House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO)
Minister’s Appearance

Table of contents

• Opening Remarks
• Ministerial Placemat
• Issue notes
  • Spending Reductions and Impact on Staffing
  • Fleet Renewal – Status Update
  • Abandoned, Wrecked, and Derelict Vessels
  • Permitting Process to Support Clean Growth
  • Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
  • Small Craft Harbours
  • Seal Predation
  • North Atlantic Right Whale Report
  • Closure of Atlantic Mackerel Fishery
  • Inshore Regulations Update – Owner Operator and Fleet Separation
  • Foreign Ownership of Fishing Licences
  • Indo-Pacific Trade Agreements and Implications for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
  • Great Lakes Fishery Commission
• Issue notes – Maritimes Region
  • Unauthorized Fishing in Nova Scotia
  • Tidal Energy
  • Commercial Elver Fishery
  • Avon River Tidal Gate / Highway 101 Twinning
  • Atlantic Fisheries Fund
• Issue notes – Pacific Region
  • Open-net pen Transition in British Columbia
  • West Coast Fisheries Report
  • Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative
• Issue notes – Arctic Region
  • Canadian Coast Guard Presence in the Arctic
  • Establishment of the Arctic Region
• Issue notes – Quebec Region
  • Shrimp and Redfish fishery of the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence
  • Quebec Fisheries Fund
• Issue notes – Senate
  • Peace on the Water Moderate Livelihood Report
  • Maritimes Search and Rescue
  • Opening and Closing of Fisheries; Safety of Fishers - Decision Making Process
  • Striped Bass Predation in Miramichi River

Opening remarks

Good morning, Mr. Chair.

It’s wonderful to be here today on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg [Ah-nish-in-ah-beg] people in my new role as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. I’m pleased to meet with you and engage in a discussion about some of my priorities. I also look forward to learning about your good work and advice on matters related to my mandate.

As Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, I know how important our oceans and freshwater are to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. They offer a myriad of opportunities to the fish and seafood sector. They are the backbone of maritime trade and our economy. And they provide many important environmental benefits. In Gaspésie, the ocean has been integral to our way of life for centuries. For locals and visitors alike, the Route de la Morue is a reminder of how the fisheries are woven into the social and economic fabric of this region.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think about the thousands of people on the waves and the wharves who work so hard - and often at their own personal risk - to put food on our tables. My thoughts are also consumed by communities that depend on this industry as well as the many families waiting on shore for their loved ones to return.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case.

Last month, alone, grief gripped the towns of La Tabatière on Québec’s Lower North Shore as well as the communities of Fleur de Lys and Coachman's Cove in Newfoundland when fishing vessels went down in two separate incidents.

This tragic loss of life should motivate us to work as hard as we possibly can on behalf of those who make their livings from, or on, the sea. They are certainly at the heart of everything I do.

Since 2015, our Government has invested heavily in our oceans. This, in turn, has led to prosperous and sustainable fisheries, the conservation of almost 15 per cent of our marine space, and helped re-establish Canada as an ocean leader on the world stage. Our waters are also safer thanks to investments made through the Oceans Protection Plan.

In the months and years to come, I want to build on this good work so we can derive even more economic wealth from our waters while, at the same time, protecting the health of one of our most precious natural resources.

To do this, I will listen to people who are closest to the water. This includes fish harvesters, conservationists, Indigenous Guardians, mariners, processors, scientists and other members of the ocean and freshwater community. I also want this wealth of knowledge and expertise reflected in the policies, regulations and decision-making that supports our fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the important work being carried out by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The key priorities I am focused on include:

• Ensuring the fish and seafood industry have access to safe and functional small craft harbours;
• Working with Indigenous partners, industry and academia to better understand how seals contribute to our ecosystems, while also supporting the growth of Canadian seal product markets and scientific research;
• Renewing the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and supporting its personnel so they have the tools, training and technology to perform their jobs;
• Helping Canada become a global leader in sustainable and innovative aquaculture, which is the world’s fastest growing food production sector;
• Using innovation and technology to modernize the way our oceans are used, reduce industry’s carbon footprint and open-up new business opportunities;
• Co-managing our aquatic resources and our marine safety regime with Indigenous peoples in ways that respect and uphold treaty rights, advance reconciliation and help close socio-economic gaps;
• Ensuring Canada meets its 25-by-25 and 30-by-30 marine conservation targets;
• Working with the ocean community at home and abroad to advance ocean science efforts;
• Perhaps, most importantly, investing in the people and partnerships that help turn our ambitions into reality.

Mr. Chair: I am deeply honoured to be leading a Department with such a long and proud history, and an equally promising future. With the strength, support and imagination of our many partners, I’m confident we can unlock the vast economic potential within our oceans and freshwater while, at the same time, tackling complex environmental challenges.

By working together, we can help transform coastal and rural economies. We can create nature-based solutions that are strong, fair and effective. We can move forward along the path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and we can make our ocean and freshwater economies more competitive, innovative and sustainable for generations to come.

I look forward to working with each of you in this regard.

Thank you.

Ministerial placemats

Spending reductions and staffing

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The Department is contributing to the Government’s commitment to achieve savings of $15.4 billion over five years, by refocusing government spending.

[Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

The proposed reductions are balanced across headquarters and regions and we are committed to achieving reductions of funded positions through attrition.

Fleet renewal

Redirect: Mario Pelletier

Ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard has the ships it needs to deliver critical marine navigation, search and rescue, and other safety services is a top priority.

Significant progress has been made:

• Canada has committed over $35 billion to advance the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal and sustain operations until new ships arrive.
• The Canadian Coast Guard has taken delivery of three large vessels, 17 small vessels, 23 helicopters and four Interim Icebreakers.

Abandoned, wrecked, and derelict vessels

Redirect: Mario Pelletier

The Government of Canada is working to reduce the number of hazardous vessels in Canadian waters and minimize their impact on coastal communities, the environment and the public.

The next phase of the Ocean’s Protection Plan includes a Hazardous Vessel Remediation funding envelope of $34.4 million over five years to allow for continued action on priority hazardous vessels.

Budget 2023 announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. This Fund should be operational in 2025, and provide sustainable funding to address hazardous vessels.

The Canadian Coast Guard maintains a publicly available national inventory of wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels.

Permitting process to support clean growth

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water that could impact fish and fish habitat and aquatic species at risk.

The Government of Canada is growing the clean economy and meeting it’s net-zero commitments. The Department is improving the predictability and transparency of its regulatory framework to support this priority.

Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The Department conducts high quality science, in collaboration with partners, to inform decision-making for the benefit of Canadians.

Departmental scientists collect data and conduct research to address important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.

The Department is committed to communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues concerning the oceans.

Small Craft Harbours

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

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

That is why Fisheries and Oceans Canada is taking concrete steps to invest in harbours so that they better withstand the impacts of climate change and support coastal communities.

Since 2016, our government has announced over $855 million in new funding to support small craft harbours, where 90 per cent of catches by Canadian commercial fish harvesters are landed.

This means harbour infrastructure, such as wharves and breakwaters, will be built using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, increasing the overall resiliency of our harbours.

Seal predation

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The potential impact of seal predation on fish populations in the Atlantic varies. The Department has demonstrated the negative impacts of grey seal predation on the recovery of some groundfish stocks in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The Department recently announced an investment of over $600,900 for three seal projects to a combination of Indigenous industry, and university groups in eastern Canada and one sea lion project in western Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is carrying out its research to better understand the role of seals in marine ecosystems.

The Department works collaboratively with harvesters to facilitate participation in the seal harvest.

North Atlantic Right Whale Report

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

I thank the Standing Committee for their report and their thoughtful recommendations related to right whales.

Budget 2023 includes $151.9 million over three years to continue Canada’s efforts to protect endangered whales, including right whales.

Our Government implements management measures to prevent fishing gear entanglements, including adaptive fishing closure protocols, and to reduce vessel strike risk.

Our measures are challenging for industry, but we are on the right track thanks to harvesters’ cooperation in protecting this species.

Closure of Atlantic mackerel fishery

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The mackerel stock is at historically low levels and the science assessments indicate mackerel has been in or near the Critical Zone since 2011.

Additional data collection has been conducted in 2021 and 2022 in Newfoundland which continue to show that the southern Gulf of Saint-Lawrence is the dominant spawning habitat and that the egg survey index is a valid indicator of stock state. This continues to reinforce our confidence in the assessment of the status of the stock.

Prior to the June 2023 Atlantic mackerel fishery closure decision, my predecessor received numerous letters advocating and questioning the validity of the management measures and the stock assessment for mackerel.

Pending the announcement of the management decision, letters addressed to the former Minister and their responses were put on hold. This included a response to the Committee. I thank you for your recommendations and my response will be provided very soon.

Inshore regulations update – owner operator and fleet separation

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to implement the inshore regulations to preserve the principles of Owner Operator and Fleet Separation.

This approach maintains and strengthens the independence and economic viability of the inshore sector, and preserves the socio-economic and cultural environment of the coastal communities in Eastern Canada.

Great Lakes fishery commission

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

Budget 2022 provided $19.6 million annually to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to ensure its continued success.

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is vital to controlling sea lampreys, conducting scientific research, and maintaining cooperation among Canadian and American agencies to manage and sustain the Great Lakes transboundary fisheries.

Our Government is committed to preserving our freshwater resources and protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species.

Indo-Pacific trade agreements

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The Government is committed to supporting Canadian fish and seafood exports to Asian and Pacific markets.

Canada’s fish and seafood industry is an important source of sustainable and healthy protein.

Nearly $2 billion of fish and seafood was exported to the region in 2022.

Fisheries and Oceans will continue to collaborate closely with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada and Global Affairs Canada to support the sector in this region.

Foreign ownership of fishing licences

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The Department is aware of concerns regarding the foreign ownership of Canadian fishing enterprises.

The results of the Beneficial Ownership Survey were published September 2023. The survey found that 2 per cent of respondents had some degree of foreign ownership within their corporate structure.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will engage stakeholders on the results of the Survey, as well as identify additional avenues of potential foreign control, such as access leasing, for further review.

West Coast fisheries report

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Pacific

Fisheries and Oceans Canada appreciates the recommendations that the Committee has made about sharing risks and benefits in west coast commercial fisheries. The Department continue to work on a number of the Committee’s recommendations to help modernize west coast commercial fisheries.

Further external engagement is to be expected to begin this winter, including a discussion on the experiences with policies and management approaches that support harvesters on the east coast, and their applicability on the west coast.

Open-net pen Transition in British Columbia

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Pacific

The mandate commitment provided to my predecessor committed to working with the province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities on a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.

The vision of the Transition Plan is to advance innovation and growth in sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia to progressively minimize or eliminate interactions between farmed and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural, and economic objectives.

The Government of Canada is ensuring that the transition is undertaken in a manner that respects the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.

Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Pacific

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

The Government is taking decisive steps under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative through an investment of over $740 million over five years.

In the first two years, the Department invested more than $12 million to deliver targeted actions through partners, under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

Unauthorized fishing in Nova Scotia

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Maritimes

The Department’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, orderly and sustainable lobster fishery.

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

Our Fishery Officers enforce the Fisheries Act, and that includes taking enforcement action when individuals are harvesting without a Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued authorization. Our officers work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or police of jurisdiction when violations, that go beyond Conservation and Protection legal authorities, are identified.

Since July 17, fishery officers have seized 907 traps in southwest Nova Scotia, lobster fishing areas 33 and 34.

On September 7 and 10, fishery officers made arrests for infractions of the Fisheries Act, in addition to the arrests and seizure of lobster in Moncton on August 30. As a result of these efforts, thousands of lobsters were released live, back into the ocean.

On September 23, fishery officers arrested and later released four individuals and seized a fishing vessel in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia for multiple infractions under the Fisheries Act.

Investigations into these infractions are underway, and fishery officers will continue to monitor compliance with, and enforce, the Fisheries Act.

Tidal energy

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Maritimes

The Department is working with industry, federal, and provincial partners to advance the responsible development of marine renewable energy, including tidal energy.

This is why the Government recently established a Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy.

The Task Force is facilitating greater collaboration between the federal government, the Province of Nova Scotia, members of the tidal industry, and the tidal research community, and I look forward to sharing a final report detailing our progress before the end of the year.

Commercial elver fishery

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Maritimes

The commercial elver fishery has grown exponentially in value over the past decade and has substantially lower entry costs compared to other fisheries.

This fishery presents an opportunity to increase Indigenous participation in commercial fisheries. For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, 1,200 kg of the total allowable catch was reallocated to support increased Indigenous participation in the commercial elver fishery. It also presents challenges for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure compliance with the rules.

As part of our regular commitment to sustainable, orderly, and safe fisheries for all participants, the Department is conducting a review of the fishery to address management concerns in advance of next year’s season.

Avon river tidal gate / Highway 101 Twinning

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Maritimes

Since 2019, the Department has been working with Nova Scotia on their Highway 101 Twinning Project, which includes replacing the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River.

The Department is waiting for information from Nova Scotia on the project design to support the Department’s regulatory requirements. When the Department has updated information, it will continue the project review, and consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

The Department is also working with Nova Scotia to bring the existing tidal gate structure into compliance with existing federal legislation.

Atlantic Fish Fund

Redirect: Annette Gibbons
Region: Maritimes

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

Since 2017, seventy three per cent of program funds have been contracted with over 1,075 approved projects and another $20.6 million, pending approval.

Shrimp and redfish fishery of the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Quebec

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

Fisheries and Ocean Canada is working with regional and provincial stakeholders, as well as other federal departments, to identify solutions to support the shrimp fishing industry.

The Department has been working to move the recommendation process for the 2024 season as far ahead as possible. I hope to announce my decision soon.

Quebec Fish Fund

Redirect: Annette Gibbons - Region: Quebec

The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a contribution fund of over $40 million, over five years (2019 to 2024). The cost is shared with provincial partners, divided 70 per cent federal and 30 per cent provincial, over the duration of the program.

The program is designed to support innovation and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.

More than 55 per cent of the available contribution budget has been or is in the process of being committed to 155 projects.

The Department and the Government of Quebec are considering the process of amending the Quebec Fisheries Fund Framework Agreements to extend the program’s end date from its current date of March 31, 2024, for up to two years, until March 31, 2026.

Interest in the Quebec Fisheries Fund program remains strong with around 20 projects, seeking funding of nearly $3 million, under evaluation.

Canadian Coast Guard Presence in the Arctic

Redirect: Mario Pelletier - Region: Arctic

In 2021, the Government of Canada announced an investment in the construction of two Polar icebreakers under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, with the first of the Polar Icebreakers scheduled for delivery in 2030. These larger, more powerful Polar icebreakers will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct year-round operations in Canada’s to support Indigenous Peoples and northerners, strengthen Arctic sovereignty, advance high Arctic science, and better respond to maritime emergencies.

The Canadian Coast Guard is often the only federal government presence in many areas of Canada’s north; providing federal on-water response, essential services and promoting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.

The Coast Guard also plays a critical role in supporting Canada’s maritime security through the generation of maritime domain awareness.

Establishment of the Arctic Region

Redirect: Annette Gibbons and Mario Pelletier - Region: Arctic

In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.

This regional structure supports Canada’s commitments related to the implementation of Modern Treaties, self-determination, and the creation of a diverse public service.

Through dedicated and ongoing planning capacity, the Department is delivering critical programs and services that are reflective of and responsive to the unique needs of Northern communities.

“Peace on the Water” Moderate Livelihood Report

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

The Department’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, orderly and sustainable fishery.

We remain firmly committed to working with Treaty Nations to further implement their fishing rights.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rights implementation. The Government of Canada will continue to engage Indigenous communities to better implement their vision for their fisheries, and to ensure a safe and sustainable fishery for the benefit of all.

These efforts will also align with the ongoing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, including the Draft Action Plan.

Maritimes Search and Rescue

Redirect: Mario Pelletier

First, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the those involved and in the recent tragedy near Blanc-Sablon on September 25. This unfortunate event is a reminder of the risks faced each day by mariners.

The Canadian Coast Guard is the federal lead for maritime search and rescue in Canada and responds to over 6,000 calls for assistance each year.

Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Coast Guard is continuing to increase maritime search and rescue capacity.

Decision making process: Opening and closing of fisheries – safety of fishers

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

First Nations and stakeholders are consulted prior to the Department setting fisheries season opening dates. Safety at sea is a crucial component of these decisions.

The Department ensures key services are in place prior to the opening of the fisheries, including ice breaking, water and air search and rescue, navigation markers, and dredging.

Funding is allocated annually for ice breaking and dredging services to support its core operations for a safe opening of the fisheries. Simultaneous translation is also provided for communicating with our bilingual industry members.

Striped Bass Predation in Miramichi River

Redirect: Annette Gibbons

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

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

Striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate and the population is still considered to be in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Issue notes

Spending reductions and impact on staffing

• The Department is contributing to the Government’s commitment to achieve savings of $15.4 billion over five years, by refocusing government spending.
• [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]
• Proposed reductions are balanced across headquarters and regions and we are committed to achieving reductions of funded positions through attrition.

Question 1: How will the Department avoid affecting employees and resorting to Workforce Adjustments?

• Reductions related to professional services and travel will have no impact on jobs. Those related to operating expenditures will be phased in over three years so are not expected to result in job loss outside of normal attrition or redeployment of employees to higher priority activities. Further the Department will apply:
  • The implementation of control measures across the Department, requiring senior management approval for a number of staffing activities, including the creation of new positions to ensure staffing activities are justified.
  • A focus on using existing talent pools to capitalize on existing talent to fill vacancies.
  • The prioritization of employment equity hiring where staffing requirements exist to align staffing activities with diversity and inclusion practices.

Question 2: How will the Department achieve their targeted reductions without affecting services to Canadians?

• The Department is committed to responsibly managing Canadians’ tax dollars by ensuring that operations and programs are effective, efficient and directed toward priorities.
• The Department identified a range of proposals in order to meet the targeted reduction, while ensuring limited impacts on services to Canadians and continuing to advance Government priorities. [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]

Background

• [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.] The Department’s proposed approach was submitted to Treasury Board Secretariat on October 3, 2023.

Fleet Renewal – Status Update

• Ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard has the ships it needs to deliver critical marine navigation, search and rescue, and other safety services is a top priority.
• Significant progress has been made:
  • Canada has committed over $35 billion to advance the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal and sustain operations until new ships arrive.
  • The Canadian Coast Guard has taken delivery of three large vessels, 17 small vessels, 23 helicopters and four Interim Icebreakers.

Question 1: What is Canada doing to improve ship delivery timelines and costs?

• While it has taken longer than planned for shipyards to ramp up their capacity, we now have a decade of experience behind us and are hitting our stride.
• I am confident we will see stronger results moving forward.

Question 2: How will the Canadian Coast Guard continue to maintain services?

• The Canadian Coast Guard has a comprehensive package of measures to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical services until new ships arrive. This includes:
  • Updating our ships to extend their operational lives for as long as possible;
  • Purchasing four commercial icebreakers to provide interim capacity; and
  • Putting in place “spot charters” to respond to temporary surges in requests for services.
  • With these measures, Canadians and industry can be confident in a seamless transition to the Canadian Coast Guard’s new fleet.

Background

• Renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet is underway. Funded replacement plans are currently in place for the large vessel fleet, including:
  • Three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels, which were delivered in 2019 and 2020 by Vancouver Shipyards;
  • One Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV);
  • Two Polar Icebreakers;
  • Up to 16 Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV);
  • Two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) (CCG variants); and
  • Up to six Program Icebreakers (PIB).
• At Vancouver Shipyards, construction of the OOSV is advancing well, with consolidation of all ship blocks expected in late October 2023. Ship design work is ongoing for the MPVs. On May 31, 2023, construction began on a prototype block of the Polar Icebreaker, marking an important step towards increasing Canada’s presence in the Artic to support Northern Canadians and assert our sovereignty.
• Chantier Davie was formally announced as the third National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) large shipyard, with the signing of an Umbrella Agreement on April 4, 2023. Discussions to advance the PIB and the other Polar Icebreaker are now underway.
• At Irving Shipbuilding, work is ongoing on CCG’s two AOPS, with construction having begun on August 8, 2023.
• The CCG is also renewing its small fleet. On May 25, 2023, Canada announced an investment valued at $2.5 billion to fund the completion of the renewal of the CCG’s small vessels fleet for up to 61 vessels. To date, 28 small vessels have been delivered to the CCG. This includes a total of 17 vessels delivered under the NSS (15 Search and Rescue lifeboats and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels), as well as 9 Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels and 3 Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels pre-dating the NSS.
• The CCG completed the renewal of its helicopter fleet with delivery of 16 new light-lift helicopters and seven new medium-lift helicopters. Budget 2023 also recently allocated $14.5 million in new funding to replace one of the CCG’s light-lift helicopters that was lost following a crash in September 2022.
• The CCG continues to implement interim measures to ensure continued delivery of critical services until new ships are delivered. This includes a comprehensive Vessel Life Extension program to maintain current fleet operations as new ships are being built, as well as the acquisition of three interim Medium Icebreakers and one interim Light Icebreaker.

Abandoned, wrecked, and derelict vessels

• The Government of Canada is working to reduce the number of hazardous vessels in Canadian waters and minimize their impact on coastal communities, the environment and the public.
• The next phase of the Ocean’s Protection Plan includes a Hazardous Vessel Remediation funding envelope of $34.4 million over five years to allow for continued action on priority hazardous vessels.
• Budget 2023 announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. This Fund should be operational in 2025, and provide sustainable funding to address hazardous vessels.
• The Canadian Coast Guard maintains a publicly available national inventory of wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels.

Question 1: How many vessels have been removed by the Government of Canada?

• Since 2017, over 550 hazardous vessels have been removed from Canadian waters.

Question 2: How many hazardous vessels have been identified?

• Over 2,101 vessels have been reported to the Canadian Coast Guard to date. There remains approximately 1500 vessels in the national public inventory following the removal of over 550 vessels.

Background

• The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) became law in 2019 and it: strengthens owner responsibility and liability for vessels; makes it illegal to abandon a boat; and gives the federal government more powers to take action against problem vessels before they can pose even greater problems at greater costs.
• The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) will work with the vessel owner to ensure the hazard is addressed. If the owner cannot be found or is unable or unwilling to solve the problem, the Government of Canada can take direct and immediate action to prevent, mitigate or eliminate the risks that hazardous vessels pose.
• The CCG is focusing on assessing the risks associated with each of the reported vessels to prioritize actions to remediate high risk vessels. The risk factors for problem vessels can include environmental, public safety, socio-cultural and economic risks. The focus is not on removing all problem vessels; it is on mitigating the risk posed by each one.
• As part of the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) Renewal launched in 2022, the CCG and Transport Canada are advancing the next phase of the comprehensive strategy to address wrecked, abandoned and hazardous vessels by implementing long-term measures that include: coastal surveys to identify additional hazardous vessels; outreach to vessel owners on their WAHVA responsibilities; risk and technical assessments for vessels in the National Inventory; and, remediations of hazardous vessels nationally.
• As part of Budget 2023, the Government of Canada announced the creation of an owner-financed Vessel Remediation Fund. [Information was severed in accordance with the Access to Information Act.]
• The Fund will also support the CCG and Transport Canada in assessing and/or addressing vessels in cases where owners are unknown, the owners are known but cannot be located, or the owners are unable or unwilling to deal with their vessels themselves.

Permitting process to support clean growth

• Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water that could impact fish and fish habitat and aquatic species at risk.
• The Government of Canada is growing the clean economy and meeting it’s net-zero commitments. The Department is improving the predictability and transparency of its regulatory framework to support this priority.

Question 1: Why is DFO taking so long to authorize certain projects?

• The Fisheries Act authorization process includes timelines to ensure a prompt review of projects that are submitted to the Department. The Department has 90 days to process an application for a Fisheries Act Authorization.
• Proposed projects can assist with a timely review by ensuring all required information pertaining to the application for Authorization is provided and potentially impacted Indigenous communities are engaged early.

Question 2: Does Clean Growth mean lower protection standards for fish and fish habitat?

• The Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act continue to apply for all projects including Clean Growth projects.
• Clean Growth is an opportunity for the Department to clarify and work to find efficiencies in its regulatory process, while offering the same robust protection to fish, fish habitat, and aquatic species at risk.

Background

• On August 28, 2019, the new fish and fish habitat protection provisions and stronger protections to better support the sustainability of Canada’s marine and freshwater resources for future generations came into force.
• As part of the implementation of these changes, 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.
• Under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act, the Department provides advice, and regulates works, undertakings, and activities occurring near water (freshwater and marine) that could impact fish and fish habitat. The Department receives over 5000 referrals a year and issues approximately 200 Fisheries Act Authorizations spread across every industrial sector in 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
• Budget 2023 committed that “by the end of 2023, the government will outline a concrete plan to improve the efficiency of the impact assessment and permitting processes for major projects, which will include clarifying and reducing timelines, mitigating inefficiencies, and improving engagement and partnerships.”
• This plan must support the government’s ambitious energy, economic, and climate objectives for 2030, 2035 and 2050, which are supported by a series of initiatives, strategies, and frameworks that respond to and address climate, energy, and economic sector goals.
• The Department is also advancing a Blue Economy Strategy to support the transition to a sustainable blue economy.
• In September 2023, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the new Ministerial Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects. The Working Group Coordinates government efforts to grow the clean economy and meet net-zero commitments by ensuring an efficient regulatory framework to support the development of clean growth projects.

Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

• The Department conducts high quality science, in collaboration with partners, to inform decision-making for the benefit of Canadians.
• Departmental scientists collect data and conduct research to address important issues, like sustainable fisheries and the impacts of climate change on the marine environment.
• The Department is committed to communicating the results of our research to Canadians to ensure that they are well informed about issues concerning the oceans.

Question 1: What is the Department doing to ensure impartial and transparent science? What are the follow-up actions to the Committee’s study on Science?

• The best available science is used to inform fisheries decisions.
• The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ scientists are respected professionals who maintain a high standard of scientific excellence.
• The Department continues to strengthen its science functions to inform decisions that are important to Canadians.
• The Department continues to re-enforce transparent, impartial, and evidence-based peer review and scientific advice for decision-makers, including through the recently announced Registry for External Science Experts.

Background

• Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Science conducts research and monitoring, generates and shares scientific data, produces data products and services, and provides science advice to support evidence-based decision making.
• As a science-based Department, scientific integrity is essential to the work at DFO and of its employees. Scientific integrity is critical to the decision-making process, from the planning and conduct of research to the production of advice and the application of advice to the Departmental decision-making processes.
• The Department’s Scientific Integrity Policy recognizes the importance of high quality science, free from political, commercial and client interference and the importance of this in the decision-making processes utilized by the Department.
• The Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) coordinates the production of peer-reviewed science advice for DFO. Science advice is prepared both nationally and through DFO’s regional offices.
• CSAS provides a systemic process for the delivery of science advice to the Department’s decision makers. Advice might relate to the state of an ecosystem or aquatic resources, the impacts of a human activity, the effectiveness of a mitigation strategy or another subject related to DFO’s mandate.

Small Craft Harbours

• Small craft harbours are one of my top priorities. They are critical infrastructure for many coastal communities, supporting their economic prosperity.
• That is why Fisheries and Oceans Canada is taking concrete steps to invest in harbours so that they better withstand the impacts of climate change and support coastal communities.
• Since 2016, our government has announced over $855 million in new funding to support small craft harbours, where 90 per cent of catches by Canadian commercial fish harvesters are landed.
• This means harbour infrastructure, such as wharves and breakwaters, will be built using the latest climate-adapted standards and codes, increasing the overall resiliency of our harbours.

Question 1: What is the status of repairs to harbours impacted by Hurricane Fiona in 2022?

• A $70-million portion of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund was directed to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for initial repairs at small craft harbours damaged by the hurricane.
• In the days following the September 24, 2022 storm, we found that 142 harbours had been impacted by Fiona. Through initial clean-up activities, dredging and minor repairs, impacts at 62 harbours have been addressed. Infrastructure and dredging impacts remain at approximately 80 harbours throughout the affected Small Craft Harbour regions.
• The Department continues to undertake longer-term repairs at these impacted harbours.

Question 2: What are you doing to ensure the Small Craft Harbours program is working closely with Harbour Authorities and fish harvesters when addressing climate change?

• Through meaningful engagement we will continue to collaborate to ensure that harbour investments are mutually beneficial over the long term, despite the impacts of climate change.

Background

• On October 17, 2022, the previous Minister (Minister Murray) and Minister Petitpas Taylor confirmed $70 million to support the Small Craft Harbours (SCH) Program with dredging, clean-up, assessments, minor repairs, and design development of climate-resilient infrastructure at small craft harbours in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec impacted by Hurricane Fiona.
• Initial clean-up and minor repairs have been carried out at most of the impacted harbours. Dredging was conducted at harbours where sediments were affecting harbour operations. As of September 2023, funds from the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) valued at $17.4 million have been expended. An additional $33.2 million from the HFRF has been committed to specific projects, but has not yet been expended.
• All fish harvesters located at impacted harbours were accommodated during 2023 fishing seasons throughout the regions.
• Work is ongoing to plan and execute longer-term repairs at impacted harbours. This includes working with consultants and harbour authorities to determine the scope of work and associated costs. Depending on the scope and complexity of individual projects, it could take up to five years for all Fiona damages to be repaired.
• The SCH program regularly incorporates climate resiliency factors when planning and undertaking infrastructure work so that structures are able to withstand extreme weather. These factors are based on evolving building codes and information from coastal studies and DFO’s Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability Index (CIVI) Tool.
• SCH staff have concluded that harbours where recent maintenance or upgrade work had been carried out better withstood the impacts of Fiona, as opposed to harbours where no recent interventions had taken place.

Seal predation

• The potential impact of seal predation on fish populations in the Atlantic varies. The Department has demonstrated the negative impacts of grey seal predation on the recovery of some groundfish stocks in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• The Department recently announced an investment of over $600,900 for three seal projects to a combination of Indigenous industry, and university groups in eastern Canada and one sea lion project in western Canada.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is carrying out its research to better understand the role of seals in marine ecosystems.
• The Department works collaboratively with harvesters to facilitate participation in the seal harvest.

Question 1: What is our understanding of the impacts of Seals?

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are actively involved in research to better understand the role of seals in marine ecosystems.
• Scientists are gathering more data and working with partners on the potential impacts of seals on other commercial fish stocks.
• For northern cod, the Department’s analyses do not indicate that seals are the key driver of population status.

Question 2: Is the Department considering population control?

• The Department uses the best available scientific information to make appropriate seal related management decisions, and is not considering population control of seals at this time.

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.  
• There is concern from the fishing industry on both the east and west coast regarding the potential impacts of seal and sea lion predation on commercially valuable fish stocks.
• There are active DFO research projects on the East and West coasts of Canada to look at diet of key seal species.
• The Department is also investing in a new research program on the West Coast and has been working with partners on the potential impacts of seals and sea lions on fish populations

North Atlantic Right Whale Report

• I thank the Committee for their report and their thoughtful recommendations regarding the protection of right whales.
• The Government continues to take concrete steps to ensure right whales are protected from fishing gear entanglements, including using adaptive fishing closure protocols, and to reduce vessel strikes.
• Budget 2023 included $151.9 million over three years to continue Canada’s efforts to protect endangered whales, including right whales.

Question 1: How is the Department addressing economic impacts on harvesters?

• Our measures are challenging for industry, but we are on the right track, thanks to harvesters’ cooperation in protecting this species.
• The Department works with and listens to Indigenous partners, harvesters and stakeholders to ensure management measures allow for prosperous fisheries.
• Canada’s robust, adaptive right whale protection measures are key to the sustainability of Canada’s seafood exports.

Question 2: What advances are being made to address entanglement risks while allowing fishing?

• The Department is working with harvesters to support transition to whalesafe fishing gear, including using ropeless fishing gear.
• The Department will continue to adapt fisheries measures to protect whales, informed by harvester input and the best available science.

Background

• In April 2023, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans published a report on the Protection and Coexistence of North Atlantic Right Whales, providing a series of recommendations related to right whale management, science and protection.
• In September 2023, the Government responded to this report, thanking the Committee for their recommendations. The response reiterated the importance of a continued precautionary approach to protecting right whales, to support the species’ recovery under the Species at Risk Act and to ensure continued access for Canadian seafood products to the American market under the import provisions of the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
• The 2023 fisheries management measures to protect North Atlantic Right Whales, remain unchanged from 2022.
• The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) continues to apply adaptive measures to prevent fishing gear entanglements, such as: changes to the open and closure dates of fisheries; dynamic and seasonal closure protocols, special closure provisions for waters shallower than 20 fathoms; focused surveillance using acoustic underwater technology (hydrophones), aircraft and vessels to confirm the presence of whales; continued ghost gear retrieval; and collaborating with Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard to address the potential threats from vessel strikes.
• In April 2023, the previous Minister announced the development of a national Whalesafe Gear Strategy to guide the implementation of lower breaking strength and on-demand fishing gear systems to address the risk of whale entanglement. Engagement on this strategy begins in the fall of 2023, to be finalized in 2024.

Closure of Atlantic Mackerel Fishery

• The mackerel stock is at historically low levels and the science assessments indicate mackerel has been in or near the Critical Zone since 2011.
• Additional data collection has been conducted in 2021 and 2022 in Newfoundland which continue to show that the southern Gulf of Saint-Lawrence is the dominant spawning habitat and that the egg survey index is a valid indicator of stock state. This continues to reinforce our confidence in the assessment of the status of the stock.
• Prior to the June 2023 Atlantic mackerel fishery closure decision, my predecessor received numerous letters advocating and questioning the validity of the management measures and the stock assessment for mackerel.
• Pending the announcement of the management decision, letters addressed to the former Minister and their responses were put on hold. This included a response to the Committee. I thank you for your recommendations and my response will be provided very soon.

Question 1: Why have we not received a response?

• I regret the delay in responding to the Committee’s letter. A response will be sent shortly.

Background

• The letter from the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) was sent on February 22, 2023.
• The most recent stock assessment was held in February 2023 and determined that the Atlantic mackerel stock biomass was at a historically low level in 2021 and 2022, and the rebuilding potential is limited by low recruitment, high predation pressure, and a collapsed age structure due to overfishing.
• On June 28, 2023, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the continued closure for the Atlantic mackerel commercial and bait fisheries for the 2023 season. The difficult decision to close the fishery was postponed to ensure that all considerations were appropriately weighed and that the decision was founded in sound science and reason.
• Atlantic mackerel fishing activity typically starts in May in the Maritimes, June in the Gulf and Quebec Regions and late August in Newfoundland.
• In 2022, harvesters observed an increase of mackerel in NAFO 3KL, which could be due to warming waters. This increase does not necessarily indicate a change in abundance, but could be due to a change in distribution under current climate conditions and this change in distribution is known to vary year-to-year.
• An Atlantic Mackerel Science Working Group was established in 2020 that includes DFO and industry representatives from each region. This working group was created to identify additional sampling opportunities or sources of data that could contribute to a better understanding of stock dynamics and structure.
• Since U.S. removals of Canadian-spawned mackerel are another source of mortality for this stock and are a significant concern, DFO is making use of every opportunity to engage with and contribute to current U.S. science and management decision-making processes for the next fishing year.

Inshore regulations update – Owner operator and fleet separation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to implement the inshore regulations to preserve the principles of Owner Operator and Fleet Separation.
• This approach maintains and strengthens the independence and economic viability of the inshore sector, and preserves the socio-economic and cultural environment of the coastal communities in Eastern Canada.

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

• Licence holders must maintain control over their inshore licence and directly benefit from that licence.
• At the time the regulations were developed, the industry requested access to financing from third-parties to allow flexibility in accessing capital for licence holders.
• However, some licence holders may be in controlling agreements. The Department is actively reviewing licence holders’ eligibility to hold an inshore licence and working to bring them into compliance where possible.

Question 2: What has your Department done to date to implement the inshore regulations?

• The Department applies the inshore regulations through both enforcement actions and administrative reviews of licence holders eligibility.
• Investigations related to the Inshore Regulations can be complex and the work can take significant time to bring to prosecution. To date, there have been charges for related offenses (e.g. owner-operator) and there are investigations currently ongoing

Background

• Inshore Regulations consist of regulatory amendments that came into force in December 2020 and April 2021.
• They enshrine in regulation several policies that have been in place since the late 70’s but requested by industry long before, and are still relevant to this day. The over-arching goal is to keep the economic benefits from the fisheries in local communities. These policies include:
• Fleet separation – inshore licences cannot be issued to fish processing companies;
• Owner-operator – licence holder must be on the boat;
• Control of Licences - licence holder must control their fishing enterprise; and
• Issuing licences to companies – a licence can only be issued to a company wholly-owned by one eligible individual.
• The inshore regulations are applied through Licensing administrative review processes and through Conservation and Protection enforcement measures.
• Licensing concentrates its effort on one part of the new regulations: determining the eligibility of licence holders (or future licence holder) at the time of issuance (or reissuance) according to the principle that they cannot transfer the rights and privileges associated with their licence(s) to a third party.
• The courts have established that licensing decisions cannot be punitive (Matthews v. Canada 1997).
• The enforcement aspect of the regulations allows DFO to prosecute the licence holder and third parties.
• A well-defined administrative review process is in place. At the onset, DFO requires all licence holders at the time of licensing fee payment to self-declare via the National Online Licensing System that they have not transferred any of their rights and privileges.
• Confirmation of eligibility is done based on reviews of selected applicants. There are three kinds of reviews:
• Reissuance reviews: all requests to reissue (commonly referred to as “transfer”) licences are reviewed;
  • Targeted reviews: when complaints or information about potential non-compliance (i.e., a “trigger”) is received from industry or obtained internally within DFO; and
  • Non-Targeted reviews: when a fishery of interest is identified, and some fishers within that fleet are randomly selected for review.
• In all review types, a questionnaire is sent to the applicant and all documents relevant to the transaction or the fishing enterprise are requested for review.
• A national Task Team and executive oversight is in place to support the review of complex cases and to ensure consistency in decision-making across regions.
• Enforcement actions are active and on-going. Details on specific cases cannot be shared to protect the integrity of on-going investigations.

Foreign ownership of fishing licences

• The Department is aware of concerns regarding the foreign ownership of Canadian fishing enterprises.
• The results of the Beneficial Ownership Survey were published September 2023. The survey found that 2 per cent of respondents had some degree of foreign ownership within their corporate structure.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada will engage stakeholders on the results of the Survey, as well as identify additional avenues of potential foreign control, such as access leasing, for further review.

Question 1: What additional information can be revealed about the licence holders with foreign ownership?

• The Department is now in the process of reviewing the commercial access held by licence holders with foreign ownership.
• Given the private nature of the information that was gathered by the Survey, the Department is unable to publicly release more specific details on the names of licence holders with foreign ownership, the access they hold, or their landings.

Question 2: Does the Department intend to immediately ban foreign ownership of fishing licences?

• The Department will engage stakeholders to discuss foreign ownership and discuss potential policy changes as part of the upcoming West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagement.
• Careful consideration of the potential impacts on existing licence holders are required before any potential policy changes can be pursued.

Background

• The issue of foreign ownership of Canadian fishing enterprises was highlighted as part of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans’ (FOPO) 2019 report “West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits.” The report included 20 recommendations that called for significant changes to the current fisheries management and licensing regime, including a recommendation that “no future sales of fishing quota and/or licences be to non-Canadian beneficial owners”.
• There is no national standard for foreign ownership limits for commercial fisheries in Canada. The Department’s foreign ownership restrictions on commercial fisheries access are established through its regional licensing policies, which are designed to support the fishery’s unique management objectives.
• In February of 2021, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) strengthened the application of its foreign ownership restrictions in Atlantic Canada. Under the “Enhanced Application of Foreign Ownership Restrictions”, the requirement to be at least 51 per cent Canadian is applied to the full corporate structure of prospective licence holders for all future licence re-issuances in the mid-shore, offshore, and exempted fleet fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, where this policy applies.
• During the Summer of 2021, the Department contracted the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG), under Public Services and Procurement Canada, to develop a survey (the Beneficial Ownership Survey) that would identify who is benefitting from commercial fishing licences and quota, and validate the concerns identified by Parliamentarians. On January 30, 2022, DFO launched a survey that was mandatory for all Pacific commercial licence holders and vessel owners, and all Atlantic and Quebec licences holders whose corporate structure were not already prescribed by regulation (inshore and communal commercial fisheries were excluded). The Survey results were published on September 22, 2023.
• DFO will now engage key stakeholders, including the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation, B.C. Seafood Alliance, and Fisheries Council of Canada, to discuss the findings’ impacts and any potential policy solutions, if required. DFO will also engage stakeholders through the upcoming West Coast Commercial Fisheries Modernization engagement sessions. Careful consideration of the potential impacts on existing licence holders across all commercial fisheries, as well as Canada’s international trade obligations, will be required before any policy changes could be introduced, or regulatory amendments considered.

Indo-Pacific trade agreements and implications for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

• The Government is committed to supporting Canadian fish and seafood exports to Asian and Pacific markets. Nearly $2 billion of fish and seafood was exported to the region in 2022.
• Canada’s fish and seafood industry is an important source of sustainable and healthy protein.
• Fisheries and Oceans will continue to collaborate closely with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada and Global Affairs Canada to support the sector in this region.

Question 1: If asked about Canada-India relations and possible impact on the seafood industry.

• Concerning Canada-India relations, I would defer to my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Question 2: What is the the Department doing to tackle international illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?

• The Department works with our international partners to develop and strengthen the fisheries management and compliance measures that regulate high seas fishing activity, and combat illegal fishing with a robust monitoring, control, and surveillance presence.
• Under the Shared Ocean Fund, $84.3 million over five years, will be allotted to support efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing through increased maritime cooperation and reinforce a healthy marine environment in the Indo-Pacific. This includes finalizing a $6.5 M (CAD) contribution to the Joint Analytical Cell (JAC), an organization designed to harness complementary information gathering and analytical capabilities; fisheries intelligence tools and databases; and international partnerships to fight against IUU fishing.

Background

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: In November 2022, Canada launched the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), a comprehensive roadmap to deepen its engagement in the region over the next decade. Encompassing 40 economies, over four billion people and $47 trillion in economic activity, it is the world’s fastest-growing region and home to six of Canada’s top trading partners. The Indo-Pacific region represents significant opportunities for growing the Canadian economy, as well as opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses for decades to come. The trade-related aspects of the IPS are led by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development in collaboration with ministers responsible for Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Standards Council of Canada.
• Shared Ocean Fund Initiative: As part of Canada’s IPS, a new Shared Ocean Fund of $84.3 million over five years will help increase maritime cooperation and create a healthy marine environment in the Indo-Pacific while supporting measures against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Through this initiative, Canada will work to strengthen and enforce the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region in order to regulate fisheries and fishing activity, protect fish stocks, advance ecosystem conservation, reduce the use of plastic fish aggregating devices, and put in place strong monitoring, control, and surveillance rules with respect to IUU fishing. Canada recently led its first high seas patrol in the North Pacific Ocean to combat IUU fishing. This was conducted through Canada’s annual participation in Operation North Pacific Guard, an initiative supported by funding from the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), which aims to enhance conservation, protection and enforcement efforts in high-risk areas for Canada’s Pacific salmon stocks.
• Trade market access for seafood in the Indo-Pacific Region: The Indo-Pacific region is an important market for Canadian fish and seafood with exports totaling nearly $2 billion in 2022. The majority of Canada’s seafood exports to the region go to China ($1.29 billion), notably for products such as lobster, cold-water shrimp, and crab. Canadian exporters have indicated an interest in major economies in the region such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, but also growing markets like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
• Free trade agreement negotiations with Indonesia: Round 5 of negotiations toward a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement took place in Ottawa in May 2023. Canadian exports of seafood to Indonesia were valued at $70.3 million in 2022, whereas imports amounted to $166 million for the same year.
• Trade relations with India: Negotiations on a Canada-India free trade agreements, which began in 2010, were placed on hold last month. Impacts on bilateral trade in fish and seafood between India and Canada remain unclear. However, India remains a small export market for Canada. In 2022, Canada exported $580 thousand worth of seafood to India, while imports were $309.3 million.

Great Lakes fishery commission

• Budget 2022 provided $19.6 million annually to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to ensure its continued success.
• The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is vital to controlling sea lampreys, conducting scientific research, and maintaining cooperation among Canadian and American agencies to manage and sustain the Great Lakes transboundary fisheries.
• The Government is committed to preserving our freshwater resources and protecting the Great Lakes from invasive species.

Question 1: Why haven’t you addressed the governance issue?

• The Department is committed to resolving these concerns, and senior level engagement with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission Secretariat has been frequent and is ongoing.
• We continue to work closely with the Commission to fulfill our responsibilities as the Canadian delivery agent for the binational sea lamprey control program.
• The Department is not responsible for Machinery of Government changes, as these decisions are the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

Question 2: Is the Department in a conflict of interest?

• There is no conflict between the interests or duties of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and those of the Department as these are aligned in terms of controlling sea lamprey and facilitating the sustainable management of the Great Lakes fishery.
• We are committed to supporting the sustainable management of the Great Lakes fishery and to sea lamprey control, and we exercise that commitment in our domestic activities and in our continued support of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Background

• As part of Budget 2022, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) successfully brought forward a proposal seeking additional incremental funding of $44.9 million over five years and $9 million ongoing for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), to ensure that Canada meets its bilateral treaty requirement with the US - bringing Canada’s contribution up to over $19 million in 2022 and moving forward. This funding will help to augment Canadian sea lamprey control activities, and support the GLFC’s scientific research and binational fisheries management coordination across the Great Lakes.
• In recent years, the GLFC has been lobbying key stakeholders in the US and Canada, including Members of Parliament (MPs), and US Senators and Representatives, with their request for federal a leadership and responsibility for the GLFC to be moved from DFO to Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
• The government of Canada is assessing the implications of a possible change in federal leadership and fiscal responsibility for the GLFC. Decisions on the machinery of government are the preserve and prerogative of the Prime Minister
• On June 8 and 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans held two meetings on the GLFC. DFO officials provided testimony on June 8th, followed by GAC officials appearing on the 12th. Committee members remarked that the relationship between Canada and the United States is being impacted by funding and governance problems, with questions focusing on: 1) machinery and governance; 2) GLFC’s legal opinion related to a conflict of interest; 3) the flow of funds; and 4) aquatic invasive species.

Issue notes – Maritimes region

Unauthorized fishing in Nova Scotia

• The Department’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, orderly and sustainable lobster fishery.
• The Department is actively working with all parties involved in the fishery to ensure that Indigenous harvesters can exercise their Constitutionally-protected right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes and their treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; and that the fishing taking place complies with the Fisheries Act.
• Our Fishery Officers enforce the Fisheries Act, and that includes taking enforcement action when individuals are harvesting without a Fisheries and Oceans Canada issued authorization. Our officers work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or police of jurisdiction when violations, that go beyond Conservation and Protection legal authorities, are identified.
• Since July 17, fishery officers have seized 907 traps in southwest Nova Scotia, lobster fishing areas 33 and 34.
• On September 7 and 10, fishery officers made arrests for infractions of the Fisheries Act, in addition to the arrests and seizure of lobster in Moncton on August 30. As a result of these efforts, thousands of lobsters were released live, back into the ocean.
• On September 23, fishery officers arrested and later released four individuals and seized a fishing vessel in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia for multiple infractions under the Fisheries Act.
• Investigations into these infractions are underway, and fishery officers will continue to monitor compliance with, and enforce, the Fisheries Act.

Question 1: What is the Department doing about unauthorized fishing in Nova Scotia?

• All fishing activity is subject to compliance verification by Fishery Officers of the Department. Officers conduct inspections across all fisheries regulated by the Department, including commercial, recreational, and Indigenous fisheries.
• Fishing activity occurring without the required authorization, or licence, or not in compliance with conditions of the authorization or the licence are subject to enforcement action.
• As we do in all fisheries, our fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act.

Question 2: What enforcement tactics does Conservation and Protection employ in Nova Scotia?

• Fishery officers have a range of monitoring and compliance tactics that they can use - on and off the water.
• Like any other law enforcement agency, the Department does not discuss the strategies and tactics publicly, as doing so could compromise ongoing activities and any ensuing investigations that may be undertaken.
• The Department urges everyone to respect the law and to respect each other. The Department continues to work with our partners in law enforcement to promote a peaceful fishery.

Background

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognizing rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership. As part of that commitment, we are working with First Nations harvesters so that they can exercise their Supreme Court-affirmed inherent and Treaty rights to fish through various DFO-authorized fisheries. These fisheries include food, social and ceremonial (FSC), and communal commercial fisheries, including interim understandings reached to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood.
• Many First Nations harvesters are exercising their right to fish FSC lobster throughout Nova Scotia. In areas such as St. Mary’s Bay in southwestern Nova Scotia and in the vicinity of St. Peter’s Canal in Cape Breton, fishery officers are working with these communities to protect the rights of Indigenous harvesters engaged in this fishery. Part of that protection is ensuring that the fishing complies with the Fisheries Act, and other associated regulations. As we do in all fisheries, our fishery officers are verifying gear for compliance, monitoring activities on and off the water and, where warranted, seizing gear and catch, and laying charges for violations under the Fisheries Act. Fishing activity occurring without a required DFO-issued licence or not in compliance with the conditions of the licence is subject to enforcement action.
• DFO is committed to providing for a safe, orderly and sustainable lobster fishery for all participants. We firmly believe that respectful, constructive dialogue is the way to achieve this.
• DFO continues to work with all those involved in lobster fisheries –Indigenous and non-Indigenous - to responsibly manage this socially, historically and economically important species.
• Established seasons support this shared goal. Seasons provide predictability for all those participating in the fishery, as well as for other fleets and industries, and reduces gear conflict among fisheries operating in the same geographic area. The timing of season openings also help ensure that the benefits of the inshore lobster fishery are distributed broadly to Indigenous and coastal communities across Atlantic Canada.
• DFO is working with the RCMP to monitor and address any illegal activity including harassment and violence on the water.
• We will continue to take action whenever unauthorized harvesting and other violations under the Fisheries Act are observed, while supporting the exercise of Indigenous fishing rights.

Tidal energy

• The Department is working with industry, federal, and provincial partners to advance the responsible development of marine renewable energy, including tidal energy.
• This is why the Government recently established a Task Force on Sustainable Tidal Energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy.
• This Task Force is facilitating greater collaboration between the federal government, the Province of Nova Scotia, members of the tidal industry, and the tidal research community, and I look forward to sharing a final report detailing our progress before the end of the year.

Question 1: How is the Task Force engaging with other implicated partners and stakeholders?

• The Task Force is keeping implicated stakeholders, such as fish harvesters, informed with regular updates. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is engaging with Indigenous peoples through established consultation and engagement processes.

Question 2: What kind of specific deliverables can Canadians expect this Task Force to deliver?

• The Task Force is working to clarify requirements for fish protection, improve transparency of risk assessment on tidal turbine deployments, and reduce turnaround time for regulatory decisions for tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy.

Background

• In May 2022, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) received an application from Sustainable Marine Energy Canada Ltd. (SMEC) for a Fisheries Act authorization and Species at Risk Act permit in relation to a proposed in-stream tidal energy project. SMEC was proposing to deploy and operate a floating tidal energy device (i.e. platform) of 5 Megawatts, including the installation of three, six, and eventually twelve floating platforms.
• In March 2023, the proponent communicated that they were withdrawing their application, resulting in a pause of DFO’s project review. The proponent identified DFO’s regulatory process as a key factor in its decision. The tidal energy industry and Province of Nova Scotia have communicated that they are seeking a clear regulatory path for tidal power development in Canada.
• On June 20, 2023, the previous Minister of DFO and the Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) announced the establishment of a task force on sustainable tidal energy to explore issues and opportunities associated with the deployment of tidal energy projects in the Bay of Fundy. More specifically, the purpose of the Task Force is to clarify regulatory requirements, improve risk assessment processes, and reduce time for decisions.
• The Task Force is co-chaired by DFO and NRCan and includes members from the Province of Nova Scotia, industry, and research organizations. The Task Force facilitates greater collaboration between the federal government, the province, members of the tidal industry and the tidal research community. An interim report summarizing key issues and progress was released on September 29, 2023. A final report will be shared before the end of the year.
• 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, was tabled in the House of Commons in May 2023. Bill C-49 aligns the Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia Accord Acts with the Impact Assessment Act and provides authority for the Offshore Boards to regulate offshore renewable energy projects, such as wind power. It is not clear that these authorities extend to tidal energy projects, as tidal projects are unlikely to occur in the defined offshore area.
• Marine spatial planning, currently underway in five marine areas including the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy, has strong potential to support the renewable energy sector in the region, including tidal energy. Through early identification of sites with optimal conditions and/or areas to avoid, upstream efficiencies can be gained in the development process, adding much-needed investor certainty.

Commercial elver fishery

• The commercial elver fishery has grown exponentially in value over the past decade and has substantially lower entry costs compared to other fisheries.
• This fishery presents an opportunity to increase Indigenous participation in commercial fisheries. For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, 1,200 kg of the total allowable catch was reallocated to support increased Indigenous participation in the commercial elver fishery. It also presents challenges for Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure compliance with the rules.
• As part of our regular commitment to sustainable, orderly, and safe fisheries for all participants, the Department is conducting a review of the fishery to address management concerns in advance of next year’s season.

Question 1: What is the management review covering?

• Elements of the review include assessments of:
  • the current approach to governance and management;
  • the management of the fishery in other jurisdictions;
  • how regulatory changes can improve traceability; and
  • potential changes to conditions of licence to manage increasing participants in the fishery;
  • and current and potential tools to monitor the fishery

Question 2: Will the review be completed and changes made ahead of a fishery in 2024?

• The Department will make every effort to complete the review and provide recommendations ahead of the opening of the 2024 season, which is typically in March.

Question 3: Why did the Department not offer compensation for the quota reduced from licences? Is this being considered for any changes to access in this fishery?

• While compensation for acquiring licences is one approach the Department has taken in providing access to First Nations in commercial fisheries, it is not the only approach available.
• Decisions on what changes will be made and how they will be implemented are still under review.

Question 4: Why did the Department close the fishery last season?

• The scale of unreported fishing presents a serious risk to the conservation of the American Eel stock.
• Conflicts have escalated to violence and threats, risking the safety of harvesters, the public, and fishery officers, and constituting a threat to the proper management and control of the fishery.
• Closing the elver fishery via a Fisheries Management Order was a required response to address these risks last season.

Background

• Elvers are juvenile American Eels. Because all American eel originate from the same spawning location in the Sargasso Sea and are therefore all of the same genetic makeup, they are considered a single global population. The American eel population has decreased substantially across eastern Canada in the last forty years. Canada is currently considering whether to list the species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA); if listed, prohibitions would apply.
• The elver fishery is managed with a total allowable catch (TAC) and site-specific river catch limits set for each fishing location (rivers, streams, brooks) in licences. The TAC of 9960kg has remained the same since 2005. For 2023, there were eight commercial licences, one communal commercial licence, and two interim communal commercial licences covering 10 First Nation Communities. The First Nation access was reallocated from existing licence holder TAC. The Department participated in a Judicial Review (JR) brought by three non-Indigenous elver licence holders who disagreed with the approach to reallocating the 2022 quota and were successful. Three JRs have also been brought to the Department on the 2023 decision.
• The elver fishery has become extremely lucrative in the past 10 years, with landed value rising from $450 per kg in 2009 to $3,800 per kg in 2021, with a peak value of $5,100 per kg in 2019. In comparison to other commercial fisheries, the investments required to harvest are relatively low.
• Due to the ease of harvesting, high value of the fishery, and the limited current extent of access held by First Nations, there is considerable risk of ongoing assertion of rights and unauthorized fishing impacting conservation and orderly management. DFO considers greater access by First Nations to the elver fishery could help to mitigate these risks.
• Fishing outside the DFO authorized commercial elver fishery steadily increased over the last decade. In the spring of 2020 as a result of significant fishing activity outside the commercial fishery by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous harvesters, the Minister issued a Fisheries Management Order (FMO) to close the fishery.
• Unauthorized harvest of elvers poses a significant safety concern for both harvesters and fishery officers. DFO received numerous complaints of disputes between harvesters and responded to incidences of fishing gear tampering and situations involving threats to harvesters and fishery officers.

Avon River Tidal Gate / Highway 101 Twinning

• Since 2019, the Department has been working with Nova Scotia on their Highway 101 Twinning Project, which includes replacing the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River.
• The Department is waiting for information from Nova Scotia on the project design to support the Department’s regulatory requirements. When the Department has updated information, it will continue the project review, and consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.
• The Department is also working with Nova Scotia to bring the existing tidal gate structure into compliance with existing federal legislation.

Question 1: Why is your Department’s review taking so long?

• The Fisheries Act requires the Department to assess the ability of existing and new structures to provide fish passage.
• The Department is currently reviewing, under the Fisheries Act, an application from the Province of Nova Scotia to replace the existing tidal gate structure on the Avon River. The project is being evaluated on its ability to provide fish passage for all fish species likely to use the Avon River.
• The Department is committed to meaningful consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. Consultation for this project is complex and will take time.

Question 2: Will your department consider the impacts to the community that has developed around the area?

• We are very aware of the many perspectives on this project. However, the Department’s mandate is to review projects to ensure compliance with the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act.
• As the project proponent, the Province of Nova Scotia is responsible for addressing and communicating any potential changes to their operations that may impact current users of the Avon River.

Background

• The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) operates the existing Avon River tidal gates. Since installing the causeway and tidal gate structure in the 1970’s, the controlled elevation of water has provided a source of agricultural and recreational water (Lake Pisiquid) for the surrounding area and helped prevent flooding. However, the structure was not designed, or operated, in a manner that provided effective fish passage for a variety of fish species, including species at risk.
• The Nova Scotia Department of Public Works (NSDPW) is twinning the two-lane highway over the existing tidal gates, which are considered at the end of their operational life. This proposed twinning project requires an expansion of the causeway, and includes a proposal to replace the existing tidal gates.
• In 2020, following two years of discussions with the Province of Nova Scotia and consultations with Indigenous parties, DFO began issuing Ministerial Orders which directed NSDA to operate the tidal gates in a manner that allows for the natural passage of fish. This order resulted in the waters of Lake Pisiquid receding.
• During the forest fires that occurred in parts of Nova Scotia in late May 2023, Nova Scotia declared a State of Emergency for the area and directed the refilling of the artificial lake to support potential wildfire response. The Province of Nova Scotia has actively and publicly stated their desire to maintain a lake in Windsor.
• DFO continues to work with the province on maximizing fish passage through the existing tidal gate structure, and the design and review of the new proposed structure. Consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia is also underway on both the operation of the existing structure, and the new proposed structure. The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are seeking improvements to fish passage.

Atlantic Fisheries Fund

• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in Canada’s fish and seafood sector. That is why it is investing over $400 million through the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, in partnership with the four Atlantic provincial governments.
• Since 2017, seventy three per cent of program funds have been contracted with over 1,075 approved projects and another $20.6 million, pending approval.

Q1: Why have there been delays in standing up the program?

• Further progress was limited due to delays related to standing up the program and supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Department and Atlantic provinces have recently finalized a reprofile of funds, to extend the time that projects have to be fully implemented and reimbursed to March 31, 2026. New projects cannot be contracted beyond March 31, 2024.
• Interest in the Atlantic Fisheries Fund program remains strong, with 90 projects (seeking funding of over $42 million) currently under evaluation.

Background

• The Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) is a fund of over $400 million over seven years (2017-18 to 2023-24) cost shared with provincial partners, 70/30 (federal/provincial) over the life of the program. The Atlantic component of the AFF was launched on August 31, 2017, and its national marketing pillar, the Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund (CFSOF) was launched December 5, 2018.
• To date, 73 per cent of the total available federal/provincial contribution budget for the $379.8 million ($265.86 million of which is federal) of the Atlantic component of AFF has been committed, on over 1075 approved projects.
• Another 70 projects are pending approval valued at over $20.6 million in AFF contributions. Also, there are currently 90 applications in-house seeking funding of over $42 million with new applications being received daily. This, along with a number of large-scale project proposals under development, positions AFF well to commit most of its remaining funds by March 31, 2024.
• A two-year reprofile has been operationalized through the extension of the AFF Framework Agreement until March 31, 2026. This process does not permit for the contracting of new projects beyond the original sunset date of March 31, 2024.
• The CFSOF, the fourth national marketing pillar of AFF, which currently has its own set of Framework Agreements with ten signatory provinces and territories, also has an end date of March 31, 2024. Provincial and territorial partners and its recipients are aware of and support CFSOF’s sunset date and they are not expecting it to be extended.
• The AFF focuses on supporting innovation in the fish and seafood sector throughout Atlantic Canada by investing in projects that help the sector to better meet growing demands for sustainably- and legally-sourced, high-quality fish and seafood products. Its ultimate objective is that “sustainable economic growth will be realized in the fish and seafood sector” through innovative investments under its three strategic Atlantic Pillars: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Science Partnerships. Eligible applicants include Indigenous groups, commercial enterprises (including fish harvesters, aquaculturalists, and seafood processors), universities and academics, industry associations and other non-profits, and other organizations such as research institutions and provincial crown corporations. Other eligibility criteria includes residence in a participating province; being active in or supporting activities related to the fish and seafood harvesting, processing, or aquaculture industries; and, being able to demonstrate that maximum economic benefits will accrue to the Atlantic Region. All proposed projects are also assessed for whether they will trigger a Duty to Consult or Impact Assessment (previously known as an environmental assessment) to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.
• To date, the majority of approvals (89 per cent of total projects and 71 per cent of investment dollars) have fallen under the Infrastructure Pillar. The technology adoption and adaptation investments under the Infrastructure pillar have been pivotal in promoting the benefits of innovation and automation in the fish and seafood sector. The sector has been traditionally hesitant to invest in innovation as it was perceived as too financially risky but the AFF, through these investments has started to shift that perspective by reducing the barriers to innovate and allowing the benefits of innovation to be realized by recipients.

Issue notes – Pacific Region

Open-net pen transition in British Columbia

• The mandate commitment provided to my predecessor committed to working with the province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities on a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.
• The vision of the Transition Plan is to advance innovation and growth in sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia to progressively minimize or eliminate interactions between farmed and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural, and economic objectives.
• The Government of Canada is ensuring that the transition is undertaken in a manner that respects the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.

Question 1: What work has Fisheries and Oceans Canada done so far?

• Extensive consultations have been conducted since 2020, and summarized in reports published in July 2021 and May 2023.
• A Discussion Framework was released in July 2022.
• In July 2023, in response to requests from First Nations and others, the time period for consultation on the Transition Plan was extended.

Question 2: When will the transition plan be finalized?

• The Government of Canada is collaborating and engaging with First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, local governments, and key stakeholders on the development and implementation of a responsible transition plan.
• Engagement is robust, inclusive, and iterative and respects the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. Additional information about timelines will be provided as we move forward.

Question 3: What impact will the Transition Plan have on the economies of British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces?

• The Transition Plan is focused on British Columbia, where the federal government has a unique management role.
• In the Atlantic provinces, the Department works closely with provincial authorities, who are the lead regulators, to ensure salmon aquaculture activities are managed sustainably.

Background

• In 2019, and again in 2021, Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard was mandated to work with the Province of British Columbia (B.C.) and Indigenous communities on a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal B.C. waters by 2025.
• On July 29, 2022, Fisheries and Oceans Canada released a discussion framework which outlines a proposed vision for transitioning from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in B.C. The proposed framework will help guide engagement with the Province, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians.
• A “What We Heard” Report, released May 18, 2023, provides a summary of ideas and perspectives raised during Phases 1 and 2 of engagement.
• In response to requests from First Nations and others, the department has extended the time period for consultation on the transition with all interested parties.
• The feedback and input received during this engagement will be instrumental in the development of the final transition plan.

Discovery Islands

• On June 22, 2022, former Minister Murray announced next steps towards development of a plan for transitioning from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in coastal B.C. At the same time, the former Minister made a decision to approve a two-year reissuance of marine finfish licences across B.C., with the exception of the Discovery Islands. Following the Federal Court’s decision, the former Minister directed the Department not to reissue licences for 15 Atlantic salmon facilities in the Discovery Islands, and to issue six-month licences for two remaining chinook facilities.
• Consultations with five licence holders and seven First Nations in the area were subsequently conducted to inform a decision on reissuance or non-reissuance for all 17 licences, which the former Minister intended to make in January 2023.
• On February 17, 2023, the former Minister announced her decision to not renew licences for fifteen open-net pen Atlantic salmon aquaculture sites in the Discovery Islands.
• On March 20, 2023, Mowi, Cermaq, Grieg, as well as the We Wai Kai and Wei Wei Kum First Nations filed an application for a judicial review of the decision. Grieg Seafood has also filed a second separate motion.

West Coast fisheries report

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada appreciates the recommendations that the Standing Committee has made about sharing risks and benefits in west coast commercial fisheries. The Department is actively working on a number of the Committee’s recommendations to help modernize west coast commercial fisheries.
• Further external engagement is expected to begin this winter, including a discussion on the experiences with policies and management approaches that support harvesters on the east coast, and their applicability on the west coast.

Question 1: Why is modernization taking so long?

• The issues identified in the Report are wide-ranging and complex.
• The Department is ensuring it undertakes the necessary research, analysis, and engagement on these issues to minimize any unforeseen negative impacts on the fisheries.
• We look forward to further exploring First Nations and key stakeholder groups’ interests as part of the engagement planned this winter.

Question 2: What progress has been made?

• The Department is taking a number of actions that specifically respond to Committee recommendations:
  • a survey was conducted of all licence holders to assess beneficial ownership of licences. The results of the survey were published in September.
  • developing a public licence and quota registry, to improve transparency.
  • gathering additional socio-economic data, to support decision-making.
  • improvements to fishery advisory processes have been drafted to make them more inclusive.

Background

• The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Ocean’s (FOPO) 2019 report “West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits” included 20 recommendations that called for significant changes to the current fisheries management and licensing regime to support a more equitable sharing of risks and benefits among fishery participants, and the accrual of benefits from the fishery to local harvesters.
• The Government responded to the report in 2020, outlining Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) position and planned approach. The response noted the Minister’s authorities, the requirement that policies and programs should not negatively impact conservation objectives but must also consider ways to support the viability of fishing enterprises, and that the needs, rights, and capacities of Indigenous harvesters and their communities must be respected.
• DFO has appeared before the Committee multiple times since the 2019 report’s release, most recently in June 2023. The Minister received a letter from the Committee regarding concerns about the Government’s progress in implementing the 2019 report’s recommendations, dated August 16, 2023. The letter expressed concern regarding progress in key areas and recommended prioritization of additional work; a response is in development for the Minister’s approval.
• In addition to the Beneficial Ownership Survey, DFO has undertaken the following work:
  • There are three new surveys under development that will initiate new economic research and data collection to fill gaps in collaboration with commercial harvesters and industry associations to improve transparency: a recurring Cost and Earnings Survey to better understand coastal community reliance on fisheries; an annual Price Survey to address gaps in the price data provided to DFO by seafood buyers and processors; and a Commercial Support Services Study to inform our understanding of community reliance on fishing activities.
  • New commercial and recreational fishing data dashboards are being developed for the DFO website; these will display maps, charts, and tables to make data more accessible and allow users to track, analyze, and display different metrics.
  • A Corporate Profile Pilot Study was launched to better understand business practices in select Pacific fisheries that tests a methodology on how to categorize and define a “typical” fishing enterprise on a fishery-by-fishery basis.
  • A Feasibility Study has been completed to assess the technical feasibility of establishing a publicly accessible commercial Licence and Quota Registry (LQR). Since the Department last updated FOPO in June, DFO national headquarters has dedicated a business analyst to advance technical background work, and a regional lead has been assigned who is supporting contracting work.
  • A comparative analysis of fisheries policies and regulations on the west and east coasts has been completed, including comparative landed value trends and the influence of fisheries policies and regulations on these trends, as well as consideration of administrative and enforcement measures. Since the June FOPO hearings, further work has been done to better understand Atlantic practices related to beneficial ownership on the east coast.

Pacific salmon strategy initiative

• Pacific salmon populations are in serious decline due to climate change impacts, pollutants, changes in land and water use, and illegal and unregulated harvesting.
• The Government is taking decisive steps under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative through an investment of over $740 million over five years.
• In the first two years, the Department invested more than $12 million to deliver targeted actions through partners, under the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative.

Question 1: What results has the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative achieved since 2021?

• The Department has initiated multiple actions, such as: inspection work in the North Pacific; launching the Pacific Salmon Commercial Licence Retirement Program; undertaking salmon rebuilding activities with local partners; and, approving projects funded through the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund.
• Habitat restoration efforts continue in targeted areas, as are ongoing program transformations necessary to advance Pacific salmon rebuilding and conservation.

Question 2: How has the Department responded to the impact of the 2023 drought and wildfire on Pacific salmon in British Columbia?

• The Department is working with Indigenous partners, the Province, and stakeholders to monitor and respond to impacts on fish and fish habitat, such as reduced water flows and increased risk for stranding of migrating Pacific salmon.
• The Department is working with the province who is the lead on water use allocation and management.

Background

• Budget 2021 provided a transformational investment starting in 2021-22, to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to stabilize and conserve wild Pacific salmon populations as part of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI).
• The PSSI was launched in June 2021, with the goal of stemming the severe and ongoing decline of key Pacific salmon stocks on Canada’s West Coast and restoring them to a sustainable level for future generations of Canadians.
• This investment is to implement initiatives from 2021-22 to 2025-26 and is organized under four pillars: Conservation and Stewardship (habitat and rebuilding-related work); Salmon Enhancement (hatcheries-related work); Harvest Transformation (harvest-related work); and Integration and Collaboration (internal and external integration of planning and collaboration with others). The long-term initiative is unprecedented in both value and scope, and the work will require the efforts of not only the Department, but of those whose lives and interests are affected by the state of Pacific salmon.
• The 2018 Fall Economic Statement reiterated the Government’s commitment to the sustainability of wild Pacific salmon, supporting stock assessment and rebuilding efforts through a renewed Fisheries Act for priority fish stocks, and announcing the launch of the first iteration of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF). The federal-provincial joint BCSRIF was officially launched on March 15, 2019 originally allocating $142.85 million over five years: $100 million from Canada and $42.85 million from BC. The second phase of the BCSRIF was announced in August 2022, with an additional $100 million funded via PSSI. This brings the total funding of BCSRIF to $285 million ($85 million from BC), with an extended program end date of March 31, 2026.
• 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.

Issue notes – Arctic Region

Canadian Coast Guard presence in the Arctic

• In 2021, the Government of Canada announced an investment in the construction of two Polar icebreakers under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, with the first of the Polar Icebreakers scheduled for delivery in 2030. These larger, more powerful Polar icebreakers will enable the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct year-round operations in Canada’s to support Indigenous Peoples and northerners, strengthen Arctic sovereignty, advance high Arctic science, and better respond to maritime emergencies.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is often the only federal government presence in many areas of Canada’s north; providing federal on-water response, essential services and promoting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.
• The Coast Guard also plays a critical role in supporting Canada’s maritime security through the generation of maritime domain awareness.

Question 1 : What activities does the Canadian Coast Guard undertake in the Arctic regarding Arctic Sovereignty?

• The Coast Guard is continuously working to address Arctic maritime domain awareness challenges.
• To supplement the systems ashore which generate and consolidate maritime domain awareness, the Coast Guard also provides assets, programs, personnel and tools required to support Canada’s interests in the Arctic.
• Current and emerging maritime domain awareness capabilities, systems and tools will help to track vessels in the Arctic through a longer range look at incoming vessels, the ability to track vessels continuously and the identification of targets that could pose a threat.

Background

• Canada's ability to respond to regional challenges, provide security and ensure compliance with our laws and regulations largely depends on its ability to build and maintain a comprehensive picture of what is happening across the region.
• No single capability can provide effective Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) on its own; however, the Canadian Coast Guard  is the primary contributor to MDA in Canada and the Arctic. MDA requires a cooperative and coordinated effort among federal departments and agencies, allied nations, other levels of government and key stakeholders.
• The Canadian Coast Guard has acquired a geopolitical risk management and economic sanctions compliance product to complement the Long-Range Identification and Tracking system. Interoperable tools will help address maritime domain awareness gaps.
• The Office of the Auditor General’s Report on Arctic Waters Surveillance (November 2022) concluded that in order to assess safety and security risks adequately and respond appropriately, Canada must be aware of what happens in Arctic waters. The report focused on maritime domain awareness which involves having an effective and comprehensive understanding of all factors associated within the maritime domain that could affect safety, security, the economy or the environment.

Establishment of the Arctic Region

• In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard.
• This regional structure supports Canada’s commitments related to the implementation of Modern Treaties, self-determination, and the creation of a diverse public service.
• Through dedicated and ongoing planning capacity, the Department is delivering critical programs and services that are reflective of and responsive to the unique needs of Northern communities.

Question 1: What are some of the flagship initiatives in the Arctic Region?

• The Marine Conservation Targets for the Arctic are critical to achieving Canada’s marine protection goals. Significant investments and partnerships have been made to protect marine areas across the Arctic.
• The National Shipbuilding Strategy has seen three new medium icebreakers in 2018; investment in six new program icebreakers in 2019; and the announcement of two new polar icebreakers coming in 2030.
• Since 2017, the Oceans Protection Plan has supported local response capacity by providing funding for the Indigenous Community Boats Volunteer Program and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally, the Oceans Protection Plan has allowed for the expansion of the Arctic Marine Rescue Station in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut and increased Hydrographic Charting in the Arctic.
• Over $8 million in Grants and Contributions are provided to Inuit, First Nations, and Métis partners to support engagement and capacity building.

Background

• In October 2018, the Government of Canada announced the creation of stand-alone Arctic Regions for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. After significant consultation with northern Indigenous organizations, partners and stakeholders, the boundaries of the Regions were announced in March 2020, to include all of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut along with Nunavik and Nunatsiavut, the Yukon North Slope and Hudson Bay and James Bay. The Arctic Regions are inclusive of all of Inuit Nunangat.
• The transition of CCG Arctic programs was completed in 2021. Initial DFO Arctic programs were transitioned to the Arctic Region in 2020 and the remaining programs are expected to transition as of April 1, 2024.
• DFO plays a unique role in the Arctic, related to DFO’s mandate for the aquatic environment, with the majority of Arctic communities situated along the marine coast, or on other navigable waterways. Fish and marine mammals are a staple of the Northern diet and critical for Arctic food security. These resources also form the basis of renewable economic opportunities for many in the Arctic, in fact, according to the National Indigenous Fisheries Institute, commercial fishing is one of the few economic drivers for communities in many areas of the North.
• CCG Regional Headquarters is in Yellowknife and DFO Headquarters is in Rankin Inlet, with additional offices in Iqaluit, NU, and Inuvik and Hay River, NT.
• In 2021, the Inuit Nunangat DFO-CCG Arctic Committee was established as the formal governance mechanism between DFO and Inuit governments to help guide collaborative engagement and decision-making with respect to program and service delivery priorities and provide an essential platform for effective communication and coordination with Indigenous governments and communities.
• Community Engagement Coordinators have been brought onboard to help establish and foster on-the ground relations between the community and the Department in order to advance Departmental services.
• Meaningful and wide-ranging engagement with stakeholders and partners has led priority setting which includes: increasing presence and capacity in the North; using Indigenous Knowledge in decision making; leading policy development from the North; addressing employment barriers and creating new opportunities; adapting to climate change; and addressing infrastructure gaps.
• In 2018, the Arctic Region was allocated initial short-term funding from internal departmental resources along with the transfer of programs and associated funding from other Regions, of which $19.8 million annually is ongoing.
• The Department’s Arctic Region has over 100 positions, of which 31 are based in the North, and 40 more are anticipated to transition to the Arctic Region in 2024. Two DFO Arctic Executive positions are staffed in the north.
• The Coast Guard’s Arctic Region has over 100 positions, of which 70 employees are based in the north including one Executive.

Issue notes – Quebec Region

Shrimp and Redfish fishery of the Estuary and Gulf of St-Lawrence

• The sharp decline in the abundance of shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence is a cause for concern for the future of this commercial fishery.
• Fisheries and Ocean Canada is working with regional and provincial stakeholders, as well as other federal departments, to identify solutions to support the shrimp fishing industry.
• The Department has been working to move the recommendation process for the 2024 season as far ahead as possible. I hope to announce the decision soon.

Question 1: Will Fisheries and Oceans compensate harvesters to help them get through this crisis?

• The Department, in collaboration with other federal government departments that have economic mandate, is evaluating resources and programs available to support the shrimp fishing industry.
• The Department does not currently manage a financial assistance program for harvesters. Its mandate is to ensure resource conservation for sustainable fisheries.

Question 2: Will Fisheries and Oceans reopen the redfish fishery, which, according to Estuary and Gulf Shrimp harvesters, is responsible for the shrimp’s decline?

• A decision on the access and allocation regime for a return of the redfish fishery is to be announced shortly.
• When the decision is made, we will establish management measures to ensure a sustainable fishery.

Background

• Since the start of the season, landings of northern shrimp in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence have been described as "spectacularly catastrophic" by fishermen and processors. Catch rates in the busiest fishing areas are at 50 percent of what they were last year.
• These low catch rates combined with high operating costs are creating major profitability issues. Several fishing companies and processing plants are facing major financial difficulties, and the low volumes caught to date are already having economic repercussions in certain communities in New Brunswick (NB), Quebec (QC) and on the west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
• The latest Assessment of Northern Shrimp Stocks in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence concludes that the low abundance of juveniles and the downward trend in female size suggest lower stock productivity. Warming deep waters and increased predation by redfish also appear to be important factors contributing to the shrimp’s decline. These ecosystem conditions are unlikely to improve in the short to medium term. Industry representatives expressed their fears and concerns about the future of the fishery.
• All industry representatives from the harvesting and processing sectors have unanimously called on the Department to announce the fisheries management measures for the coming season as soon as possible. This would allow all stakeholders to prepare for the anticipated crisis in the shrimp fishing industry.

Quebec Fisheries Fund

• The Quebec Fisheries Fund is a contribution fund of over $40 million, over five years (2019 to 2024). The cost is shared with provincial partners, divided 70 per cent federal and 30 per cent provincial, over the duration of the program.
• The program is designed to support innovation and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector.
• More than 55 per cent of the available contribution budget has been or is in the process of being committed to 155 projects.
• The Department and the Government of Quebec are considering the process of amending the Quebec Fisheries Fund Framework Agreements to extend the program’s end date from its current date of March 31, 2024, for up to two years, until March 31, 2026.
• Interest in the Quebec Fisheries Fund program remains strong with around 20 projects, seeking funding of nearly $3 million, under evaluation.

Background

• The Quebec Fisheries Fund is designed to support the fisheries and aquaculture sector, spark innovation and support the development and sustainable growth of the industry. The two levels of government have committed $40 million, including $27 million from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. To date, 155 projects have been or are in the process of being approved under this program, for a total of $23.6 million.
• The requested extension would allow the continuity of the program by two years (2024–25 and 2025–26) to support the development of a healthy and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industry to meet the growing demand for high-quality seafood from sustainable sources.
• The extension would allow projects to be approved until March 31, 2024, for implementation and conclusion by March 31, 2026. This period is necessary to allow recipients enough time to complete their projects and be reimbursed, particularly in the case of multi-year projects.

Issue notes – Senate

Peace on the Water Moderate Livelihood Report

• The Department’s primary focus is to ensure a safe, orderly and sustainable fishery.
• We remain firmly committed to working with Treaty Nations to further implement their fishing rights.
• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to rights implementation. The Government of Canada will continue to engage Indigenous communities to better implement their vision for their fisheries, and to ensure a safe and sustainable fishery for the benefit of all.
• These efforts will also align with the ongoing implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, including the Draft Action Plan.

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

• Since 2000, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has provided over $630 million in access and training to increase Indigenous participation in the fishery in Eastern Canada.
• Willing buyer-willing seller remains the Department’s preferred approach to obtain access for rights-based fishing.
• As needed, we will consider alternate access mechanisms to support rights-based fishing.

Question 2: Why should Fisheries and Oceans Canada oversee the implementation of fishing rights, and not Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada?

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada works closely with other departments to advance a whole-of-government approach to rights implementation.  This includes working on an ongoing basis with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.

Background

• On February 24, 2023, the government issued its response to the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) report entitled “Peace on the Water: 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 examines 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.
• Between March and June 2023, the Senate Committee held six meetings with experts and witnesses from various backgrounds to study the Government Response. Some Treaty Nation representatives 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.
• On June 21, 2023, the Department of Justice released Canada’s 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 eleven Action Plan measures. Of note, Action Plan item #36 involves pursuing amendments and reforms to fisheries legislation, regulation or policies to support self-determination and meaningful implementation and exercise of Indigenous fishing rights. Efforts to implement Action Plan item #36 will align with recommendation #1 made by the Senate Committee in its report.

Maritimes search and rescue

• First, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the those involved and in the recent tragedy near Blanc-Sablon on September 25. This unfortunate event is a reminder of the risks faced each day by mariners.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is the federal lead for maritime search and rescue in Canada and responds to over 6,000 calls for assistance each year.
• Through the Oceans Protection Plan, the Coast Guard is continuing to increase maritime search and rescue capacity.

Question 1: What steps have been taken to address the recommendations from the report When every Minute Counts – Maritime Search and Rescue?

• Several improvements have been made as a result of the Oceans Protection Plan and its renewal, including enhancing training and equipment access for Arctic and Indigenous communities and a thirty per cent increase to the core operating budgets of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliaries.

Question 2: How is the Canadian Coast Guard addressing Safety at Sea?

• Marine safety is the Coast Guard’s highest priority.
• Safety at Sea is a shared responsibility that involves Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Coast Guard and Transport Canada.
• Together, government, industry leaders and safety advocates continue to work to influence, reinforce and sustain a strong safety culture in the Canadian fishing industry.

Background

• In 2018 the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (the Committee) tabled a report entitled When Every Minute Counts – Maritime Search and Rescue (the report). The reports contains 17 recommendations. Overall, their assessment suggested that the delivery of maritime search and rescue (SAR) in Canada has been very effective to date. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)- led Government Response to the report was tabled with the Clerk on May 3, 2019. On August 3, 2023, the Committee Chair contacted the Minister requesting an update on progress made on the recommendations and information related to improvements made to the maritime search and rescue program.
• As part of the government response to the report, in 2021, a joint action plan on Safety at Sea was developed by Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The action plans sets out a series of recommended next steps including increased oversight, the development of a steering committee, and greater engagement with stakeholders. Commercial Fishing Safety remains on the Transportation Safety Board watchlist where they note that more progress is needed and actions have been inconsistent.
• Under the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), the CCG implemented its Risk-based Analysis of Maritime SAR Delivery (RAMSARD) project which conducts cyclical reviews of Canada’s 40 SAR areas to identify, evaluate and document maritime risks to inform program improvements. The CCG also opened its first SAR station in Rankin Inlet, NU, in 2018 and through OPP Renewal, enhanced the newly rebranded Arctic Marine Response Station to increase local hiring, procure an Arctic SAR response vessel and to extend the station’s operating season to better align with the local boating season.
• OPP Renewal focused on building community-based marine emergency response capacity, and funded the continuation of the Indigenous Community Boat Volunteer program, which provides funds to Indigenous communities to purchase a boat and/or equipment required to participate in the CCGA. To date, this program has provided more than $15 million in funding to 44 communities, supporting a significant increase in Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliaries (CCGA) units, many within remote locations. As of July 2023, there were CCGA units in 40 Arctic communities operated by more than 460 volunteers with access to 68 vessels.

Opening and Closing of Fisheries; Safety of Fishers - Decision Making Process

• First Nations and stakeholders are consulted prior to the Department setting fisheries season opening dates. Safety at sea is a crucial component of these decisions.
• The Department ensures key services are in place prior to the opening of the fisheries, including ice breaking, water and air search and rescue, navigation markers, and dredging.
• Funding is allocated annually for ice breaking and dredging services to support its core operations for a safe opening of the fisheries. Simultaneous translation is also provided for communicating with our bilingual industry members.

Question 1: What factors are taken into consideration for setting the opening of fisheries?

• Considerations include the presence of ice conditions on the fishing grounds, water and air search and rescue readiness, navigation buoys locations, weather conditions and safe access to waterways.

Question 2: How does the Department arrive at a final decision and how it is communicated?

• After consultations with stakeholders and First Nations, the Department takes a final decision on the opening date of the fishing season once all safety at sea considerations in the season opening protocols have been met.
• Season opening dates are then announced via Notices to Fish Harvesters, which are emailed to members of the relevant fisheries advisory committee and published on the Department website. Other means of communication may be used.

Background

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has established season opening protocols to support safe opening seasons for various fisheries in consultation with Indigenous groups and industry stakeholders.
• Snow Crab Fishing Area (CFA) 12 (18, 25, 26) is considered one fishing area and has one season opening date (early to late April) pending annual ice conditions in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. CFAs 12E and 12F also follow the same season opening dates as CFA 12. Since 2018, the season closes on June 30 as a protection measure to North Atlantic right whales that are found in large numbers on these fishing grounds putting pressure on DFO to support an early opening. Indigenous groups and stakeholders are consulted through the Committee for Setting the Opening date for the Fishery on a weekly basis starting in mid-March until the fishery opens.
• DFO has also developed and implemented guidelines for the safe opening of the lobster fishery that is targeted for April 30. Similar to snow crab, guidelines take into account weather conditions (wind, tide, presence and movement of ice), access to waterways (wharf, channels) and air and water search and rescue services.
• Committees for setting season opening dates are composed of representatives from First Nations, industry stakeholders, the processing sector, DFO, the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Public Services and Procurement Canada. The Department takes into consideration the views of members of these committees during each meeting held to discuss the opening of the fishing season.
• Once DFO deems that all considerations have been met, DFO makes a decision using the most recent information supporting a safe opening of the fishery and is responsible for communicating the opening date.
• DFO also reminds harvesters each year that during the period where fishing is authorized, it is the responsibility of the captain to take into account the marine-safety notices issued, among others, by ECCC and Transport Canada, as well as the standards and best practices in marine safety, and to take all measures to ensure a safe fishery.

Striped Bass Predation in Miramichi River

• The striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence has demonstrated a rebound since historic lows in the 1990s.
• We have taken a responsive and incremental approach to increase First Nations access and recreational fishery opportunities for striped bass in the last number of years.
• Striped bass abundance continues to fluctuate and the population is still considered to be in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach Framework.

Question: Why don’t you reduce the population of Striped Bass to protect Atlantic salmon?

• Striped bass is a native species to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and will continue to be considered as an integral part of the ecosystem and managed accordingly.
• Although striped bass co-evolved with Atlantic salmon and are known predators of salmon smolts, the current declining trend in wild Atlantic salmon populations is mainly attributed to salmon’s poor marine survival.
• Atlantic salmon face a range of threats and have seen a sharp decline in reproduction since 1990 in both North America and Europe.

Background

• The abundance of the striped bass population in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL) experiences high degrees of fluctuations, from a low of 4,000-5,000 spawners in the late 1990s to a high of over 900,000 in 2017.
• The estimated spawner abundance in 2022 was 471,800 and based on the stock status indicator (eggs in spawners), the sGSL striped Bass population is in the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach.
• The Miramichi River is the only known successful and consistent spawning location for sGSL striped bass.
• Striped bass is a native species in the sGSL that has co-existed and co-evolved alongside wild Atlantic salmon since the last ice age: however, these two species prefer different habitats and generally overlap only during a limited time period.
• Various interest groups continue to express concerns that striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts is hindering the recovery of Atlantic salmon.
• Striped Bass are generalist predators feeding mostly on forage fish species while in estuaries. In that habitat, they have been observed to consume Atlantic Salmon smolts, though smolts are not thought to be targeted explicitly.
• The complex predator-prey relationship between striped bass and Atlantic salmon is not fully understood: however, trends suggest that striped bass predation is not the determining factor in the abundance of Atlantic salmon.
• Overall, this striped bass and Atlantic salmon interaction would be considered localized and would have occurred historically when both species were abundant. Striped bass predation on Atlantic salmon smolts does not explain the declines in adult salmon returns being observed in Gulf Region rivers or elsewhere.
• In fact, with only 1-4 per cent of smolts returning as adults, at-sea mortality is a more significant factor for the decline of Atlantic salmon.
• Atlantic salmon faces a range of threats and have seen a sharp decline in productivity since 1990 in both North America and Europe. Factors that have or still contribute to declines in salmon abundance include high at-sea mortality, habitat degradation, climate change as well as legal and illegal fishing pressures.