in support of enhanced protections to address imminent threats to Southern Resident Killer Whale.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Transport Canada, Parks Canada, First Nations and others, continues to undertake work to support Southern Resident Killer Whale survival and recovery.

Question 1: How is Fisheries and Oceans Canada advancing the commitments made as part of the decision to decline the Emergency Order?

My department, in coordination with colleagues at Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, is advancing work on a number of the regulatory and non-regulatory recommendations to address the imminent threats to Southern Resident Killer Whale survival and recovery.
These measures include increasing the approach distance for Southern Resident Killer Whales through proposed amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations, identifying interim underwater noise objectives within Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat, and considering new fisheries closures or adjustments to existing closures, to support prey availability for Southern Resident Killer Whales.

If pressed on Southern Resident Killer Whale Fisheries Measures:

In the fall of 2025, my department consulted with the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, and stakeholders on potential incremental measures to be implemented for the 2026 fishing season.
During the consultation period, the Department received extensive feedback expressing both support for, and opposition to, increased fishing restrictions.
We are carefully considering the best available science and all the feedback received. A decision on these measures will be communicated in advance of the 2026 fishing season.

If pressed on Amendments to Increase Allowable Approach Distance to Southern Resident Killer Whale:

As part of the Government of Canada’s long-term actions to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, an amendment process was announced in the spring of 2023 to transition the temporary increased approach distances from Transport Canada’s Canada Shipping Act Interim Order to permanent changes under the Marine Mammal Regulations of the Fisheries Act.
The Government of Canada has been engaging and consulting with First Nations, stakeholders and the public to inform potential amendments to the Marine Mammal Regulations. Feedback received during these consultations was incorporated into a ‘What we heard report’, which is available on the Department’s website.
On March 7, proposed amendments to increase the approach distance for Southern Resident Killer Whale to 1000 metres in Pacific Canadian waters were published in Canada Gazette I.
I invite all Canadians to share their views on the proposed regulation during the public comment period, before a final regulation is published in Canada Gazette II.

If pressed on Interim Underwater Noise Objectives:

As part of the measures to address imminent threats to Southern Resident Killer Whale survival and recovery, the Government of Canada is working to identify interim underwater noise objectives within Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat by the summer of 2026.
The interim objectives will serve as benchmarks against which to measure noise level changes over time and are an important step in being able to take further action and to measure progress towards managing noise in the Salish Sea.
My department is currently analyzing acoustic data that has been collected continuously within Southern Resident Killer Whale critical habitat since 2018. This acoustic data will inform the development of the non-regulatory interim noise objectives while we explore approaches to manage underwater noise over the long term.

Background

Key threats to the recovery of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) 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). SRKW have been listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act since 2003.

Following an update to the 2018 Imminent Threat Assessment, responsible Ministers formed the opinion that SRKWs continue to face Imminent Threats to their survival and recovery. Under section 80 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), 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.

On June 6, 2024, Ecojustice, on behalf of six environmental non-government organizations, sent a letter to the Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of the Environment requesting that the Ministers recommend the making of an Emergency Order, to protect the endangered SRKW.

On March 6, 2025, the Government of Canada declined the making of an Emergency Order determining that the most effective approach is to continue to manage human activities using existing legislative tools (Fisheries Act, Canada Shipping Act, 2001) and non-regulatory measures.

This decision was informed by the purposes of SARA and the expected effectiveness of measures and activities that have been taken and continue to be taken by the Government of Canada and other organizations, consistent with the Recovery Strategy and Action Plan, to address the threats to SRKW and its critical habitat. The decision also took into account social, economic, policy and other factors, and the broader public interest.

Initiatives that address key threats to SRKWs continue to be delivered through major commitments, such as the Whales Initiative and the Oceans Protection Plan. 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.

As part of the Emergency Order decision to address the imminent threats to SRKW survival and recovery, a number of new regulatory and non-regulatory measures were proposed to enhance existing protection measures. The scope and implementation of measures will be informed by consultation with directly affected First Nations, Wildlife Management Boards, industry stakeholders, and other affected parties.

E29 – Atlantic Seals

The Government of Canada is committed to a sustainable, humane, and well-regulated seal harvest that supports Canada’s Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.
We are happy to see growth in the sector in recent years including $1 million in exports of seal oil to Norway in 2024. In 2025, exports of seal oil almost double in value to $270,000 to Hong Kong, while exports of seal meal to South Korea jumped from $0 in 2024 to $101,000 in 2025.
Seal management is science-based and ensures populations remain above a precautionary reference level. The commercial harvest of harp and grey seals remains well below sustainable levels.

Question 1: What is the Department’s seal management approach?

My department manages seal populations in accordance with the Fisheries Act and the Marine Mammal Regulations and follows the principles of the Precautionary Approach.
There are no sustainability concerns related to the commercial harvest of seal populations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec.

Question 2: How is the Government supporting the seal industry?

The Government has called on the European Union to repeal its ban, highlighting its impact on Indigenous and coastal communities. Canada is ready to work with the European Union to improve its existing regulatory framework on seals.
The Government continues to pursue new trade opportunities for seal products. The Department works closely with Global Affairs Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to help the sector develop international markets through programs such as the Trade Commissioner Service.

Question 3: What is the impact of seal predation on Northern cod and other fish stocks?

The Department’s research indicates that harp sealpredation is not the primary driver of the northern cod stock. It is well established that northern cod dynamics are largely driven by capelin availability.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to conduct research to improve our understanding of Canadian seal populations and, where possible, impacts on cod and other fish stocks.
Many factors contribute to declines or lack of recovery in fish stocks, including changes in sea temperature, oxygen levels, ice cover, changes in species distribution, and abundance within ecosystems which combined, can potentially have an impact on the health of fish stocks.

If pressed on species-specific impacts:

My department has demonstrated the negative impacts of grey seal predation on the recovery of three previously depleted commercial fish stocks in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Recent peer-reviewed research funded through the Sustainable Fisheries Fund indicates that harp seals are a significant source of cod mortality and may contribute to stalled recovery.
This work, however, does not recommend management actions and does not contend that seal removals alone would be an effective measure for promoting recovering cod.

Background

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) manages commercial harvests for grey, hooded, and harp seals in the Atlantic region. There are currently no fisheries for seals or sea lions in the Pacific region; however, there is a food, social and ceremonial harvest.

The harp seal harvest occurs mainly from late March to May on the “Front” off northern Newfoundland, and to a lesser extent in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Hooded seals are taken during this period in Newfoundland and Labrador but are not a primary target. Grey seals are harvested primarily around the Magdalen Islands from late January to early February.

To minimize the harvest’s public profile and given current low harvest levels, the Department has not set total allowable catches for Atlantic seals since 2016, instead monitoring harvests against scientific advice.

Management is informed by science and DFO has dedicated seal scientists who conduct surveys and assessments to determine seal abundance, population trends, and distribution.

Recent harvests remain well below sustainable levels, in part due to market access and poor ice conditions limiting access to the seals. In 2025, only seven per cent (16,890) of the sustainable harp seal harvest and two per cent (1,233) of the grey seal harvest was taken.

Seal product market access has been restricted since 1972 by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and further limited by the European Union’s (EU) 2009 ban, despite exemptions for Indigenous and personal use.

In August 2024, Canada submitted a joint ministerial letter to the EU calling for repeal of the Regulation on the Trade in Seal Products. A summary of the consultation was published in October, with a final report expected by the end of 2025. DFO and Global Affairs Canada are monitoring developments closely.

Seal harvesters receive funding through the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund and through two projects with the sealing industry, totaling $4.5 million, with the purpose of strengthening the sector and market conditions for Canadian seal products in domestic and international markets.

Sealing industry proponents are eligible for project funding under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund and the Quebec Fisheries Fund. Combined, these funds have invested $1.3 million in eight projects with the sealing industry in Atlantic Canada and Quebec related to product development, processing equipment upgrades, and professional capacity building.

E30 – Wild Atlantic Salmon Conservation Strategy

Fisheries and Oceans Canada recognizes the decline of Atlantic salmon and is responding to urgent calls from Indigenous communities, partners, and stakeholders to take action to conserve this important species.
Canada’s first-ever strategy to ensure the future of Atlantic salmon was published in March 2025. It responds to what was heard during the engagement process and is based on an extensive body of work dedicated to Atlantic salmon over the past decade.

Question 1: How is the Department advancing implementation of the Atlantic salmon strategy?

My department has invested $6.1 million in projects to reinforce the early implementation of the Strategy by spurring collaboration with stakeholders, partners, provincial governments, and Indigenous organizations.
An additional $1 million has been announced for 2025-26 to support new projects focused on the objectives of the Strategy.
Further investments to protect and restore wild Atlantic salmon may be informed by the Strategy. The Government is committed to the conservation of wild Atlantic salmon populations and will continue to seek opportunities to support this species.

Question 2: What will the Atlantic salmon strategy do to mitigate urgent population declines on the Miramichi and other important salmon rivers?

The Atlantic salmon strategy is intended to provide guidance at a national, species-wide level.
It provides a framework for restoration that mitigates threats to salmon on a river-by-river basis.
A place-based approach, supported by the framework outlined in the Strategy is to be designed and implemented together with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and stakeholders on the ground, to address the local needs of high-priority rivers like the Miramichi.

If pressed on the closure of biodiversity facilities:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will discontinue its Atlantic Salmon Live Gene Bank program, which includes closing the facilities in Mactaquac, New Brunswick, and Coldbrook, Nova Scotia.
We will refocus efforts to continue meeting our obligations under the Species at Risk Act through ongoing work with partners and activities identified in the National Atlantic Salmon Strategy.
We will use the best information available to support rebuilding of the stock, decision making, climate resilient actions and mitigate threats to this iconic species.
We are exploring opportunities for new investments that align with the Atlantic Salmon Strategy, so together we can protect this iconic species.

Background

In response to continued Atlantic salmon population declines across its Canadian range, the Department developed a conservation strategy for this species to support fulfillment of the Government’s 2021 mandate commitment to “work collaboratively to make new investments and develop a strategy to restore and rebuild wild Atlantic salmon populations and their habitat.”

The Strategy was published in March 2025. Its development was informed by extensive engagement with Indigenous Peoples, provincial governments, and stakeholders, and is intended to provide guidance for all aspects of Atlantic salmon restoration, science, policy, and management activities.

Alongside its publication in March 2025, the Government announced a $1 million investment to address the immediate priorities of the Strategy. The Department used a targeted call for proposals to ensure immediate priorities could be addressed within the 2025-26 fiscal year. The selected applicants were chosen for their ability to undertake projects that benefit the entire range of the species as well as their ability to address immediate priorities that will support future initiatives and the long-term implementation of the Strategy.

E31 – Pacific Salmon

Pacific salmon populations are experiencing long-term, historic declines 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 to date include restoring more than 18.5 million square metres of Pacific salmon habitat, retiring over 500 fishing licences through the Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program, undertaking an extensive program of upgrading hatchery infrastructure, and supporting sustainable fishing opportunities while reducing impacts on vulnerable stocks.

Question 1: What results have been achieved through the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative?

As of January 16, 2026, my department has invested $526.9 million in targeted actions to address Pacific salmon declines, of which $191.3 million was delivered through partners.
Significant progress has been made, including retiring 538 Salmon commercial licences, restoring over 18.5 million square metres of salmon habitat, and funding 73 projects through the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.
My department is advancing mark-selective fisheries, expanding hatchery capacity, and partnering with Indigenous partners to transition to more selective fishing methods and improve fishery monitoring.

Question 2: The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative sunsets on March 31, 2026. What steps is Fisheries and Oceans Canada taking to renew it?

We continue to plan for a renewed approach to Pacific salmon programming, guided by our Government’s clear and ambitious priorities, including building a strong economy that works for everyone and focusing on results over spending.
I recognize there is more work to do. I am committed to our ongoing work together with First Nations to conserve and restore wild Pacific salmon populations and their ecosystems.

Question 3: What is the current status of Yukon salmon and Alaskan interceptions?

In 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 bycatch in marine areas and suspend commercial and recreational fisheries within the Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook salmon migration corridor.
My department, along with Yukon First Nation Government partners, is working with the State of Alaska to develop a Yukon River salmon rebuilding strategy.
The intent of the strategy is to define measures for implementation throughout the Yukon River watershed to facilitate long-term recovery of Canadian-origin salmon stocks.

Question 4: How are Chinook stocks managed and assessed?

Chinook fishery management decisions are informed by science advice through stock assessments and are consistent with salmon allocation priorities, cultural and economic information, and operational considerations.
Recent investments in science are improving our understanding of the causes of salmon declines through improved monitoring of ecosystem, fishery, and hatchery impacts.

Question 5: What is the status of Fraser River Sockeye salmon? Why do forecasts change?

Abundance forecasts for Fraser sockeye are developed prior to the start of the fishing season to help set expectations and inform pre-season planning. However, annual returns of Fraser sockeye are highly variable and for this reason, fisheries decisions are based on in-season estimates of abundance that are informed by daily test fisheries, and not the pre-season forecast.
Precautionary approaches remain important to support sustained stock recovery and are often needed to protect weak stocks that co-migrate with more abundant stocks.
For the 2025 Fraser sockeye fishing season, the results of the pre-season forecast allowed only limited fishing opportunities. In-season estimates, however, exceeded the forecast for many (but not all) stocks, which allowed for increased fishing opportunities.
Improved abundance in 2025 meant Fisheries and Oceans Canada was able to provide some fishing opportunities for commercial, recreational, and First Nation harvesters. Opportunities were limited to protect stocks of conservation concern that co-migrate with the more abundant stocks.
The forecast abundance for the 2026 season indicates that moderate fishing opportunities may be possible. Any fishery opportunities will be informed by in-season information, with priority access being provided to Food, Social, and Ceremonial fisheries, followed by commercial and recreational opportunities.

Question 6: Can an update be provided on the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty?

The Pacific Salmon Treaty provides the vital cooperative mechanism needed to achieve our conservation objectives and ensure fair allocation of fishing benefits between Canada and the U.S.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada leads on the Canada-U.S. Pacific Salmon Treaty, with strong partnerships with First Nations and stakeholders.
Fishing chapters within the Treaty expire December 31, 2028, and the Department is undertaking the preparatory work to develop a negotiation mandate, while simultaneously continuing to implement the current agreement.

Question 7: Why is the Department updating the Pacific Salmon Allocation Policy?

The British Columbia Salmon Allocation Policy outlines the principles used for sharing allowable harvest of Pacific salmon between First Nations, the recreational sector, and the commercial sector.
Salmon management has changed since the Salmon Allocation Policy was last updated in 1999. Updating the policy will provide more clarity and include additional principles that address Indigenous rights-based fisheries, court decisions, and current approaches to salmon management in the province of British Columbia.
My department has engaged in-depth with committees of First Nations, the recreational fishery, and the commercial fishery to review the policy over the past several years. My department recently concluded broader public consultations via a discussion paper.
The Department is in the process of reviewing consultation feedback with First Nations and stakeholder committees to discuss options and develop joint recommendations for the revised policy.
It is important to emphasize that a revised policy will not extinguish any sector’s access to the resource. Pacific salmon will remain a shared public resource managed by the Federal government on behalf of all Canadians based on the Minister of Fisheries’ authorities granted under the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. At this stage, no policy changes have been decided.

Background

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) was announced in Budget 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 ecosystems and future generations of Canadians. The Government has invested more than $686 million over five years to implement the PSSI.

The PSSI seeks to achieve three key outcomes: 1) restoring vulnerable populations of Pacific salmon and their habitat; 2) supporting sustainable fishing opportunities and reducing impacts on vulnerable stocks; and 3) building capacity and continuing work with partners to achieve better outcomes for Pacific salmon.

PSSI results to date include:

Retiring 538 salmon licences (Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program), decreasing the total number of eligible salmon licence holders by 40.6 per cent.
Restoring over 18.5 million metres squared of salmon habitat and the creation of over 1,400 habitat restoration jobs.
Providing $128.55 million for 73 projects through the British Columbia (BC) Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (phase 2) to protect and restore Pacific salmon habitats and other priority, wild fish stocks.
Piloting six mark-selective fisheries and increasing capacity at Fisheries and Oceans Canada-run hatcheries.
Collaboration with more than 40 First Nations and Indigenous fisheries organizations on more than 60 Indigenous Harvest Transformation partnership projects to transition fisheries to more selective fishing methods and improved fishery monitoring, while reducing impacts on vulnerable salmon stocks.
During summer 2024, the Department worked with 60 partners in 75 areas across BC to respond to immediate drought-related issues, to fund emergency projects, and to help fish reach spawning areas with critical restoration projects.
In June 2024, the Department, First Nations in BC, and the Province of BC signed a new Trilateral Accord to coordinate and align conservation and restoration efforts to improve outcomes for Pacific salmon.

Targeted efforts are being made in the Yukon, including investment in First Nations salmon fishery transition, stewardship and monitoring activities, and integrated rebuilding planning.

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.

Salmon Allocation Policy (SAP)

The BC SAP outlines the principles used for sharing allowable harvest of Pacific salmon between First Nations, the recreational sector, and the commercial sector.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducted broader consultations via a discussion paper that was circulated on December 1, 2025 (to First Nations in BC, the Sport Fishing Advisory Board, and the Commercial Salmon Advisory Board). The consultation window ended on January 23, 2026.

The discussion paper outlines the key principles and feedback received to date to guide upcoming decisions on changes to the SAP and priority of allocation of salmon among First Nations, the recreational and commercial sectors.
The recreational sector has initiated an online campaign, which has raised significant concerns among recreational fishers by suggesting that the review could diminish/extinguish public rights and access.
Some First Nations have expressed frustration with the characterization of potential implications of the SAP review and have called for DFO to intervene and correct the information.
DFO officials met with First Nations, recreational and commercial sector representatives in the SAP review to communicate the concerns that have been raised, as well as emphasize the importance of accurate and responsible external communications. The Department is continuing to explore approaches for broader correspondence to the public on this issue.
The BC SAP process is scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2026.

E32 – Aquaculture: Growth Agenda in Atlantic Canada

Aquaculture is an important sector in Atlantic Canada. To support sustainable aquaculture development, we need to attract innovation and investment in aquaculture nationwide.
There is a growing ocean technology sector on Canada’s east coast, and my department would like to work together with our partners, including the Regional Development Agencies, to support the acceleration of innovation and investment in sustainable technologies in aquaculture.
This will help to position Canada as a leader in sustainable aquaculture development from coast-to-coast. A future where we are innovation leaders, and where Canada feeds the world with healthy and sustainably farmed ocean foods.

Question 1: What is the impact of the British Columbia Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan on aquaculture growth in Atlantic Canada?

In Atlantic Canada, the provinces are the lead regulators for aquaculture activities, with the exception of Prince Edward Island.
My department respects the authority of the provinces in the management of aquaculture activities.
The proposed Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan only applies to British Columbia.

Background

Aquaculture management across Canada is a shared federal/provincial responsibility. With the exception of Prince Edward Island, eastern provinces are the lead regulators, with responsibility for the daily operations and oversight of aquaculture activities. Many eastern provinces have strategies in place to grow the sector.

Atlantic provinces are calling on the federal government to publicly reaffirm provincial jurisdiction over aquaculture in Atlantic Canada and to send a clear, consistent message in support of the sector’s sustainable development. Atlantic provinces have reiterated their concerns that federal decisions in British Columbia have negatively impacted investor confidence in Eastern Canada and created mixed messages for Canadians. They also highlighted the need for a federal champion to advocate for aquaculture both domestically and internationally.

Quebec has indicated that in light of the declining fish stocks for wild capture fisheries, the Province needs specific financial support from the federal government to support the development of aquaculture. Atlantic provinces, and aquaculture industry associations, have publicly requested renewal and enhancement of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (by increasing the fund by 20 per cent) to help support aquaculture development in Atlantic Canada.

Through the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Minsters, eastern provinces have continued to highlight the need for a modernized Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP) to better support the growth of the shellfish aquaculture sector. Further, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) has identified modernization of the CSSP as one of their top three priorities, given the perceived constraints that federal partners’ delivery challenges place on industry expansion.

E33 – Aquaculture: Open Net-Pen Salmon Aquaculture in British Columbia

The Government of Canada is committed to sustaining the resilience of Canada’s fish and seafood sector—including aquaculture—which underpins prosperity and food security for many coastal and Indigenous communities.
An interdepartmental task force, led by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, undertook engagement on a draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan. The Government of Canada force continues to analyze the significant feedback received from First Nations, industry, and other stakeholders.

Question 1: What is the status of the Transition Plan and what are the next steps hat work has been completed to date?

Since the publication of the draft Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan in September of 2024, the interdepartmental task force has held more than 120 engagements with First Nations and stakeholders.
The work of the task force to date has been productive, allowing for an analysis of the potential impacts to the salmon aquaculture sector, as well as a deeper understanding of the First Nations, workers, and communities that would be affected. This work has also explored potential ways to incentivize the adoption of innovative technologies.
The Government of Canada is reviewing all the different perspectives, which will inform our Government’s next steps.

Background

On June 19, 2024, the then Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville, announced the Government of Canada’s policy to implement a ban on open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia (B.C.) coastal waters by June 30, 2029.

Licences were renewed for five years, starting July 1, 2024. These renewed licences have stricter conditions that include improved management of sea lice on farmed fish, robust reporting requirements for industry, and additional monitoring of marine mammal interactions.

The draft B.C. Salmon Aquaculture Transition Plan was released in September 2024.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been working alongside Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other departments as part of an interdepartmental task force and speaking with First Nations communities directly to consider their unique circumstances, needs, and opportunities and challenges, as well as with other communities and stakeholders.

E34 – Aquaculture Science

Fisheries and Oceans Canada conducts research and provides science advice to support the sustainable management of aquaculture.
The 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.
My department engages a range of experts in its science, including its peer-review process. This includes departmental scientists, academics, subject matter experts, scientists from other government departments or other countries, and local and Indigenous knowledge holders.

Question 1: What science advice has been completed on the impacts of farmed escapees on wild Atlantic salmon on the East coast of Canada?

The Department undertook a risk assessment to better understand the interactions between farmed and wild fish on the East coast—specifically the risks posed to the wild Atlantic salmon population abundance and its genetic character in Atlantic Canada. The science advisory report was published in March 2024.
The report found that based on a suite of different escape rate scenarios, there are varying risk levels associated with interbreeding for wild Atlantic salmon across the populations examined. The risk increases for populations closer to aquaculture operations and for small and/or declining wild populations.
The Department works closely with Atlantic provincial authorities, who are the lead regulators, to ensure salmon aquaculture activities are managed sustainably.

Question 2: What work is being undertaken on sea lice?

To advance its understanding of sea lice interactions between farmed and wild salmon in British Columbia, the Department is undertaking a review of the state of knowledge on the impacts of sea lice from net-pen salmon farms on wild Pacific salmon in British Columbia.
The review is being delivered through a series of Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat meetings that involve many external experts.
The first meeting was held in November 2024 and produced a Science Advisory Report as well as a primary journal publication.
The second meeting was held in October 2025. A follow-up meeting will be held in 2026, and a Science Advisory Report will be developed at that time. The final meeting is planned for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Question 3: What work is being undertaken on aquaculture impacts?

The Department is currently undertaking a review and update of its 2009 science advice on the effects of aquaculture on the ecosystem.
This work will update the state of knowledge and is expected to highlight potential future research directions that will help inform the Department’s aquaculture science program priorities going forward.
This work is being delivered through three Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat meetings that occurred in the fall of 2025.

Background

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) generates research findings, provides science advice, and conducts environmental monitoring to support the Department’s regulatory, policy, and management decisions.

Aquaculture research is conducted to inform decisions related to aquaculture-ecosystem interactions and impacts such as the effects of pests and pathogens and potential fish health treatment and management; interactions between farmed and wild fish; release of organic matter and drugs from farms; and potential habitat impacts.

New scientific findings are generated through research projects that departmental scientists undertake through internally funded projects and through collaborations with external organizations and academics.

Science advice is delivered through DFO’s Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS). This comprehensive review process includes the peer-review of aquaculture research by experts. The science advice is generated by consensus and the resulting research syntheses and advice are published on the CSAS website.

E35 – West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization

The Department has engaged fishery participants throughout 2024 and 2025 on the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization initiative, which seeks to respond to a range of stakeholder concerns, including calls for more inclusive representation on fishery advisory boards, greater transparency of licence and quota holdings, improved socio-economic data, foreign ownership limits, and improved economic viability for harvesters.
As part of this initiative, the Department is responding to calls to consider the applicability or adaptation of Atlantic inshore-style policies such as ‘owner-operator’ and ‘fleet separation’ requirements and ‘made-in-BC’ solutions to economic viability concerns.
Next steps will focus on undertaking fishery-specific engagement in two initial fisheries (prawn and crab) to develop policy options in collaboration with fishery participants, as well as collecting additional socio-economic data to support analysis of potential policy changes.

Question 1: What personnel resources have been allocated to West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization?

The Department will continue to draw on subject matter experts to advance this important work.

Question 2: What progress has been made since the House Standing Committee of Fisheries and Oceans’ 2023 report “Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota” and its 2020 report “West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits”?

I would like to thank the House Standing Committee for its work and the recommendations shared in its 2020 and 2023 reports on these complex and important issues.
The Department has explored options to develop a licence and quota registry, and is collecting socio-economic data through new surveys in collaboration with the commercial fishing industry, as well as exploring advisory board membership changes to address concerns around representation of the range of fishery participants.
The Department is engaging First Nations and key stakeholders through the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization initiative in consideration of potential policy changes. Meetings have been held with First Nations and Indigenous organizations, licence holders, processors and harvesters, in addition to workshops held in February 2025.
The Department is planning for future fishery-specific engagements that will continue to consider made-in-British Columbia approaches to the concerns that have been raised.

If pressed on Foreign Ownership (both coasts):

On the west coast, the Department has engaged participants to inform future approaches to policy changes through the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization.
On the east coast, licence holders are already required to be at least 51 per cent beneficially owned by Canadians. The Department is engaging the provincial departments responsible for licensing fish processors and buyers to further explore their concerns and those of industry, and to consider potential solutions.

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. Among the Report’s 19 recommendations was a call for foreign ownership limits in fisheries where they are not currently present. As part of the Government Response, the Department committed to engaging Pacific First Nations and stakeholders on this via the West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization initiative, and engaging provincial counterparts through existing federal/provincial fora to discuss concerns related to foreign ownership of the fisheries supply chain under each government’s respective jurisdictional responsibility.

The development of a path forward is well underway on topics for which we heard general support (e.g., inclusiveness on advisory boards; more socio-economic data to support decision-making; and transparency of licences and quota holdings).

On more substantive policy matters, such as the potential applicability of Atlantic inshore-style policies on the west coast (e.g., owner operator provisions, fleet separation) on the West Coast to address concerns regarding the distribution of benefits in commercial fisheries impacts on the economic viability of participation by active harvesters relative to other participants, the Department heard strongly held divergent views regarding feasibility in the west coast context. Continued in-depth engagement is required with further data and analysis on a fishery-specific basis, to develop comprehensive and robust policy advice that is appropriate given the unique features of west coast fisheries.

F – Ecosystem Protection and Science

F36 – Aquatic Invasive Species

My department works in close collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts with a focus on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species into and within Canada. For new detections of aquatic invasive species, the Department assesses and responds appropriately. The Aquatic Invasive Species Survey Map is a new interactive tool to help partners, academia, and the public to stay informed about where these species are found across Canada.
I recently announced $1 million in funding under the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund for eight projects across the country. These projects will help strengthen partnerships, facilitate preventative actions against aquatic invasive species, and promote education, outreach, detection, and response activities.
My Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister colleagues and I agree that increasing efforts and collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments on the management of aquatic invasive species is a priority. At our last meeting in Iqaluit, we reaffirmed our commitment to preventing the arrival and spread of aquatic invasive species.
Examples of strong collaboration across jurisdictions include efforts to revitalize the Canadian Action Plan to Address the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species and develop an Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination accredited standard that will respect jurisdictions and respond to local needs.

Question 1: What is the Department doing to stop the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species at the international border?

My department is working closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and provincial governments to enforce the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations at international borders.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with Manitoba and the federal Canada Border Services Agency on watercraft inspection and decontamination to prevent aquatic invasive species ‘hitchhikers’ arriving with visitors.
The Department works with provinces (leading in the east and supporting in the west) on invasive mussel prevention and early detection efforts by generating scientific advice, conducting risk assessments, and implementing and supporting enforcement actions.

Question 2: What is the Department doing to address invasive green crab on Canada’s coasts?

My department is exploring a cautious, stepwise approach for the use of invasive green crab where they are established.
The Department’s approach may allow for modest economic opportunities to offset removal costs; however, preventing introduction is still the primary objective.
In December 2025, my department launched a 1-year commercial fishery pilot in Southwest New Brunswick that will provide economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and local harvesters, while minimizing the risk of spread.

Question 3: What is the Department doing to address invasive sea lamprey in Canada’s Great Lakes?

My department is accountable for delivery of the Canadian component of the binational effort to control Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service deliver a binational and basin-wide control program. The combined efforts of this program have successfully reduced sea lamprey populations by 90 per cent from pre-control efforts.

Question 4: What is the Department doing to manage aquatic invasive species in British Columbia?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports the Province’s prevention and early detection efforts for aquatic invasive species by providing scientific advice, conducting risk assessments, and taking enforcement actions.
Since 2019, my department has contributed $3.2 million to various organizations in BC to support early detection of aquatic invasive species, monitoring, and education, including contributions through the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has invested more than $1 million to directly prevent the spread of invasive mussels into British Columbia.

Background

The 2022 Fall Economic Statement identified $36.6 million over five years to fight aquatic invasive species in Canada. This included $8.75 million in contribution funding to launch the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to create new partnerships and help on-the-ground preventive actions. To date, 29 projects have been funded totaling $9.5 million thanks to a surplus in funding from other programs.

Budget 2022 identified an additional $45 million over five years and $9 million 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. In October 2024, responsibility for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission had a machinery change and now reports to Global Affairs Canada. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) retains responsibility to deliver Sea Lamprey Control with a baseline funding amount of $8.5 million.

International Borders

Following the 2019 report from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, 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 Canada Border Services Agency and the Province of Manitoba to run a watercraft inspection and decontamination station at the Emerson, Manitoba port of entry. Inspection blitzes are conducted at the Manitoba-Ontario border on strategic weekends. The Department supports inspection activities of the BC Invasive Mussel Defense Program.

European Green Crab (EGC)

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.

In 2010, a commercial EGC fishery was established in Maritimes Region to allow EGC use as lobster bait. The decision to support the use of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is not meant to create a sustainable fishery.

Since 2018, the Department has issued licences for the purpose of AIS control on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The Department is preparing regional test cases for EGC use, which will be used to inform a cohesive national framework for the sale and use of marine invasive species. As an interim measure, the Department launched a 1-year commercial fishery in Southwest New Brunswick after which time it is expected to transition to AIS control licences as part of the framework.

F37 – Canada’s Marine Conservation Objectives and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Reports

Our government is committed to both conservation and sustainable economic development – and we are making decisions that protect both nature and Canada’s future prosperity.
Since 2021, Canada has invested approximately $1 billion to establish and manage marine protected and conserved areas, plus, another $400 million to support Indigenous leadership in marine conservation through the Great Bear Sea and SINAA Project Finance for Permanence.
My department also reviews proposals for major projects near marine protected and conserved areas so that development is sustainable and oceans stay healthy.

Question 1: How does the Department address the fishing industry’s concerns over displaced livelihoods?

Marine protected and conserved areas help keep oceans healthy while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
My department knows fishing is vital to coastal communities and Canada’s economy. That’s why we work with industry and fishers to reduce socio-economic impacts of marine protected areas, and make sure marine protection works for both the environment and the economy.
Industry leadership was essential to Canada reaching its 10 per cent ocean protection goal in 2020, and we will keep working together to meet our 2030 target.

Question 2: What does the marine protected area site establishment process involve?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with all levels of government and Indigenous Peoples to establish marine protected and conserved areas.
Meaningful consultations with stakeholders, including industry and communities, help us understand potential socio-economic impacts and identify ways to reduce them.
Science, socio-economic information, Indigenous knowledge, and local input guide how we design and manage marine protected and conserved areas.

Question 3: How does the Department respond to the recommendations from the two audits by the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada welcomes the recommendations from the Commissioner for the Environment and Sustainable Development audit’s on Establishing Marine Protected and Conserved Areas and Federal-Indigenous Cooperatively Managed Protected Areas.
My department is committed to strengthening its approach to protecting Canada’s oceans through partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, robust science, socio-economic analysis, and thorough consultation with partners and stakeholders.
Protected areas are an investment in the health of our oceans. They help keep marine ecosystems strong and resilient, supporting both nature and sustainable economic growth for the future.

Question 4: Are Canada’s conservation targets achievable? What barriers have hindered progress to conserve 25 per cent of Canada’s marine and coastal areas by December 2025, and what measures are being taken to conserve 30 per cent by 2030?

Canada has made significant progress in marine conservation. Since 2015, we have moved from conserving just one per cent of our marine and coastal areas to over 15 per cent—representing an area larger than France and the United Kingdom combined.
The Government of Canada has worked hard to balance protecting the environment with supporting local economies, while also working closely with Indigenous communities whose traditional lands and waters are implicated in these conservation efforts.
Building strong, trusting partnerships takes time—but it is important and necessary to do this right.
We are committed to working closely with all partners, stakeholders and communities to advance conservation areas and stay on track with our goal to protect 30 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2030.

Question 5: What is the Department doing to address fishing industry concerns in the proposed South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue working closely with Parks Canada and the fishing industry to explore opportunities for conservation in the region.

Question 6: What impacts do marine protected areas have on commercial fisheries, aquaculture facilities, and other ocean users?

Marine protected areas safeguard marine habitats and species, and provide a wide range of ecological, social, economic, and cultural benefits.
Every effort is made when designing marine protected areas to maximize positive conservation outcomes and minimize negative economic impacts to ocean users. However, some activities may be restricted based on site-specific conservation objectives.
Decisions are made considering best available science and knowledge, socio-economic analysis and consultation at every step. Boundary changes during the design process may be considered if conservation objectives can still be achieved.
My department will continue to work closely with industry and local communities to hear their concerns and balance effective protection with sustainable economic growth.

Question 7: Is there a scientific basis for the Marine Conservation Target of 30 per cent by 2030?

There is broad support in scientific literature for the protection of a minimum of 30 per cent of the ocean globally. These studies outline that conservation can achieve several goals, including protecting biodiversity, maintaining species health, and promoting sustainable fisheries.

Question 8: How do marine protected areas address the effects of a changing climate?

Well-designed marine protected areas can provide refuges for species and habitats by reducing cumulative stress, making them better at adapting to changes in climate.
Undisturbed areas that provide important habitats for many species can also provide carbon sequestration benefits.

Background

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working collaboratively with Parks Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and other federal departments to achieve the marine conservation target (MCT) of conserving 30 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2030. Canada has made significant progress, moving from less than one per cent of marine and coastal areas conserved in 2015 to 15.55 per cent today—an area larger than France and the UK combined.

The approach continues to be guided by three foundational principles: science-based decision making; transparency that offers meaningful opportunities for input from site identification to establishment; and support for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

DFO has established 14 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) under the Oceans Act and recognized 61 marine refuges under the Fisheries Act as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures.

In recent years, several new protected and conserved areas have been established, including:

In March 2025, three new marine refuges, covering 466 km ², were recognized: G̱aw Ḵáahlii (Masset Inlet), X̲aana Ḵáahlii (Skidegate Inlet), and Banks Island.
In 2023, DFO worked collaboratively with the Mamalilikulla First Nation to recognize the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull Bay and Hoeya Sound) marine refuge and support this as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.
The Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxwiqak – Tsig̱is MPA was designated on June 19, 2024, to protect biodiverse hydrothermal vents and seamounts in the Pacific, contributing 2.3 per cent to the marine conservation target.
Additional areas are advancing across Canada’s three oceans.

New partnerships have been forged with Indigenous Peoples, and innovative financing opportunities have been leveraged to support Indigenous-led conservation and community well-being initiatives. For example, in February 2025, the Government of Canada, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Aajuraq Conservation Fund Society announced the signing of the SINAA Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) Agreement. In June 2024, Canada, BC, and 17 First Nations announced the signing of the Great Bear Sea PFP Agreement. The conservation plans associated with these agreements propose new protected and conserved areas that could contribute up to an additional 3.68 and 0.3 per cent, respectively, towards our MCT.

Canada is recognized worldwide for its excellence in establishing and managing protected and conserved areas, so they are effective in achieving their conservation objectives and providing biodiversity outcomes. For example, Canada implements an MPA Protection Standard that is designed to provide a baseline protection in most new federal MPAs. Specifically, through the MPA Protection Standard the Government of Canada seeks to prohibit oil and gas exploration, development, and production; mineral exploration and exploitation; disposal at sea of waste and other matter; dumping of fill; deposit of deleterious drugs and pesticides; and bottom-trawl gear in these areas.

Modern marine mapping helps DFO integrate ecological data, ocean activities, and regulatory information so teams can more easily compare options and understand trade-offs. This improves decisions for ocean activities, including when establishing marine protected areas. An example is The Canada Marine Planning Atlas, which brings trusted data into one place, reducing the time spent searching though data layers or checking versions. This improves transparency and confidence in decisions.

These specialized mapping tools show where conservation goals overlap with fisheries, shipping, energy, and other activities. This supports clearer decision-making and more productive discussions with stakeholders. The result is stronger collaboration with Indigenous and external partners. Shared mapping tools create a common evidence base that supports co-development, transparency, and trust throughout planning and decision processes.

Next steps include stabilizing core digital mapping systems and improving the Canada Marine Planning Atlas by integrating broader ecological, monitoring, and socio-economic data. By 2028–2030, advanced analytics and nationally consistent but flexible tools could scale up to support faster and more transparent trade-off analysis for Ministers and partners.

Issues raised by industry stakeholders

The fishing industry is concerned about the cumulative socio-economic impacts of conservation initiatives. They have been particularly vocal in opposition of Parks Canada’s proposed South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador, and sites advancing in BC’s Northern Shelf Bioregion. The Department conducts extensive socio-economic analysis and consults extensively with partners and stakeholders, including marine industries, throughout the site establishment process to minimize socio-economic impacts where possible.

Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Audits

On November 6, 2025, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development tabled the 2025 Fall performance audit reports in the House of Commons, including two audits involving DFO.

The Establishing Marine Protected and Conserved Areas report notes the good progress made on marine conservation, but that Canada is not on track to meet its target to conserve 25 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2025. It calls for an updated federal collaborative framework, clarity on MPA Protection Standard implementation, and improved access to public data on protected and conserved areas.

The Federal-Indigenous Cooperatively Managed Protected Areas report, led by Parks Canada, recognizes strong collaboration between Parks Canada, DFO, and ECCC and with Indigenous partners in advancing reconciliation through co-management of protected areas. However, it highlighted risks to this progress without sustained funding and calls on DFO to strengthen Indigenous engagement, particularly in issue resolution and recruitment for key DFO positions involved with cooperative management boards.

F38 – Permitting Under the Fisheries Act and Support to the Building Canada Act and Projects of National Interest

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has an important role to play in building one Canadian economy through an efficient and service-oriented regulatory process while upholding its mandate to protect and conserve fish and fish habitat.

My department is working with other federal departments and agencies to improve regulatory efficiency across the government. This includes supporting implementation of the Building Canada Act, and advancing new policies guidance, and regulatory changes.

Question 1: How will the Department work with the new Major Projects Office?

The Major Projects Office works closely with the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, industry proponents, and Indigenous Peoples to deliver on projects that would offer the greatest benefits for Canadians.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue to work closely with the Major Projects Office to help advance projects in a timely manner while protecting the environment and upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples
The Department will support these projects by delivering efficient regulatory reviews and providing expert advice on impacts to fish and fish habitat as well as mitigation and monitoring strategies.

Question 2: How will Fisheries and Oceans Canada work to advance the review of other projects, not deemed of national importance?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is streamlining its regulatory process for the hundreds of projects that the Department reviews each year.

This work would reduce or eliminate the need for the review of low-risk and routine projects. We will make regulatory changes to simplify requirements based on level of risk to fish and fish habitat.

Question 3: What is causing longer timelines for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to authorize certain projects?

The Fisheries Act authorization process has service standards to ensure the timely review of projects.
In fiscal year 2023-24, my department achieved 100 per cent compliance with service standards set out in our regulations to process complete applications for authorizations.
Timelines can vary due to incomplete applications or because we are working to ensure that adequate consultations are being undertaken.

Question 4: What actions is Fisheries and Oceans Canada taking to improve regulatory efficiency?

The Government of Canada recently committed to making regulatory decisions on projects within two years.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is contributing to this commitment through actions that will accelerate the Department’s decision making by:
- Providing clearer guidance to proponents;
- Reducing inefficiencies in information requests;
- Working with proponents to validate industry best practices to streamline requirements for routine low risk works; and
- Promoting best practices with respect to working with Indigenous partners.
These actions will result in standardized and predictable processes, timely project advice, implementation of risk-based approaches, and an increased level of service to proponents, while respecting Indigenous rights and protecting the environment.
As Minister of Fisheries, I also support the amendments to the Red Tape Reduction Act included in the Budget Implementation Act. The passage of these amendments would increase the Department’s flexibility in the regulation of innovative projects and allow novel approaches to increase regulatory efficiency to be tested.

Question 5: How has Fisheries and Oceans Canada ensured the protection of Copper Redhorse with respect to the Contrecoeur project?

We are fully committed to protecting the Copper Redhorse while this project advances.
The project has been rigorously reviewed and has met high environmental and regulatory standards, including those under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act.
An environmental monitoring program of more than ten years is planned to ensure environmental standards are met, including those for the protection of Copper Redhorse.
My department will fully cooperate in the judicial review process that has been initiated in relation to the Fisheries Act authorization that was issued for the project.

Background

Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring in or near water (freshwater and marine) that could have impacts on fish and fish habitat. The Department receives over 5,000 referrals per year, and issues approximately 200 Fisheries Act Authorizations spread across every industrial sector in Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is an important federal expert providing advice on fish and fish habitat in the context of federal Impact Assessments led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

For several years, the Department has been developing new tools to make the regulatory process more predictable and transparent while strengthening the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.

Progress has included the provision of new and improved guidance to proponents, such as new Codes of Practice that provide guidance on how to avoid or mitigate risks to fish and fish habitat so that they do not have to apply to the Department for project review, and new Standards that provide clear mitigation guidance up front to make the regulatory process more efficient.

The Building Canada Act was passed in June 2025, and a new Major Projects Office was created and announced in August 2025. Through the Act, the Government will get projects of national interest built by focusing on a small number of executable projects and shifting the focus of federal reviews from “whether” to build these projects to “how” to best advance them. The Department is working with the Privy Council Office and other federal departments and agencies to support the Act’s implementation.

For Projects of National Interest, the Major Projects Office will be responsible for creating a single set of conditions for proponents. The conditions will be based on advice from regulators, including DFO.

On September 5, 2025, DFO published its Red Tape Review Progress Report, in response to the Government’s 60-day call for all Ministers to review regulations in their portfolios and propose actions and measures to eliminate red tape––including removing outdated regulations, reducing duplication with provincial rules, and making it easier to access and deliver services. In the report, DFO committed to taking actions to:

Complete reviews of all National Interest projects within two years;
Implement simplified approaches to low-risk and routine projects; and
Streamline the approach to higher-risk and major projects.

These actions will result in the provision of timely project advice, implementation of risk-based approaches, and an increased level of service to proponents through changes to policies, guidance, and regulations.

The Budget Implementation Act proposes amendments to the Red Tape Reduction Act granting all federal departments—including DFO—new authority to issue Orders that exempt certain activities from existing regulations. For DFO, this would include the option to make exceptions to the regulations that set out application requirements for project proponents seeking a Fisheries Act authorization. The passage of these amendments would contribute to the implementation of the Government’s Building Canada Strong agenda by increasing the Department’s flexibility in the regulation of innovative projects and allow novel approaches to regulation in a controlled environment to be tested.

Contrecoeur Port Project

The expansion project of the Port of Montreal in Contrecœur was referred to the Major Projects Office in September 2025 as a project of national importance aimed at increasing port capacity along the St. Lawrence corridor.

The project requires major work, including dredging and the construction of new infrastructure in the St. Lawrence river. The project will impact the habitat of the Copper Redhorse, which is a fish species endemic to Québec and listed as endangered. Its range is limited. The Governments of Canada and Québec have been investing in recovery efforts for more than 20 years.

The Fisheries Act authorization issued by DFO to the Montreal Port Authority for the project also serves as a permit under the Species at Risk Act. It allows for the destruction of a portion of the Copper Redhorse’s critical habitat equivalent to approximately 1.8 hectares (180 metres by 100 metres) subject to numerous conditions, including that habitat losses be offset through the construction of rock structures designed to create aquatic vegetation beds in a heavily disturbed section of the river.

These measures are intended to maintain or improve habitat conditions for the Copper Redhorse and are supported through a requirement for an environmental monitoring program of at least ten years to ensure standards are met.

On February 9, 2026, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS /SNAP) and the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement announced that they had filed an application for judicial review in Federal Court, challenging the legality of the authorization, which they argue is inconsistent with the requirements of the Species at Risk Act.

F39 – Ghost Gear

Since the establishment of the Ghost Gear Program in 2019, Canada has become a global leader in addressing abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, known as ghost gear.
With the help of our partners, more than 43,300 units, or over 2,540 tonnes of gear as well as more than 970 km of rope have been removed from Canadian waters.
The second International Fishing Gear Innovation Summit held in Moncton, New Brunswick in February 2025 brought together global experts to discuss innovative whalesafe and ghost gear solutions. We will continue working with harvesters and experts to reduce ghost gear.

If pressed on the Canadian Ghost Gear Action Plan

Engagement with partners and stakeholders on the development of a Canadian Ghost Gear Action Plan is ongoing, with workshops continuing until the spring. The Plan will be completed in 2027 and will outline regulatory tools and gear management practices to address ghost gear into the future.

Background

The term 'ghost gear' refers to any fishing gear that has been abandoned, lost, or discarded, for example nets, line, rope, traps, pots, and floats. This marine pollution is some of the most harmful debris found in our oceans and can be fatal to fish, marine mammals, and other marine life, poses a navigation hazard, and breaks down into other forms of pollution such as micro-plastics.

The Government of Canada, working with partners and stakeholders, has made significant progress tackling lost fishing gear in Canada and abroad through the Ghost Gear Program.

Canada has been at the forefront of addressing this issue, signing on to the Global Ghost Gear Initiative in 2018, establishing a Ghost Gear Program in 2019, mandating lost gear reporting in 2020, creating an online Lost Gear Reporting System to facilitate meeting reporting requirements, and sharing lost gear reporting data with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative’s Data Portal in 2022, and again in 2025.

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 (2020-2025).

Since 2020, the Ghost Gear Fund contributed a total of $58.4 million to 144 projects. Since work began, the Department has supported the retrieval of more than 43,300 units of gear, accounting for more than 2,540 tonnes of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear removed from Canada’s waters, as well as over 970 km of rope. More than 3,500 dedicated gear retrieval trips have occurred as a result of the program.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada 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.

F40 – Scientific Processes

The Department ensures high standards of scientific excellence, impartiality, and transparency in its scientific activities including scientific peer review and safeguarding the integrity, credibility, and security of scientific research and data.
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.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada draws on the knowledge of a wide range of experts and continues to take concrete steps to strengthen its science function and to reinforce transparent, impartial, evidence-based peer review and scientific advice for decision-makers.

Question 1: How is fisheries science consolidated in fisheries management decisions?

Science plays a key role throughout the decision-making process at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, particularly in support of the implementation of the precautionary approach and to inform fishery management and resource allocation decisions.
The Department collects and analyzes information that helps us understand stock abundance and factors that may affect abundance, including how potential decisions or events may affect a 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 Canada considers the work done by other departmental scientists, as well as by partners and experts in Canada and around the world.
The Department is continuously reviewing its scientific processes to ensure they are objective, impartial, and evidence based.

Question 3: What is the Department doing to address concerns about research security?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada requires diverse scientific expertise to support a robust peer reviewed science advisory process. Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat meeting participants are selected for their expertise and knowledge related to the questions to be addressed at the meeting. This includes science experts internal and external to the Department.
My department is taking steps to adopt elements of the Government of Canada’s Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern. This policy is designed to protect Canada’s research by controlling funding for sensitive technology projects and making sure researchers are not connected to organizations that pose national security risks.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is updating Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat policies and procedures, including the Department’s Policy for Science Publications, to further mitigate any potential risks while ensuring scientific integrity.

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.

To help broaden the range of experts that can be drawn upon for its peer review processes, the Department has established an External Expert Identification Committee. The Committee helps to identify external experts to broaden the Department’s existing network and contributes expertise that supports peer reviewed science advice.

External experts complement internal scientific capacity by increasing diversity of thought and expertise, which enhances the rigor of the peer reviewed advice. In line with standard practice for international science organizations, DFO may reimburse the travel expenses of experts from outside of the Government of Canada, who travel to in-person CSAS meetings.

As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work of DFO and 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 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.

F41 – Oyster Diseases

The Department understands the importance of protecting the health of Canada's aquatic resources and the multi-billion dollar export market for fish and seafood products.
The oyster diseases, known as MSX and Dermo, pose no risks to human health or food safety, but are serious diseases that can cause significant mortality of both cultured and wild oysters.
The Department is collaborating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is the federal lead, as well as working with provinces and industry to mitigate the impacts of MSX and Dermo and respond to industry priorities related to these diseases.

Question 1: What measures are being taken to limit the spread of MSX and Dermo?

Since the first detections of MSX and Dermo in Canada, the Department’s laboratories have conducted tests to detect the diseases throughout the Atlantic provinces.
The Department is committed to continued collaboration with all parties to mitigate the evolving impacts of MSX and Dermo.
It is collaborating with the provinces through Introduction and Transfer Committees on the need to authorize the intentional release and transfer of live oysters. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides technical expertise on MSX and Dermo in an advisory role to these Committees.

Question 2: What is the Department doing to support MSX research?

The Department is providing more than $1 million in funding for external experts to support scientific research toward 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 are the resources available to harvesters impacted by the MSX?

Our Government remains committed to supporting the sustainability of the oyster industry and the resilience of the oyster harvesters through partnership with the provinces and engagement with stakeholders.
Support related to science, innovation, product diversification, and efficient business planning is available. Employment insurance measures that include usual income support and enhanced retraining opportunities funded through Budget 2025 are also available.
In October 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced close to $1 million in support for three projects to strengthen the Atlantic shellfish industry. This includes $613,964 to the University of Prince Edward Island for the development of a state-of-the-art diagnostic testing system.
My department is continuing to work collaboratively with provincial and territorial partners on the renewal and development of the Fisheries Funds. Among others, those Funds have the potential to support technology and equipment innovations that will help address current MSX and Dermo challenges.
I will continue to work diligently with members of the Atlantic caucus to ensure every effort continues to be made to mitigate the impacts of MSX and Dermo.

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 at CFIA’s request, research support, and scientific advice.

Since the first confirmed case of Multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX) in July 2024, and the first detection of Dermo in Canada in November 2024, DFO has conducted over 17,000 diagnostic tests for oysters. These efforts supported the CFIA’s decision-making and containment strategies, and the overall response during the outbreak reflected a strong federal effort marked by effective mobilization, robust testing capacity, and enhanced readiness for future aquatic animal health emergencies.

While both MSX and Dermo diseases pose no risks to human health or food safety, they are serious diseases for American oysters.

As of September 2, 2025, the CFIA declared the waters of Eastern Canada (i.e., New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec) as areas where both MSX and Dermo are present or very likely to be present. This means that the movement of oysters which are not yet ready for commercial sale for human consumption will be managed according to the CFIA’s Domestic Movement Control Program.

On Canada’s east coast, DFO regulates oyster movements with introductions and transfers licences under the Fishery (General) Regulations via the Introductions and Transfers Licencing Program. The licences 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 fish for aquaculture purposes, are assessed by federal-provincial/territorial Introduction and Transfer Committees, which have representation from DFO and provincial/territorial governments.

In November 2025, the Prime Minister met with the Honourable Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, to discuss the impacts of MSX and Dermo on the oyster industry. The Prime Minister asked that the federal government partner with the provincial government on a stabilization program to provide support to the oyster industry.

MSX

MSX is a disease in oysters caused by the parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni. It is a serious disease that can cause significant mortality of both cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica).

In Canada, the disease was first detected in Bras d’Or Lake, Nova Scotia in 2001, and it was found in the waters of Prince Edward Island in July 2024. Since then, it has been found in Quebec and most Atlantic provinces, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dermo

Dermo (Perkinsosis) is a disease in oysters caused by the parasite Perkinsus marinus. It is a serious disease that can cause significant mortality of both cultured and wild American oysters (Crassostrea virginica).

Based on tests conducted at DFO’s aquatic animal health laboratory in Moncton, CFIA confirmed a detection of Dermo disease in New Brunswick on November 19, 2024. Since then, Dermo has been detected in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and the Island of Newfoundland.

These were the first detections in Canada. Consequently, the CFIA notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the outbreak.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) Projects

AFF directly supported projects targeting MSX and Dermo, in addition to 17 projects delivered through third party initiatives, including:

The Verschuren Centre received $2.05 Million contribution on $2.7 Million in total project costs to research new advances on oyster survival under MSX;
The Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association received $48,000 contribution on $60,000 total projects costs to purchase oyster seed to spread on public oyster beds in an effort to offset the impacts of MSX;
Through third party delivery in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, 17 projects were funded, for total contribution amount of $1.9 Million and total project costs of $2.5 Million, for various activities including purchase of oyster nursery and hatchery equipment, as well as research and development on origins, impacts and mitigation strategies regarding MSX and Dermo.

F42 – Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Sea Lamprey Control Program

The Government recognizes the importance of the 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries and the vital work of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Government is committed to meeting its obligations under the 1954 Convention.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission has selected Fisheries and Oceans Canada to deliver the Canadian portion of the binational sea lamprey control program. I am proud of the work we do to support the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in achieving its mandate.
This year, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission identified that $9.2 million was needed for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to deliver the sea lamprey control program. From Canada’s $19.6 million annual commitment to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, an initial $8.5 million was appropriated to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Global Affairs Canada has transferred an additional $734,534 through the Estimates process to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to align with the amount set by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for the Department to deliver its portion of the binational program.

Question 1: The Order in Council makes it sound like a full transfer to Global Affairs Canada. Why has Fisheries and Oceans Canada received funds?

The Department is working closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure that implementation of the machinery of government is smooth and that Canada’s investment in the Great Lakes Fishery Commission is protected.
The Order in Council must be read in the context of other law, such as the Financial Administration Act. The division in flow of funds relates to the delivery of the sea lamprey control program by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Parliament appropriates funds to departments based on their responsibilities and one department cannot use funds appropriated to it to pay the salaries of employees in another department.
The $8.5 million appropriated for Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the beginning of the year is a portion of the total $9.2 million that the Great Lakes Fishery Commission approved for sea lamprey control this year. Through the Estimates process, Global Affairs Canada transferred the remaining $700,000.

Question 2: How can we be assured that Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not use funding intended for sea lamprey control for other purposes?

Each year departmental staff work with staff at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a plan for binational sea lamprey control program with a proposed budget. It is presented to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for approval. After all approvals, a detailed workplan for components of sea lamprey control that Fisheries and Oceans Canada will deliver and an associated expenditure budget is developed and signed.
Departmental staff provide quarterly reports to the Commission on how the funding has been used.
The Department has worked closely with Global Affairs Canada to ensure that implementation of the machinery of government was smooth and that Canada’s investment in the Great Lakes Fishery Commission is protected.

Question 3: Why can’t the sea lamprey control program and all the funding be transferred to Global Affairs Canada?

Given Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s mandates for fish habitat protection, invasive species prevention, and excellent aquatic science programs that support program delivery, it is a logical fit for the program to be delivered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff.

Background

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) was established by the 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between the United States of America and Canada, with the objective of protecting and sustaining the Great Lakes fishery; specifically combatting invasive sea lamprey, conducting scientific research, and facilitating the cooperative management of the fisheries among federal, provincial, state, and Native American management agencies via the Joint Strategic Plan for Management of Great Lakes Fisheries (1992).

The GLFC is comprised of eight Commissioners, four appointed by each of the United States (US) and Canada. It receives financial support from both countries, as contracting parties. The Commission appoints an Executive Secretary and the Executive Secretary appoints the staff (Secretariat). The Executive Secretary supports the Parties in the ongoing work of the Commission. GLFC Commissioners provide direction to the Secretariat, including on measures to protect and restore the fishery and mitigate sea lamprey, an aquatic invasive species.

The delivery of a binational sea lamprey control program is highly collaborative recognizing the importance of aquatic invasive species control to protect this high value fishery to both nations. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission delivers its mandate for the control program by working with agencies of the US and Canada, namely, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). GLFC has selected DFO as the Canadian delivery agent since the beginning and is happy with regional program delivery.

Budget 2022 increased Canada’s funding of the GLFC to $19.6M annually. With that increase, Canada is meeting its financial obligations to the GLFC. In October 2024, Ministerial responsibility of the GLFC file was transferred from DFO to Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The machinery of government change did not transfer control of all funding for this commission because GLFC has selected DFO as its Canadian delivery agent and under the Financial Administration Act, one department cannot have the funding for a program and staff in another Department. The GLFC Secretariat and some Canadian commissioners continue to lobby to have all funds transferred to GAC due to their ongoing concerns as to how DFO has managed the funds in the past.

In 2025-26, Parliament appropriated $8.5M of the $19.6M total to DFO for delivery of the sea lamprey control program. GAC received the remainder of the funding ($11.1M) and transferred $734,534 to DFO to make up the difference between what was provided to DFO and the $9.2M that GLFC approved for DFO in 2025-26 to deliver the program.

In Canada, the Province of Ontario regulates the commercial and recreational fisheries, requiring close cooperation between the two orders of government.

F43 – MSC Baltic III

My department’s key priorities include protecting marine ecosystems, ensuring navigational safety and minimizing socio-economic impacts, particularly on fisheries and the coastal communities.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports the Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada, who are the lead authorities for operational response and environmental protection, respectively.
The vessel is expected to remain grounded over the winter. My department will support the Canadian Coast Guard’s review of a plan to remove the vessel once it is received from the Responsible Party. This review will assess compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and ensure that potential environmental impacts are avoided or appropriately mitigated.

Background

On February 15, 2025, the cargo ship MSC Baltic III lost power and ran aground 12 nautical miles outside the entrance to Bay of Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador. All 20 crew members were successfully airlifted from the vessel by the Canadian Armed Forces.

At the time of the incident, the ship was carrying approximately 1.5 million litres of heavy fuel and marine diesel and 471 shipping containers onboard. There are now currently 65 containers submerged or partially submerged on the vessel and estimated 50 m3 mixed oily water and 13.5 m3 of residual heavy fuel oil which continues to be monitored to ensure no environmental damage occurs and undue risks to the public.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will be monitoring the MSC Baltic III throughout the winter months. Ballast water has been added to the vessel to help with stability, and hatches and doorways will be sealed to help prevent water from transferring throughout the vessel.

The incident has garnered significant media attention and stakeholder concerns notably from the province, municipality, the Qalipu First Nation, and industry representatives such as the Fish Food and Allied Workers who are concerned about the risk of pollutants and the potential impact on the fisheries in the area.

Federal Roles and Responsibilities

CCG is the lead agency overseeing the operational response to the MSC Baltic III grounding, including coordinating all emergency actions under the Incident Command System, stabilizing the vessel to prevent further damage, managing pollution control and spill containment, and ensuring navigational safety. Additionally, CCG engages stakeholders such as provincial authorities and Indigenous communities to maintain transparency and safety throughout the incident.

Environment and Climate Change Canada serves as the lead authority for environmental pollution response in the MSC Baltic III incident. Its role includes providing expertise on pollution trajectory modeling, monitoring water quality and wildlife impacts, and advising on mitigation measures to protect sensitive ecosystems.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada provides specialized scientific and regulatory support focused on protecting marine ecosystems and minimizing socio-economic impacts, particularly on fisheries and coastal communities. This includes identifying marine sensitivities and fisheries data, advising on mitigation measures, and assessing potential impacts on fish and fish habitat.

G – Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation

G44 – Food, Social and Ceremonial Fisheries

The right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes is protected under section 35 of the Constitution, and I recognize the importance of this right to Indigenous communities.
My department issues food, social, and ceremonial fishing licences to Indigenous communities to support the implementation of their constitutionally-protected right. This is informed by consultation with Indigenous communities and is prioritized after conservation.
Fishery officers and guardians work with Indigenous communities to ensure fishing for these purposes occurs in accordance with the conditions of licences and the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations.

Question 1: What is being done to combat sale of food, social and ceremonial harvest?

Fish caught for food, social and ceremonial purposes cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The Department works with Indigenous communities in the monitoring and reporting of this fishing.
Fishery officers monitor activities on and off the water, and use a range of enforcement methods, including education, warnings, and when warranted, arrest (that is, detainment and subsequent release), and/or the laying of charges.
The Department has engaged with several First Nations in Atlantic Canada on food, social and ceremonial management measures that are intended to support the Aboriginal right to fish for these purposes in a sustainable and orderly manner while preventing the commercialization of lobster outside of the commercial fishing seasons.

Question 2: How is the Department further implementing food, social and ceremonial fishing?

Food, social and ceremonial fishing varies by community throughout the year and is not always aligned with commercial fishing seasons or areas.
The Department continually consults and engages with Indigenous communities on their food, social and ceremonial interests, whether related to requests for new access or fisheries management measures.
Financial contributions through the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy support development of community-based capacity to manage and monitor food, social and ceremonial harvesting.

Background

Court decisions, particularly the 1990 Supreme Court of Canada Sparrow decision, have found that certain Indigenous groups have the right to fish for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. Although the Courts have affirmed this right only for certain Indigenous groups, following Sparrow, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) established a policy to broadly provide FSC access to Indigenous groups across the country. This includes both Section 35 rights holders as well as certain other Indigenous organizations.

Typically, FSC licences are issued following consultations with Indigenous communities, and conditions of the licence are based on specific considerations raised by each community. In many instances, collaboration between the Department and Indigenous communities on the management of FSC harvesting is high, and the Department provides funding to support Indigenous participation in the management of FSC harvesting. In other instances, relationships between the Department and communities are challenging and, in those instances, consultation or collaborative management is a less prominent feature.

The longstanding Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy and Aboriginal Aquatic Resource and Oceans Management programs provide a platform for continuous collaboration and capacity building as Indigenous communities and organizations manage FSC harvests and contribute knowledge and technical expertise to the management of fisheries, habitat, and aquatic ecosystems.

Many Indigenous communities are calling on the Department to enable greater roles for Indigenous communities in fisheries management, including defined roles in FSC fisheries decision-making. In line with the existing legislative functions of the Minister, and their responsibilities to enable the exercise of fishing rights, the Department continues to engage with communities to explore opportunities for deeper Indigenous involvement in FSC management.

Recently in the Maritimes Region, the Department consulted with two First Nation communities on new conditions of licence to promote the intended purpose of FSC fishing and to help deter the commercialization of FSC lobster. Amended FSC licences were issued in August 2025, and the Department will continue to consult with other communities regarding updated conditions of licence.

Since 2022, the Department has been working on making improvements to FSC lobster management in the Maritimes Region, including via consultation with implicated First Nations. In response to specific orderly management and commercialization concerns over the last few years, the Department further focused on consultation with a few First Nations in 2025. This renewed consultation sought to promote the intended purpose of FSC fishing and deter the commercialization of FSC lobster by better aligning conditions of licence with FSC interests while enhancing traceability and catch reporting requirements. Following consultation, some FSC licences have been amended to implement changes, and the Department will continue to consult with other communities regarding improved conditions of licence, as needed.

G45 – Indigenous Moderate Livelihood Fishing

In the 1999 Marshall decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood, in accordance with the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1760-61.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to work with Treaty Nations to support Indigenous communities’ right to fish and to further implement the right through various Indigenous programs and initiatives.
The Government’s work to implement the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood is ongoing. We will continue to further implement the right in a manner that reflects the interests of Indigenous communities and is consistent with Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s responsibility to manage the fisheries sustainably.

Question 1: How will the Government ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the fishing licences (“access”) needed to exercise their rights?

Increased funding under the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative’s Community-Based Access Acquisition component will support Treaty Nations to increase and diversify their participation in the fishery.
The willing buyer-willing seller approach remains the Department’s preferred approach to obtain access for rights-based fishing, as it promotes conservation, transparency and stability in the fishery.

Question 2: Can the Government provide any catch data for Lennox Island First Nation?

Recent enforcement actions in Malpeque Bay (trap seizures by Fisheries and Oceans Canada) have involved Lennox Island First Nation fishers.
Specific landings information for the community cannot be shared as per the Privacy Act.

Background

The Supreme Court of Canada formally recognized a right of Indigenous people in the Maritime provinces and the Gaspé region of Quebec to hunt and fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood in the 1999 Marshall decisions. This treaty right applies to 35 Indigenous communities (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.”

Since 2000, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has invested just over $1 billion in fishing licences, vessels, gear, and training to help increase and diversify Treaty Nations’ participation in commercial fisheries, and to advance the implementation of the right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. This includes ongoing programmatic funding to 2027. These investments have resulted in meaningful economic benefits that continue to increase year-over-year. The annual value for Treaty Nations’ commercial fisheries landings increased from $3 million in 1999 to $144.2 million in 2024.

In 2017, DFO launched the Rights Reconciliation Agreement (RRA) process with Treaty Nations, with a mandate to negotiate enhanced fisheries collaborative management, fisheries governance and increased fisheries access, all while recognizing but not defining the moderate livelihood right. The RRA mandate expired in April 2023, with DFO concluding seven RRAs with 15 Treaty Nations (representing 42 per cent of the total Treaty Nations’ population).

In 2024, DFO began implementing a renewed approach to further implement the right. This approach is supported by $259.4 million over three years starting in 2024-25, of which $244.3 million is for the Community-Based Access Acquisition (CBAA) initiative; and $15.1M for the extension of the Treaty-Related Measures (TRM) program until March 2027. The CBAA builds upon existing DFO programming and is available to Treaty Nations. It is the primary method for attaining access via transactions between willing buyers and willing sellers on the open market.

The TRM funding has been provided to support capacity to continue exploratory discussions on collaborative fisheries management with Treaty Nations who did not sign an RRA, as well as to support agreement renewal with Treaty Nations who did.

Lennox Island First Nation (LIFN), in Prince Edward Island, is amongst the very few Indigenous communities within the Gulf Region that have undertaken a moderate livelihood lobster fishery (which they refer to as a “treaty protected fishery”). Through an Expression Of Interest (EOI) process in 2023, DFO was able to acquire three (3) commercial lobster licences within Lobster Fishing Area 24 in order to offset the fishing effort from LIFN’s moderate livelihood fishery by up to 1,000 traps. This is in addition to the 26 commercial communal lobster licences already held by the community. The LIFN moderate livelihood fishery is concurrent to the commercial season, and follows all the same conservation measures. Specific landings information for the community cannot be shared as per the Privacy Act.

The Department continues to have regular and frequent meetings at various levels with fishing industry stakeholders to answer questions about moderate livelihood fishing and provide industry with an opportunity to share its views. However, many industry stakeholders remain critical of being excluded from discussions with Treaty Nations and what they perceive as a lack of transparency regarding Canada’s long-term approach to rights-based fishing.

G46 – Fisheries Reconciliation Agreements in British Columbia

My department works with First Nations in British Columbia to advance their rights and interests related to fisheries, including through negotiated fisheries reconciliation agreements.
Fisheries reconciliation agreements support Canada’s commitment to increase Indigenous prosperity and food security, and advance self-determination of Indigenous peoples. They also strengthen stability and predictability in the fisheries sector and benefit our economy.

Question 1: How do fisheries reconciliation agreements impact fish stocks?

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks is my top priority.
In some cases, my department uses a voluntary licence relinquishment, or willing buyer-willing seller approach, to offset any increases to First Nations’ access. In other cases, First Nations may receive funding for access, vessels, and gear through reconciliation agreements, which they may then use to acquire commercial licences on the open market.

Question 2: What is the impact of First Nation fisheries agreements on commercial and recreational fisheries?

In general, fisheries reconciliation agreements may include funding for bilateral collaborative processes, fisheries programming, and the acquisition of fisheries access, vessels, and gear on the open market.
These agreements do not create any new or exclusive fishing areas, nor do they change the existing fisheries licensing regime or my authority under the Fisheries Act.
The Government of Canada remains committed to advancing reconciliation, and to working with harvesters, coastal and Indigenous communities to support continued prosperity from fish and seafood.

Question 3: Will licences, or the Department’s licensing regime for fisheries, change under new Musqueam or A-tlegay fisheries agreements?

Nations will use funding (called access, vessels, and gear funding) provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to acquire commercial licences on the open commercial market through a willing-buyer willing-seller approach. I retain management authority on all fishing licences.
The amount spent on access, vessels, and gear is limited to a portion of the total contribution amount to minimize impacts to market prices. No new licences or fisheries are being created. New access will be obtained by the A-Tlegay Member Nations and Musqueam through purchasing existing commercial quota and/or licenses.
Through the implementation of certain reconciliation agreements and treaties, the Department may collaborate with First Nations to design fisheries that reflect how Nations want to fish. These will occur using existing licence types and within the total catch limits defined for fisheries on each species.

Question 4: How do these agreements impact the Minister’s decision-making on fisheries?

Even under collaborative governance arrangements, which creates forums for discussion and joint recommendations, I retain my authority under the Fisheries Act andon all fisheries related decisions.
To be as clear as possible, while collaborative decision making through collaborative arrangements is the goal, I retain ultimate authority on all fisheries under their jurisdiction.

Background

Historically, the federal Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right Policy were the main negotiation processes for addressing outstanding issues relating to Aboriginal rights and title through treaty-making with Indigenous communities.

Since 2015, Canada has been working with many of its negotiating partners to explore new approaches and ways to reach agreements through Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD) discussions. The RIRSD process enables Canada and Indigenous communities to negotiate agreements that aim to recognize and implement Aboriginal rights and support self-determination in ways that reflect the distinct rights, needs, and priorities of each community. Unlike modern treaties, RIRSD agreements—also known as reconciliation agreements—are time-limited, do not define rights, and are not constitutionally protected.

Further, in 2019, the Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia was co-developed by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) and the First Nations Summit. It is founded on section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The new Policy formally replaces the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right policies for treaty negotiations in BC, and enables incremental, flexible, innovative, and collaborative approaches to the negotiation of treaties and other arrangements, including fisheries reconciliation agreements, with First Nations in BC.

To date, four reconciliation agreements related to fisheries have been concluded in BC with 20 First Nations: the Coastal First Nations Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement (2021), with Haida, Metlakatla, Gitxaala, Gitga’at, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Wuikinuxv, Nuxalk, Heiltsuk (2021), Tsilhqot’in Nation Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement (2019 and renewed in 2024), the Heiltsuk Hailcistut Increment House Post Agreement (2019-2023) and the Incremental Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources with Ahousaht, Ehattesaht/Chinekint, Hesquiaht, Mowachaht/Muchalaht and Tla’o’qui’aht Nations (2024).

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has signed three new agreements with six First Nations in February 2026. These are the A-Tlegay Member Nations (K’ómoks, Kwiakah, Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, and Wei Wai Kum) Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries Resources, and the Musqueam Stewardship and Marine Management Agreement, and the Musqueam Fisheries Agreement with the Musqueam Indian Band.

In short term, DFO anticipates reaching 10 additional fisheries reconciliation agreements with 10 First Nations in BC. These agreements are expected to strengthen nation-to-nation relationships between DFO and the 10 implicated communities, promote increased First Nations self-determination in fisheries management, and improve socio-economic outcomes for these communities by increasing their access to fisheries resources and promoting greater participation (including new jobs and training opportunities) in fisheries management and decision-making activities. Further, the agreements are expected to support increased stability and predictability in the fisheries sector.

Concluding fisheries reconciliation agreements supports Canada’s commitment to increase Indigenous long-term wealth, prosperity, and food security, and advance Indigenous self-determination. These agreements are aligned with the DFO-led Action Plan Measure 37 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Action Plan, which states that Canada will “in a manner that is measurable, enhance collaborative tools agreements and transparent approaches to better deliver on the collaborative design, development, delivery and management of fisheries, as well as conservation and protection of fish habitat.” These agreements can also support First Nations on a pathway to treaties. DFO and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will continue to pursue fisheries-related collaborative governance opportunities through nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government negotiations.

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Date modified:: 2026-10-05

Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) - Ministerial Appearance

Table of contents

A – Opening Remarks

B – Departmental Overview

B1 – Enabling Divestiture of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation

Question 1: Why is the Government divesting the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation?

Question 2: How will remote Indigenous harvesters be served?

Question 3: Why did officials decline to appear at POFO?

Question 4: Why did officials publicly appear at FOPO?

Background

B2 – Budget 2025 and Comprehensive Expenditure Review

Question 1: To meet the ongoing Comprehensive Expenditure Review target of 15 per cent, what is the financial impact to the Department, in dollars?

Question 2: What will be the impact on programs, services to Canadians and the workforce?

Background

B3 – 2025-26 Supplementary Estimates C

Background

C – Senate Specific Notes

C4 - Status of recommendations from the May 2024 report, Sealing the Future: A Call to Action

Question 1: What actions have been taken by the Department since this report was tabled?

Question 2: What has the Government done to counter misinformation and disinformation about Canada’s seal populations, seal harvest, and seal products industry by promoting credible sources of information?

Background

C5 - Moderate Livelihood Implementation

Question 1: How will the Government ensure that Indigenous Peoples have the fishing licences (“access”) needed to exercise their treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood?

Background

C6 - Ocean Carbon Sequestration

Question 1: How does ocean carbon sequestration fit into Canada’s climate strategy?

Question 2: How are risks to fish and fish habitat from ocean carbon sequestration technologies managed?

Background

D – Impacts and Supports for the Fish and Seafood Sector

D7 – Fisheries Funds

Question 1: What is the Government’s long-term plan for the Fisheries Funds?

Question 2: How is the Department supporting fisheries impacted by tariffs?

Background

D8 – Tariffs on Canadian Fish and Seafood

Question 1: What progress has Canada made in addressing China’s tariffs?

Question 2: What progress has Canada made in addressing United States tariffs?

Question 3: How is the Government of Canada supporting the sector to mitigate the impact of tariffs?

Background

D9 – International Market Access and Canada’s Ocean Economy

Question 1: What is the Department doing to support trade diversification?

Question 2: What is the Department doing to support the sector in meeting the European Union Catch Certification requirements?

Question 3: Is Canada compliant with the United States’ Marine Mammal Protection Act to ensure its access to the U.S. market?

Background

D10 – Next Generation of Licence Holders

Question 1: What challenges are aspiring licence holders facing?

Background

D11 – Investing in Small Craft Harbours

Question 1: How does the Small Craft Harbours program prioritize investments in infrastructure?

Question 2: Why are certain busy harbours belonging to Fisheries and Oceans Canada being barricaded, impacting the ability of harvesters to earn a living?

Background

D12 – Fish Harvester Safety

Question 1: What initiatives has the Department undertaken to ensure fish harvester safety?

Question 2: How does the Department work with its partners to ensure fish harvester safety?

Background

E – Fisheries and Aquaculture Management

E13 – Fisheries Decision-Making

Question 1: Who makes decisions?

Question 2: How does advice from advisory committees inform decision-making?

Background

E14 – Fish Stock Rebuilding

Question 1: What work has the Department completed to date?

Question 2: What are the Department’s plans moving forward to advance the Fish Stocks provisions?

Background

E15 – Fisheries Act Review

Question 1: Will the Department implement recommendations from the House Standing Committee’s report?

Background

E16 – Fisheries Act Enforcement

Question 1: What are the details of a certain case before the courts?

Question 2: What are the enforcement efforts in relation to moderate livelihood fisheries?

Question 3: Are there sufficient enforcement efforts related to Fisheries Act activities?

Question 4: Why are more Fisheries Act offences not prosecuted?

Question 5: Do Fishery officers encounter political interference?

Background

E17 – Unauthorized Lobster Fishing in Atlantic Canada

Question 1: What is the Department doing to address the issue of unreported cash sales of lobster?

Question 2: What are the enforcement efforts in relation to unauthorized lobster fishing in Atlantic Canada?

Background

E18 – Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

Question 1: What enforcement mechanisms does Canada use to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?

Question 2: How is Canada supporting international partners and what investments are being made?