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Blue Economy: Targeted Regulatory Review – Regulatory Roadmap

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Executive summary

The blue economy regulatory roadmap (roadmap) was developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in partnership with Transport Canada (TC), Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and the National Research Council (NRC). It is designed to address regulatory and operational challenges and explore innovative approaches to seize emerging opportunities within the blue economy. This roadmap is a key outcome of the Blue Economy Regulatory Review and outlines initiatives departments and agencies are committing to undertake that will enhance the ability of communities and businesses that rely on the ocean economy to grow responsibly, resulting in benefits for all Canadians.

The roadmap builds upon the groundwork laid by the Blue Economy Strategy engagement, where DFO heard a clear need for regulatory changes from a diverse range of partners and stakeholders. A targeted engagement process was conducted from December 14, 2022, to March 31, 2023, to further inform the Blue Economy Regulatory Review, and input was sought across 5 thematic areas. This engagement process sought input from a diverse range of partners and stakeholders within the ocean industry, Indigenous communities, other government entities, as well as concerned organizations and individuals with an interest in blue economy regulatory matters. Following completion of the engagement process, a range of initiatives are being advanced under the following thematic areas:

Certain issues or areas were not addressed in this regulatory review, either because they are already in progress or fall outside the scope of the Blue Economy Regulatory Review. Nevertheless, all issues, including any in-scope issues raised that are not being addressed through this roadmap, have been communicated to relevant departments and agencies for information and consideration and may be examined through other mechanisms.

Departments and agencies are committed to implementing these roadmap initiatives and transparently communicating results to partners and stakeholders. Updates on progress will be provided, and ongoing actions are expected to contribute to a more adaptable and responsive regulatory system for Canada's blue economy.

Introduction

Through the Targeted Regulatory Reviews (regulatory reviews), the Government of Canada examines existing regulations and regulatory practices to identify opportunities to support economic growth and innovation, while continuing to protect the health, safety, and security of Canadians and the environment. The regulatory reviews are coordinated by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) in partnership with federal departments and agencies.

These reviews lead to the development of plans of action called regulatory roadmaps. Roadmaps outline government time-committed initiatives that can include changing legislative and regulatory authorities, updating policies and practices, and identifying opportunities to support emerging technologies. In support of openness and transparency, these roadmaps are published online.

The Blue Economy Regulatory Review was launched in December 2022 by DFO in partnership with TBS to examine regulatory practices that are bottlenecks to economic growth and innovation, while continuing to prioritize health, safety, security, and environmental responsibilities in the blue economy. The Blue Economy Regulatory Review also sought to examine the impact of regulations on advancing ocean innovation, identifying regulatory and administrative obstacles hindering environmentally sustainable growth and exploring strategies for fostering the creation of adaptive regulations to meet the needs of forward-thinking ocean industries.

This roadmap is a key outcome of the Blue Economy Regulatory Review and outlines initiatives departments and agencies are committing to undertake, within pre-determined timelines, that will better allow communities and businesses that rely on the ocean economy to grow responsibly, resulting in benefits for all Canadians. The roadmap was led by DFO and developed in partnership with other government departments, including TC, ISED, NRCan, and the NRC.

The regulatory reviews are one of several initiatives led or coordinated by TBS to support the modernization of the Canadian regulatory system, including:

Context on the Blue Economy Strategy

Canada is an oceans’ leader, recognized around the world for expertise in ocean science, sustainable management and emergency response. We are committed to developing and implementing effective and innovative solutions. To that end, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is leading the development of a Blue Economy Strategy, which will position Canada to seize emerging, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth opportunities while helping to regenerate ocean health and build resilience in Canada’s coastal and rural communities. According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health. This strategy will aim to foster a sustainable blue economy in which restored ocean health supports coastal communities and Indigenous peoples with long-term livelihoods in technologically advanced and resilient marine sectors. 

Between February 8 and June 15, 2021, a comprehensive public engagement process was conducted to inform the Blue Economy Strategy. It involved gathering input in response to the questions presented in the Blue Economy Strategy Engagement Paper and conducting a series of roundtable discussions with key partners and stakeholders in the ocean sector. These discussions specifically centered on strategies for enhancing the involvement of Canadians in ocean-related activities and optimizing the advantages provided by our oceans in sustainable ways. Throughout this period, more than 1,600 Canadians shared their insights and ideas regarding the formulation of Canada's Blue Economy Strategy.

To summarize the feedback received during the engagement process, on March 11, 2022, What We Heard: Engaging on Canada's Blue Economy Strategy was published. Throughout this process, DFO heard from partners and stakeholders on the need for regulatory changes. Concerns were raised regarding inconsistency in decision-making across jurisdictions, as well as a lack of transparency regarding the factors that influence decision-making. The importance of regulations being adaptable and responsive to innovation and emerging sectors was also emphasized. Furthermore, partners and stakeholders noted that Canada's existing regulations were outdated and overly cumbersome in accommodating the evolving needs of the blue economy. Current regulations were also viewed as inadequate for ensuring predictability and certainty in industry operations.

This feedback highlighted the value of dedicated efforts to further explore regulatory issues in the context of the blue economy and informed the approach pursued for the Blue Economy Regulatory Review.

Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement process

Building upon the groundwork laid by the Blue Economy Strategy engagement, a targeted engagement process to inform the Blue Economy Regulatory Review was conducted from December 14, 2022, to March 31, 2023. This engagement process actively sought input from a diverse range of partners and stakeholders within the ocean industry, Indigenous communities, other government entities, as well as concerned organizations and individuals with an interest in blue economy regulatory matters.

More than 100 organizations and individuals contributed their insights and ideas regarding regulatory challenges that impact the blue economy. This input was collected in response to 5 thematic areas presented in the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement on the Let's Talk Federal Regulations website. These 5 themes stemmed from input provided by stakeholders and partners on the Blue Economy Strategy, seeking additional input on barriers, irritants, and bottlenecks to enable effective and targeted action:

  1. Marine renewable energy and environmental protection 
  2. Marine spatial planning (MSP)
  3. Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)
  4. Ocean technology
  5. Sustainable fishing gear and practices

Following the engagement process, DFO worked jointly with TBS and other government departments and agencies to review and analyze the feedback received. These departments and agencies heard from partners and stakeholders on a wide variety of issues, including challenges with existing regulatory frameworks and opportunities for improved clarity, processes, and communication. Input shared through the engagement process was summarized and published in the What We Heard Report on the Blue Economy Regulatory Review and is described further in the sections below.

Regulatory roadmap initiatives

To respond to the issues raised in the engagement for the Blue Economy Regulatory Review, as well as earlier engagement on the Blue Economy Strategy, participating departments and agencies are bringing forward 13 initiatives in this regulatory roadmap to support a more modern, agile regulatory framework for Canada’s blue economy. The initiatives have been grouped into 5 themes, consistent with the themes explored during the engagement process.

Theme 1: Marine renewable energy and environmental protection 

With extensive coastal and inland waters, Canada possesses a significant opportunity to harness the energy from tides, ocean waves, and offshore winds (also known as marine renewable energy or MRE). Tidal projects are typically located closer to shore, deep within inland bays or at constrictive passages, such as in Minas Passage in the Bay of Fundy. By comparison, offshore wind and wave projects are typically located farther offshore, where winds and waves are stronger. While Canada’s MRE sector is still relatively small, there is growing interest in the role that MRE can play in producing non-emitting forms of energy, as part of the global transition to a net-zero economy. With this desire for increased activity, there will be a growing need for approval of MRE projects.

As with all development projects, the potential environmental impacts of MRE projects must be assessed before development proceeds. Various federal departments have regulatory authorities with respect to potential environmental impacts of MRE projects. For example, DFO conserves and protects aquatic ecosystems through the administration of relevant provisions of the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, to regulate works, undertakings, or activities that could result in harmful impacts to fish and fish habitat.

Feedback from Canadians concerning the blue economy underscored the paramount importance of maintaining the health and sustainable management of our oceans and marine resources. This is essential for fostering a blue economy that can support both current and future generations. Given the link between climate change and a healthy and sustainably managed ocean and marine environment, considerations for how to best maintain ocean protection while simultaneously facilitating, through efficient regulatory processes, a burgeoning MRE industry is paramount. This will be vital to ensuring that Canada’s oceans and other aquatic ecosystems are protected from increased negative impacts, while supporting the growth of the blue economy.

During the Blue Economy Strategy engagement, feedback consistently highlighted the challenges faced by MRE sectors within the existing regulatory framework for tidal energy projects, and the lack of a clear legislative and regulatory framework for offshore wind projects. These challenges stem from a lack of desired predictability and certainty for MRE sector operations. Partners and stakeholders also expressed a strong desire for increased transparency and greater flexibility in regulatory decision-making.

A recurring theme in the feedback from the Blue Economy Strategy engagement emphasized the interconnectedness of the blue economy with efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Many participants stressed the importance of aligning work on the blue economy with Canada's strengthened climate change plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, as well as the Government of Canada’s international commitments to ocean health and sustainable development.

Feedback from the engagement on the Blue Economy Regulatory Review echoed many of these same concerns. For instance, much of the feedback on the MRE theme in the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement centered around regulations and regulatory practices related to the review and authorization of MRE projects, specifically tidal energy. Several partners and stakeholders expressed concerns related to clarity, consistency, timeliness, and coordination in the decision-making process for tidal energy projects, while others expressed concerns related to the lack of a clear legislative and regulatory framework for offshore wind projects. Feedback received through the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement and other federally-led initiatives, such as the Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy Development in the Bay of Fundy, also highlighted the desire of project proponents for improved communication of regulatory and information requirements, and increased collaboration across federal departments and with provincial partners in supporting MRE projects. Further, partners and stakeholders identified that authorization processes for tidal energy projects are complex and time-consuming, leading to delays impacting the commercial and financial viability of projects. Participants also called for streamlined regulations for clean growth initiatives and emphasized the need to consider the potential benefits of MRE to support Canada’s climate change goals as part of the risk assessment and decision-making process.

While many participants expressed support for efforts to improve regulatory processes for MRE projects for economic and environmental reasons, other stakeholders cautioned that MRE development should consider potential impacts on existing ocean users, Indigenous and coastal communities, as well as fish harvesters, and the marine environment. Partners and stakeholders also emphasized the value of engagement and consultation with all implicated parties, to help ensure all views are considered as part of future assessments of proposed projects, and raised knowledge and data gaps related to species distribution and abundance, geospatial data, and the interaction between MRE technologies and the surrounding ecosystem (e.g. wind turbines and sea birds, tidal energy devices and marine life), noting that these gaps hinder a comprehensive understanding of associated risks.

Building on this input, the Government of Canada is advancing the following 4 initiatives under the marine renewable energy and environmental protection theme, to address areas where partners and stakeholders have expressed a desire for improvement. The Government of Canada is working to enhance regulatory efficiency for clean growth projects and the initiatives below align with the Government’s efforts to grow the clean economy and move to a net-zero future. These initiatives also build upon established resources, tools, and communication efforts directed at engaging with project proponents and conducting regulatory reviews.

Initiative 1: Advancing marine renewable energy legislation and regulations in the offshore

As noted above, several stakeholders expressed concern with a lack of a clear legislative and regulatory framework relating to MRE, raising that this is creating barriers to the sector’s development in Canada.  As a sector that is emerging in Canada and with large potential, Canada’s regulatory environment needs to keep pace with its development. The interest in developing offshore wind energy, in Atlantic Canada in particular, is growing and the federal and provincial governments are working together to integrate renewable energy into existing legislation and regulations. In response to stakeholder and partner feedback, the Government of Canada is undertaking the following actions.

Firstly, the Government of Canada is proactively developing the legislative and regulatory framework to enable the development and growth of MRE in the offshore. On May 30, 2023, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources introduced Bill C-49, an Act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act (Accord Acts), expanding the mandate of the existing Offshore Petroleum Boards to include offshore renewables.

Presently, the Accord Acts govern joint offshore petroleum resource management and revenue sharing between the federal government and the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, respectively. Bill C-49 aims to establish a new regulatory regime specifically for renewable energy projects offshore Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Bill C-49 is currently being considered in the House of Commons. Should the Bill be granted Royal Assent, the legislatures of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador would introduce and pass mirror legislation. Subsequently, the Offshore Petroleum Boards would become the Offshore Energy Regulators, serving as the life cycle regulators for offshore renewable energy projects in the Canada-Nova Scotia and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Accord Areas. The amended Accord Acts would provide a clear legislative framework for offshore renewable energy projects in the Canada-Nova Scotia and Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador joint management areas and enable the Offshore Energy Regulators to be the life cycle regulators for these projects.  Expanding the mandate of the existing offshore life cycle regulators reflects how other jurisdictions, such as U.K., U.S., Australia and Norway, are approaching the regulation of offshore renewable energy projects, and is familiar to industries that operate in other jurisdictions.     

Secondly, NRCan is actively involved, through its  Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations Initiative , in the development of offshore renewable energy regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, which is a continuation of work identified as part of the Clean Technology Roadmap in round 2 of the targeted regulatory reviews. The proposed Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations(CORER) would operationalize Part 5 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act and establish new, comprehensive requirements related to safety, security, and environmental protection for the offshore renewable energy sector in Canada. NRCan is proposing to use an outcome-based approach to ensure the regulations require the use of best industry practices over time as they evolve and encourage innovation in order to increase safety and environmental protection while reducing costs.  In addition, the proposed regulations would provide the Canada Energy Regulator with the appropriate regulatory tools to better position it in executing its responsibilities under the Act,provide industry with a clear understanding of regulatory expectations, and help ensure project proponents adopt best practices and best available technologies throughout the project lifecycle. This regulatory clarity would inform investment decisions and support the development of this sector.  This work will build on Canada’s experience in regulating other sectors, such as offshore oil and gas, and incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions with established renewable energy regulatory frameworks and experience. The proposed regulations would also serve as a foundation for drafting similar forthcoming regulations under the future amended Accord Acts, should Bill C-49 receive Royal Assent.

Through these measures, the Government of Canada is establishing the legislative and regulatory regime to enable a competitive and sustainable offshore renewable energy industry, encouraging innovation, and keeping administrative red tape low for industry, while upholding the highest standards for safety, security, and environmental protection.  

Timeline: These legislative and regulatory measures are expected to be completed in 2024-2025. Bill C-49 is currently moving through the parliamentary process. For more details, see Bill C-49 updates.

Lead: Natural Resources Canada

Contact:

Offshore Renewable Energy Group
Renewable and Electrical Energy Division
Natural Resources Canada
offshorerenewables-renouvelablesextracotieres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca  

Initiative 2: Developing information products to clarify the project review process

In response to the need for increased transparency of regulatory requirements and related information, DFO is committed to improving communication with project proponents and working with other federal departments to provide coordinated and consistent responses. To support this, DFO will:

Timeline: These efforts will be advanced in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Aquatic Ecosystems Branch
Ecosystems Management Directorate
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FFHPP-PPPH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Initiative 3: Exploring opportunities to improve review of clean growth projects 

DFO is exploring ways to clarify regulatory review processes for clean growth projects to reduce project delays, in line with the Government’s commitment in Budget 2023 to present a comprehensive strategy for streamlining federal permitting for major projects. DFO’s legislative framework for environmental protection is provided by the Fisheries Act, the Oceans Act, the Species at Risk Act, and associated regulations, policies, guidelines, and practices. This framework provides effective, efficient, and accountable review and decision-making processes that conserve and protect the aquatic environment and is supported by sound science. The framework also sets out the process by which DFO fulfills the duty to consult with Indigenous groups as outlined in section 35 of the Constitution Act and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups when the Government considers conduct that might adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights.

When applying the framework, the Department employs a risk-based approach to determine the likelihood and severity of potential impacts to fish and fish habitat that could result from a given work, undertaking, or activity. Further transparency on this approach would support clean growth initiatives navigating Canada’s regulatory framework.

Consistent with this, DFO is analyzing its policy and regulatory instruments to identify opportunities to clarify the review process for clean growth projects. To this end, DFO will:

This work will identify areas of improvement in DFO’s process for assessing proposed projects under their legislative and regulatory framework, by clarifying information and process requirements as well as strengthening the scientific evidence base used to support decision making.

Timeline: These initiatives will begin in fiscal year 2024-2025 and continue for approximately 3 years.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Aquatic Ecosystems Branch
Ecosystems Management Directorate
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FFHPP-PPPH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Initiative 4: Supporting increased collaboration and coordination among federal departments in support and regulation of MRE projects

Collaboration and coordination among federal departments in support and regulation of MRE projects is essential to creating a harmonized and efficient regulatory framework for MRE, which was strongly highlighted by stakeholders during the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement process. The Government is advancing several actions to support increased collaboration and coordination for MRE projects:

Timeline: DFO and NRCan are participating in and/or leading these tables and will continue to do so on an ongoing basis.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Aquatic Ecosystems Branch
Ecosystems Management Directorate
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FFHPP-PPPH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Contact:
Offshore Renewable Energy Group
Renewable and Electrical Energy Division
Natural Resources Canada
offshorerenewables-renouvelablesextracotieres@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Theme 2: Marine spatial planning (MSP)

MSP is an internationally recognized process underway in over 100 countries to address increasing demands on ocean space and multiple pressures on marine and coastal resources. Countries across North and Central America, Europe, Oceania, Asia and Africa are advancing ocean management using MSP as a collaborative and transparent approach to address blue economy opportunities alongside the need to protect marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them. MSP takes into consideration all activities and partners in an area to help make practical and informed decisions about the management of our oceans, by looking at an ecosystem as a whole.

Key drivers of MSP are to sustain and enable blue growth in existing and emerging ocean sectors (e.g., fisheries and marine renewable energy), to protect and conserve areas of high biodiversity, to address conflicts and trade-offs in crowded ocean areas, and to maximize the use of ocean space to achieve sustainable outcomes. MSP is identified as an essential process for advancing global ocean goals (e.g., Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life under Water), Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) Target 1Footnote 1, and the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (the Oceans Panel) commitment to sustainably manage 100 percent of our oceans.

Since 2018, DFO has advanced MSP in 5 marine areas in the Pacific North Coast, Pacific South Coast, Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy, Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves, and Estuary and Gulf of St Lawrence. The importance of planning activities in Canada’s oceans is recognized under Section 31 of the Oceans Act, which requires the Minister, along with other parties (e.g., federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous), to “lead and facilitate the development and implementation of plans for the integrated management of all activities or measures in or affecting estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters that form part of Canada or in which Canada has sovereign rights under international law.” As such, DFO works with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), TC, and NRCan to undertake MSP efforts in collaboration. The involvement of provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners who hold legal jurisdiction, authority, or obligations for ocean space management is encouraged, along with the participation of stakeholders. This inclusive approach aims to assemble dynamic governance arrangements in each planning area.

Several stakeholders and partners expressed their support for MSP in the Blue Economy Strategy engagement and recognized the pivotal role of effective spatial planning to bolster the blue economy. The aim of this theme, led by DFO, is to deepen engagement with Canadians in response to recommendations that emerged during the engagement, such as that Canada use MSP to bring business and investment communities together in the blue economy and ensure coastal communities are involved in decision-making. The Blue Economy Strategy What We Heard report noted that Canada needs strong, modernized legislation and regulations, including the Oceans Act, to enforce marine spatial plans and address today’s ocean issues through MSP. 

The Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement further highlighted the need for clarity on federal authority for MSP, the roles and responsibilities of federal regulators involved in MSP, and the importance of engaging with partners and stakeholders throughout the process, including improved collaboration and coordination at both the federal level and between the federal and provincial levels of government. Participants specifically sought clarity on the goals and outcomes of MSP, a better understanding of the MSP process, and insight into how potentially conflicting considerations in oceans management, such as achieving economic progress, addressing climate change, and carrying out conservation and restoration activities, will be reflected in the outcomes of MSP. This theme underscored a pronounced need for continued partner and stakeholder engagement.

Based on this feedback, to bolster clarity, purpose, and intent around MSP activities in Canada, DFO will advance policy measures outlining the how and when of MSP processes, the utilization of resulting plans, and the roles and responsibilities of all partners involved. Establishing policy on MSP will seek to better align our efforts with and contribute to Government of Canada ocean priorities. Enhancing federal governance would enhance predictability in making authoritative ocean management decisions, starting with coordinated action and increased consistency in how, where, and why MSP is undertaken.

Initiative 5: Advancing MSP Policy in Canada

This initiative will focus on validating MSP as a valuable tool to carry out integrated oceans management in Canada’s marine areas.  It is clear from recommendations during the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement and consultations on Target 1 of the KMGBF that MSP must reflect our vast amount of ocean space, unique marine jurisdictions, and the interests of our coastal partners and stakeholders. In response to what we have heard, DFO aims to enhance MSP policy and governance clarity through a phased approach:

This phased approach will establish clear principles and goals, alongside a well-defined and predictable process tailored to the Canadian context, while also aligning with international best practices. DFO-led policy development will legitimize MSP as a vital tool to support the economic potential of Canada’s oceans and achieve long-term, cross-sectoral ocean priorities of all relevant partners. 

Timeline: This initiative will progress in stages. The development of a policy statement/ departmental guidance is expected by 2026-2027, and a whole-of-government policy is expected to be complete by 2030-2031.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Strategic Policy Sector
Blue Economy Policy Directorate
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.ICOSecretariat-SecretariatCIO.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Theme 3: Maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) 

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), MASS is defined as a ship that, to a varying degree, can operate independent of human interaction. While still in the development phase, the operations of MASS for large international commercial vessels fall under the regulatory purview of the IMO.

MASS, as well as the interrelated themes of connectivity, automation, digitalization, robotics, and big data, will fundamentally reshape the marine sector – both domestically and internationally. Increased automation of ship controls, navigation functions, and operations represent an important opportunity to enhance Canada’s global competitiveness and the efficiency and reliability of our trade corridors, strengthen maritime safety and security, and contribute to economic  growth opportunities for Canadians.

Internationally, Canada is well-positioned to take advantage of this emerging technology. Canada already possesses a highly educated maritime and IT workforce that has extensive experience developing automated technologies for the automotive and remotely piloted aircraft (drone) industries. This MASS-enabled shift is expected to result in the creation of higher-skilled jobs, especially within the domains of computer science, artificial intelligence, and aerospace infrastructure (e.g., satellite communications and earth observation).

Despite these potential benefits, this technology could also be disruptive. Over the next decade, these innovations could impact employment, energy use, emissions, vessel design/operating requirements, and safety oversight frameworks. It may also change the types of skills and knowledge Canadian mariners need to compete globally. Canada needs to be prepared to mitigate the potential risks of these technologies, including cyber-resiliency, while maximizing its opportunities for Canadian industry. Therefore, it is important for the government to adopt a proactive but practical safety and security oversight approach to MASS, including advancing international efforts through the IMO to support the development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Shipping Code, which is currently scheduled to come into force in 2028.

As part of the Blue Economy Strategy engagement, stakeholders and partners conveyed that collaboration among industry, government researchers, and innovators is actively driving advancements in autonomous surface ship technologies, artificial intelligence navigation, and digital initiatives.

During the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement, stakeholders and partners identified a variety of issues relating to domestic and international MASS regulatory readiness, including safety, security, liability regimes, and labour considerations that should be monitored or addressed to enable a beneficial, efficient, and safe integration of MASS in Canada. Additionally, the need for expanded support to enable experimentation, innovation, and to address knowledge gaps has been expressed by stakeholders.

The following is a summary of stakeholder views on domestic MASS regulations. Specifically, stakeholders expressed an interest/need:

Informed by this feedback, TC, together with the NRC and ISED, is bringing forward the following 3 activity areas under the MASS theme.

Initiative 6: Advancing MASS through international engagement

The IMO has initiated the development of a non-mandatory goal-based MASS Code for cargo ships, expected in 2025, followed by a mandatory MASS Code that is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2028.

TC clearly heard stakeholders’ preference for Canada to align with the IMO’s proposed approach to MASS, to avoid regulatory barriers that domestic regulations would impose, should Canada decide to act in advance of the international community. As such, TC will continue to participate in the development of the IMO MASS Code, which will provide a framework for future domestic regulations. Participation in the development of the MASS Code will enable Canada to ensure the IMO takes into account Canadian stakeholders’ requirements. TC will play a leading role in the IMO Joint Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Legal Committee (LEG) and Facilitation Committee (FAL) working group, which were established to address common safety, legal, and facilitation issues relating to MASS across the IMO.

Additionally, TC will continue to engage on MASS matters in the various committees of the IMO. TC will also participate in various other international fora, such as the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships, the International Network for Autonomous Ships, the Smart Ship Coalition, and others. This international engagement helps to inform TC’s participation in the development of the IMO MASS Code.

TC also noted stakeholders’ interest in receiving interim guidance on authorizations for MASS deployments in Canada, in advance of an IMO MASS Code coming into force. In 2022-2023, TC published:

Timeline: The Tier I Policies were published in 2022-2023. The development of the IMO voluntary MASS code for cargo vessels is planned for 2025, and the mandatory MASS code is expected to be coming into force on January 1, 2028. 

Lead: Transport Canada

Contact:
Regulatory and International Affairs
Safety and Security Group
Transport Canada
MSSRegulations-ReglementsSSM@tc.gc.ca

Initiative 7: Convening domestic MASS stakeholders 

Domestic engagement with Canada’s MASS industry, government, academia, and other organizations is crucial to fostering the MASS industry in Canada. It enables MASS stakeholders to share their experiences, expertise, and knowledge about deploying MASS technologies in Canadian conditions, and to provide TC with valuable insights into MASS technology developments and related issues.

TC facilitates these engagements by convening domestic stakeholders through fora such as the bi-monthly TC/NRC-led Canadian Forum for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (CFMASS) and the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC).

TC’s MASS-related engagement through these fora will be informed by key MASS issues and topics as they emerge, as well as stakeholder needs and perspectives.

Timeline: Domestic engagement is ongoing through existing fora, including the semi-annual CMAC meetings, and bi-monthly CFMASS sessions.

Lead: Transport Canada and the National Research Council Canada

Contact:
Programs Group
Multi-Modal Technology Development Research and Testing
Transport Canada
tc.innovationcentre-centredinnovation.tc@tc.gc.ca

Initiative 8: Advancing domestic MASS research, development, and deployments

The Government of Canada is also investing in MASS-related research and development. Specifically:

Through these strategic initiatives, TC and other federal departments are dedicated to facilitating the integration of MASS in Canadian waters, prioritizing their safe, secure, and non-disruptive operations.

Timeline: Ongoing. While the NRC’s Ocean Program is scheduled to end in 2027, OCRE will continue to pursue MASS-related research in support of its strategic priorities of safe operations and zero-impact shipping.

Lead: Transport Canada

Contact:
Programs Group
Multi-Modal Technology Development Research and Testing
Transport Canada
tc.innovationcentre-centredinnovation.tc@tc.gc.ca

Theme 4: Ocean technology 

Canada's Ocean Technology sector is a cross-cutting advanced technology industry focused on products and services to understand, work in, or use the ocean. Canadian ocean technology companies are world-leading innovators in sensor technology, remote sensing (radar and acoustic), subsea vehicles/robotics, autonomous systems, harsh ocean environment technology, and marine simulation. Canada also has significant growth opportunities in emerging areas such as marine biotechnology, including health and pharmacology, bioremediation, and biofuels. Ocean technology is a key enabler and defined as a horizontal sector applicable to such ocean-based verticals as marine transportation, commercial fisheries, defence, offshore energy, environmental monitoring, and marine tourism.

During the engagement on the Blue Economy Strategy, stakeholders outlined various regulatory challenges impeding the development and commercialization of new ocean technologies. These challenges include a lack of clarity about the responsible regulatory departments, uncertainty regarding the application of general rules to novel processes and applications, difficulties in obtaining timely approvals, and the necessity to establish dedicated zones in the oceans for testing and demonstration purposes (e.g., for marine renewable energy and autonomous operation of marine vessels and vehicles).

During the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement, participants highlighted the importance of streamlining regulations to be clear, concise, and conducive to efficient multi-departmental engagement. They emphasized that this streamlined approach would significantly benefit the Canadian ocean technology industry by facilitating the testing and verification of new innovations, ultimately enhancing the commercialization potential of these technologies.

Leading industry stakeholders, representing a substantial portion of the Canadian ocean technology sector, underscored the necessity to future-proof regulatory frameworks to ensure that regulations keep pace with technological advancements and do not become outdated.

Participants also stressed that, given the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is an urgent need for regulations and policies to evolve accordingly. This adaptability is crucial to ensure that the marine environment and sectors dependent on the ocean can fully benefit from these advances.

To address this feedback, the NRC, with support from ISED, is advancing the following initiative under the ocean technology theme. These actions also complement the efforts noted above related to MASS, as an emerging ocean technology.  

Initiative 9: Leveraging Canadian ocean-focused test sites to support ocean technologies

ISED and the NRC are currently undertaking foundational work to support innovation across ocean sectors. Specifically, the NRC, with support from ISED, is leveraging existing infrastructure, namely ocean-focused test sites, to support industry in testing and validating ocean technologies in a real-world environment. NRC is also launching several projects, across diverse ocean sectors, which will support the development of ocean technology to tackle pressing ocean issues.

The NRC will support industry with research and subject matter expertise for testing and validating new technologies. Supported by ISED, the NRC will facilitate dialogue with operators of existing test sites and sites under development to solidify processes and partnerships. This will support key priorities relevant to government and the private sector, such as advancing marine decarbonization, and provide potential opportunities for regulatory bodies to engage with industry through in-situ demonstrations. These efforts will aid in attracting innovative enterprises to trial technologies in Canada, facilitate research and innovation partnerships and help  de-risk the adoption of novel technologies in industry and government operations.

In addition, NRC’s Ocean program is investing approximately $10 million (2021-2027) in collaborative research projects to support ocean focused test sites and technological innovation. Under the umbrella of the UN Decade project – a 10-year framework initiative to identify, generate, and use critical ocean knowledge to manage the ocean sustainably – the NRC, as a UN Decade implementation partner, will also launch up to 6 projects, all of which will support the development of ocean technology. These 6 projects were proposed in NRC’s application to be a partner in the UN Decade and align with NRC’s Ocean program priorities. These include efforts on coastal resilience through nature-based defenses, flood mapping technologies, micro and nano-plastics, zero-waste fish, seaweed aquaculture, and the use of MASS to advance marine decarbonization. These projects will also leverage existing infrastructure and test facilities to map flood zones in response to rising sea waters and increased extreme weather events including storm surges on Canadian coasts, research new sustainable solutions to extract more value from harvested and farmed fish in Canada, including the valorization of waste streams, explore interest in establishing a seedbank of climate resistant seaweed strains offering stable crops with consistent yields, biochemical attributes, and nutritional values, and improve the performance of physical assets within Canada's waterways with an emphasis on the shipping and renewable energy sectors. 

Ultimately, these efforts will support ocean technology development and commercialization, improving ocean health and supporting economic growth. They can also enable regulatory bodies to collaborate closely on other ocean technology-related testing, providing a mechanism to inform future regulatory efforts where appropriate.

Timeline:

NRC’s Ocean Program has invested $10 million in collaborative ocean focused research projects to support technological innovation and environmental stewardship. There are currently no plans to fund additional collaborative projects. However, should funds become available, the NRC is open to developing joint calls for proposals mapped to Ocean Decade priorities. 

Lead: National Research Council Canada

Contact:
NRC Ocean Program
National Research Council Canada
NRC.ContactOCRE-ContactezGOCF.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Theme 5: Sustainable fishing gear and practices 

Sustainable fisheries mean harvesting in a way that supports our present socio-economic objectives without compromising the ability to meet future needs. Non-target species, such as at-risk  whales and sea turtles, may become entangled in active fishing gear or abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (“ALDFG or ghost gear”), causing serious injuries or death and compromising the long-term recovery of these species. Recent studies indicate that ghost gear accounts for up to 70 per cent of macro-plastics in the ocean. Ghost gear also has a damaging impact on marine animals, the coastal and marine environment, and global fish stocks.

More sustainable fishing gear and measures to prevent and address the threat of fishing gear and ghost gear to species at risk are pivotal to supporting the whole of government’s effort to advance the circular economy, meeting requirements of the Species at Risk Act, achieving Canada's Zero Plastic Waste Agenda, and fulfilling our obligations under the Canada-Wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste. Reviewing policies and regulations around sustainable gear use is an important step in securing the future of our oceans.

Through the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement process, DFO sought input on sustainable fishing gear and practices in 3 focused areas: Ghost Gear, Emerging Gear Technologies, and associated licensing requirements to ensure the effective implementation of sustainable practices.

Consistent with this, partners and stakeholders reflected on the impact of fishing gear on the marine environment. Many voiced their support for sustainable fishing gear innovations, emphasizing their importance for industry growth without causing harm to ocean ecosystems. However, concerns emerged regarding the authorization process for testing and implementing these innovations and gear configurations. Participants stressed the importance of allowing flexibilities in the regulatory regime to promote and facilitate innovations (e.g., biodegradable fishing gear materials) and to prevent regulations from becoming a barrier to innovation.

Various marine stakeholders, including fishing organizations and their members, also highlighted the need to reduce the incidence of ghost gear.

Three primary challenges in combating ghost gear have been identified by both the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement as well as the implementation of DFO’s existing Ghost Gear Program:

  1. The scarcity of disposal and recycling facilities
  2. The necessity to promote, pilot, and develop new technologies
  3. The imperative to facilitate in-season gear retrievals

Finally, respondents called on the Government of Canada to sustain its ongoing initiatives supporting retrieval efforts, such as the Ghost Gear Fund (the grants and contributions portion of the Ghost Gear Program), and invest in collaborative testing opportunities for emerging 'whalesafe' gear technology, such as ropeless gear. Additionally, there were calls for incentives to encourage the adoption of new gear technologies.

To respond to feedback received, DFO is advancing 4 initiatives under the theme of sustainable fishing gear and practices, focusing on ghost gear and whalesafe gear.

Ghost Gear

Ghost gear is considered one of the most harmful forms of marine debris; while global data is limited, estimates indicate that ghost gear makes up as much as 70% of the weight of floating macroplastics in the 5 major ocean gyres. Furthermore, ghost gear is estimated to deplete 5% to 30% of harvestable fish stocks in some areas, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods, and harming millions of marine animals every year, including species at risk.

The Government of Canada promptly took action to address the critical issue of ghost gear after signing the Ocean’s Plastics Charter in 2018. The Ghost Gear Program was established in 2019, positioning Canada as a world leader in ghost gear mitigation and response. In 2022, the Ghost Gear Program was renewed until 2027, with a primary focus on preventing and reducing marine pollution caused by ghost gear.

DFO is proposing the initiatives below to address these issues and is collaborating with industry and stakeholders, leveraging 4 years of data from the Ghost Gear Program and the Ghost Gear Fund (GGF), to enhance regulations and policies addressing abandoned gear, ensuring they are as efficient and effective as possible. DFO will enhance the Ghost Gear Program through improvements to data collection, lost and retrieved gear reporting systems, a regulatory review, and promotion of sustainable gear and best practices. These are just some of the actions to be included in the development of the Canadian National Action Plan for Ghost Gear, anticipated in 2027. The Canadian fishing industry is a primary economic driver in many coastal communities, and ensuring its sustainability is critically important. The action plan will guide the national approach to the prevention, mitigation, and reduction of fisheries related plastic litter and showcase the regime change in fisheries management practices with the intent of preventing marine debris generated by the Canadian fishing industry.

Initiative 10: Addressing the shortage of disposal and recycling facilities

A comprehensive approach to combatting ghost gear involves proper disposal and promoting recycling to support a circular economy. While the GGF has provided financial support for recycling and responsible disposal projects for end-of-life gear on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, there remains a lack of sufficient disposal and recycling options in Canada for end-of-life fishing gear as well as ghost gear retrieved from the ocean that is not identifiable or in usable condition. Ongoing collaboration with all implicated parties will be important when advancing effective end-of-life management and identifying suitable disposal sites.

To continue to address these issues DFO will:

By undertaking these actions, enhancements and improvements will be implemented in the recycling of end-of-life gear, thereby improving the availability of recycling options and supporting a more circular economy for fishing gear. This in turn, will contribute to creating a marine environment with less pollution.

Timeline: Work will be completed in stages and outcomes will help develop the Canadian National Action Plan for Ghost Gear anticipated for 2027.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Fisheries and Harbour Management Sector
Fisheries Resource Management Directorate-National Programs
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FRM-GRH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Initiative 11: Promoting, piloting, and developing new gear technologies

There is interest from the industry to use new, innovative gear technologies to reduce and prevent the creation of new ghost gear and to mitigate its impact. Through the Ghost Gear Program , DFO will continue to work in collaboration with fish harvesters and fishing associations to promote, pilot, and develop new gear technologies that assist in the effectiveness of retrieval efforts, help reduce the frequency or impact of gear loss, or reduce the amount of single use plastic used in fishing operations.

Firstly, the Ghost Gear Program will trial alternative gear tags in an effort to reduce the quantity of plastic used in fixed-gear fisheries in Canada, to reduce the overall incidence of plastic being introduced into the ocean. A trial of biodegradable gear tags is currently planned with at least 4 fishing associations in Atlantic Canada. Additionally, several different fisheries are trialing the effectiveness of new satellite buoy technology in reducing gear loss.

Secondly, as Canadian fisheries begin to trial and adopt new technologies and practices to reduce the occurrence and impact of lost gear, the Department must ensure that the regulatory and policy regimes allow for these advancements to support sustainable fisheries practices. As DFO reviews regulations and policies addressing fishing gear, the Department will consider how to allow the flexibility necessary for the testing and trialing of emerging gear, ensuring their efficiency and effectiveness are maximized. An economic assessment of the impact of marine litter and ghost gear on Canadian fisheries has also begun, to identify where and how new technology could provide financial benefits.

Thirdly, DFO will seek potential funding opportunities to support future pilots, assess the success and benefits of trialed technology, as well as complete research on the technology used in other jurisdictions to identify if they would be appropriate for trials in Canada. Progress in this area will be incorporated into the Canadian National Action Plan on Ghost Gear, anticipated in 2027.

Overall, these actions will lead to Canada piloting new approaches in commercial fisheries to reduce or mitigate the impacts of ghost gear, thereby continuing to position Canada as a global leader in tackling ghost gear.

Timeline: Trials and an economic assessment are already underway through the Ghost Gear Program to explore technologies designed to prevent gear loss or mitigate the impact of lost gear in various fisheries and assess potential financial impacts and benefits. Both the ongoing trials and the economic assessment will inform the regulatory and best practice development of the Canadian National Action Plan for Ghost Gear, anticipated by 2027.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Fisheries and Harbour Management Sector
Fisheries Resource Management Directorate-National Programs
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FRM-GRH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Initiative 12: Allowing for in-season gear retrievals

Currently, regulations do not allow for in-season or ad-hoc gear retrievals. Regulations prohibit the retrieval of ghost gear during active commercial fishing seasons, which limits the timeframe for retrieval activities and prevents harvesters from retaining gear that is retrieved when commercially fishing. Third-party retrievals have been funded through the GGF during the closed period for fishing and authorized through section 52 of the Fishery (General) Regulations . However, there is interest from industry for ad-hoc, in-season gear retrievals.

To address this issue, DFO will, under its broader regulatory review efforts noted above, look to identify the regulatory authority necessary, in the form of new or amended regulations, to allow for ad-hoc, in-season ghost gear retrieval under the Fisheries Act. Current authorities to retrieve ghost gear are administratively burdensome and restrictive in timeframes for carrying out work. New authorities would allow for flexibility and reduce costs to the fishing industry. DFO has begun discussions regarding which regulatory amendments are required to allow for the tracking of gear loss and the effective management and retrieval of ghost gear while maintaining the department’s authority to properly enforce regulations.

In addition to this, DFO will make further advancements to the existing Fishing Gear Reporting System, to support these anticipated regulatory changes and enable improved processes and data collection. While already world-leading, DFO will make improvements to the Fishing Gear Reporting system to allow for easier reporting of lost gear by commercial harvesters, and further the department’s understanding of the areas where gear is frequently lost, gear types of concern, and identification of priority areas for gear retrieval operations. The information collected through the system will also inform future fisheries management changes necessary to prevent loss. DFO is also sharing this information with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative for incorporation into the global data portal (the world’s largest freely available repository of ghost gear data), which will help to better understand how ghost gear impacts Canadian and global waters.  Additionally, DFO will explore how to include responsible handling and storing of gear as part of commercial fisheries requirements.

Both the regulatory review and improvements to the Fishing Gear Reporting System to support these changes will allow for more efficient and cost-effective retrieval of ghost gear. More efficient retrieval will minimize the amount of ghost gear in our waters and therefore mitigate the impacts to marine species and the environment.

Timeline: The regulatory review is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Proposed regulatory amendments as a result of the review would be anticipated in 2026. Improvements to FGRS are implemented on an ongoing basis and are rolled out as part of periodic system updates.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Fisheries and Harbour Management Sector
Fisheries Resource Management Directorate-National Programs
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FRM-GRH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Whalesafe Gear

Fishing gear entanglement threatens Canadian whale species, including the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, with just 360 individuals left. DFO is facilitating testing and adoption of whalesafe fishing gear in Canadian commercial fisheries, including innovative on-demand gear technology to prevent entanglements; and low-breaking-strength gear modifications to minimize harm in the event of entanglements.

The Whalesafe Gear Adoption Fund (WSGF) was launched in August 2021, allocating nearly $20 million over 2 years to projects in Eastern Canada. Its purpose was to facilitate the transition to whalesafe gear, encompassing initiatives such as gear trials and manufacturing innovation. Funding for this program concluded in March 2023. During the Blue Economy Regulatory Review engagement, stakeholders and partners emphasized the importance of continued federal funding for whalesafe gear trials to ensure safe adoption and prevent issues like gear loss, as highlighted in the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans' report on the North Atlantic Right Whale's protection and coexistence in Canada, released in spring 2023.

Starting in 2024, DFO is supporting voluntary adoption of lower breaking-strength gear in certain fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, as a next step to facilitate significant industry changes vital for whale conservation, and maintaining international market access and competitiveness. Implementing whalesafe gear over time will require substantial operational changes in an industry that serves as the socio-economic backbone for many communities. DFO support for voluntary measures going forward will include such activities as the development of conditions of licence, devising monitoring plans, and advising harvesters on the best use of gear modifications.

Initiative 13: Advancing the Whalesafe Gear Initiative

The Whalesafe Gear Initiative comprises programs established by DFO to foster innovation and whalesafe fishing gear adoption in commercial fisheries. Its primary goal is to reduce large whale entanglement risk, including for the North Atlantic Right Whale, while ensuring the sustainability of fisheries. The initiative comprises 2 essential components: development of a Whalesafe Gear Strategy for Canada and the continuation of whalesafe gear technology trials. The advancement of whalesafe gear technology and adoption will not only support Canada’s fisheries in fulfilling requirements under Canada’s Species at Risk Act, but may also contribute to a positive assessment for Canadian fisheries under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. This will ensure continued access to the US export market for Canadian seafood products.

Firstly, DFO is launching the development of a Whalesafe Gear Strategy for Canada, with external engagement and finalization in 2024. It will guide the adoption of whalesafe gear in Canadian commercial fisheries in the coming years, with a focus on entanglement prevention tools such as innovative “on demand” fishing gear, as well as other gear technology and configurations to reduce entanglement risk to whales including lower-breaking strength gear. This strategy will be developed in partnership with industry, experts, and Indigenous partners, identifying information gaps and establishing an ambitious pathway to adoption of whalesafe fishing gear across Canada’s fisheries.

Acknowledging the profound changes and challenges to fisheries to adapt their fishing gear, the strategy will set a framework for successful whalesafe gear implementation, customized to each fishery’s specific conditions and with harvester safety and gear effectiveness as a top priority. DFO will pursue regulatory and operational work to support the implementation of the Strategy, ensuring that consistent and accurate information is shared with the fishing industry as additional trials are conducted and as whalesafe gear innovations are adopted widely, safely, and effectively. Furthermore, this strategy will support the implementation of new flexibility provided in the 2023 Regulations Amending the Certain Regulations Made Under the Fisheries Act amendments to the Fishery (General) Regulations of the Fisheries Act. The amendments provide more flexibility for harvesters in the use of buoy lines to mark where fishing gear is set, in order to reduce risk to marine mammals. This change enables the commercial use of on-demand or “ropeless” fishing gear to prevent whale entanglements. It also aligns with regulatory efforts in the U.S. to reduce marine mammal bycatch in commercial fisheries and is an important measure to assist Canada in meeting ongoing import requirements under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Secondly, a key element of this initiative is the continuation of innovative whalesafe gear trials. These trials, including innovative fishing gear and 'smart buoys,' are vital to identifying the most effective whalesafe gear for specific fishery conditions and for shaping future regulatory requirements for fisheries. They also offer valuable feedback to manufacturers, to improve systems to meet the operational requirements of Canadian fisheries.

DFO will support the expansion of whalesafe gear trials into fisheries that have not yet participated by providing technical advice, oversight and scientific authorizations where appropriate to facilitate this work. Further to this, partners and stakeholders have access to broader funding programs, such as the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk and Canada’s Fisheries Funds, to seek financial support for whalesafe gear projects aligned with these programs’ priorities.

These actions will result in new whalesafe gear being implemented in fisheries, guided by a comprehensive Whalesafe Gear Strategy and informed by ongoing gear trials. Implementation of whalesafe gear will well position Canada’s fisheries to remain competitive in global markets as a preferred choice for sustainable seafood, and support the protection and recovery of at-risk whales.

Timeline: In 2024, voluntary adoption of lower breaking strength gear in certain fixed gear fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec will commence. Many fisheries are still conducting trials for the best gear options in their specific conditions, including on-demand fishing gear. This 5-year timeline (2024-2029) aligns with the 5-year Whalesafe Gear Strategy being developed by DFO, with a finalized version expected in 2024. The strategy will outline short, medium-, and long-term goals to drive progress toward this objective.

Lead: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Contact:
Fisheries and Harbour Management Sector
Fisheries Resource Management Directorate-National Programs
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO.FRM-GRH.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Issues not included in the roadmap

Stakeholders and partners also raised several issues that are not being addressed through this regulatory review. While these comments are not being addressed through this roadmap, they were shared with relevant departments and agencies for information and future consideration. In the interest of transparency, this section aims to summarize the types of issues raised by stakeholders that are not being addressed through the roadmap, which fall into 2 general categories.

Feedback not currently being addressed under the roadmap

Several participants raised issues that were analyzed in the context of the review but were determined to not go forward as part of the roadmap. For instance:

Feedback beyond the scope of the Blue Economy Regulatory Review

Finally, several participants provided feedback, that after careful consideration, was concluded to be outside the scope of this review. These comments have nonetheless been shared with pertinent departments and may be examined through other mechanisms. This included:

Conclusion

The underlying focus of this roadmap is to advance initiatives that accelerate economic growth and innovation in the blue economy while continuing to uphold Canada’s health, safety, security and environmental objectives.

The departments and agencies involved in the Blue Economy Regulatory Review are dedicated to the ongoing implementation of their initiatives and the transparent communication of results to partners and stakeholders. Consistent with past roadmaps, participating departments, and agencies will provide updates on the progress of initiatives to partners and stakeholders as they are implemented, to support communication and transparency. TBS will also continue to explore opportunities to support departments and agencies through TBS regulatory modernization tools and programming, as they implement the initiatives identified in this roadmap.

Looking forward, roadmap actions are anticipated to support meaningful progress and foster a more agile and responsive regulatory system for the blue economy in Canada.

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