Fisheries and Oceans Canada programs

Note: Budgets and FTEs are based on total anticipated budgets of which a portion are subject to Parliament approval.

Program delivery at DFO

• DFO is a highly operational and science-based department focused on the frontline delivery of important programs and services to Canadians
• Our programs cover a broad range of Government of Canada priorities, from supporting the commercial fishery and economies of coastal communities, to conserving and protecting Canada’s aquatic ecosystems and species
• We deliver our programs on all three coasts and across Canada, with our strong regional presence maintaining a direct point of contact with the citizens and communities we serve
• We work closely with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure our programs are meeting the needs of Canadians. Continuous engagement with fishers, industry, Indigenous groups, our provincial, territorial, and international partners, and others enables the Department to develop a suite of programs that best aligns federal priorities with those of our stakeholders

Key program areas

Fisheries Resource Management

Budget: $147.8M
FTEs: 536

• The Fisheries Act provides Ministerial authority to regulate commercial, recreational, and Indigenous fisheries across Canada
• The Fisheries Resource Management program implements measures to sustainably manage and regulate Canada’s fisheries, and provide allocation and distribution of resources to harvesters
• The program works to ensure that Indigenous and Treaty fishing rights are fulfilled, and support the local economies of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous coastal communities that rely on the fishery
• The Department also represents Canada on international fisheries management issues, the objective of which is to ensure the sustainability of internationally managed resources and benefits to Canadians accessing these resources

Key issues:

• Access and Allocation: the program continues to work toward fair and equitable access and allocation of fisheries resources for harvesters while ensuring the long-term health of fish stocks and fish habitats
• Impacts of Climate Change: unprecedented shifts in resource abundance and species distribution due to climate change will be an important consideration for fisheries management decisions in order to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries resources

Canada’s fisheries funds

Budget: $88.5M per year (consolidated)
FTEs: 28

• Canada’s fisheries funds support sustainable development of the fish and seafood sector. They include cost-shared projects comprised of 70 per cent federal funding and 30 per cent provincial / territorial funding (P/T), and focus on three areas: innovation; infrastructure; and, science partnerships
• Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund – the national marketing pillar of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund will invest $42.85 million over seven years to advance national cross-cutting market access issues and branding opportunities to maximise the value of the fish and seafood sector
• Atlantic Fisheries Fund – investing $400 million over seven years
• Quebec Fisheries Fund – investing over $42.8 million over five years
• British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund – investing up to $142.85 million over five years

Key issues:

• Sustainable development: ensuring Canada’s fish and seafood sector develops in the most innovative and sustainable manner to take advantage of opportunities in the global marketplace. In BC, significant interest in contributions to overall improvements for Pacific salmon stocks and habitat
• P/T collaboration: the Fisheries Funds, including the nationally-accessible Canadian Fish and Seafood Opportunities Fund, require a balancing of funding priorities with P/T partners as significant industry uptake must be considered against availability of funding resources

Small Craft Harbours

Budget: $278.2M
FTEs: 208

• The Small Craft Harbours program keeps harbours that are important to the economies of coastal communities open and in good repair. These include 688 core fishing harbours essential to the commercial fishing industry, and 315 non-core harbours that have low fishing activity or principally serve recreational activities
• In many coastal communities, fishing activities dependent on local small craft harbours are the major source of employment; over 90 per cent of all commercial landings are at DFO-owned harbours
• While the core mandate of the program is commercial fisheries, support is also provided to many other maritime industries, including fish processing, transportation, commercial recreational operations, aquaculture, and tourism
• Small craft harbours are managed by Harbour Authorities, local not-for-profit organizations representing the interests of both commercial fish harvesters and the broader community

Key issues:

• Infrastructure Requirements: anticipating the evolving needs of the commercial fishing industry and ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to fully capitalize on available economic opportunities
• Increasing User Demand: managing increasing usage from the aquaculture sector and the drive to expand some sites in order to accommodate and drive growth in the marine sector as a whole

Conservation and Protection

Budget: $137.2M
FTEs: 861

• National enforcement program designed to conserve and protect Canada’s fisheries, waterways, species at risk, aquatic ecosystems, and resources from unlawful exploitation
• DFO maintains a network of fishery officers that enforce federal laws and regulations by:
1. Monitoring fishing activities throughout Canadian as well as international waters
2. Minimizing fraud and collusion in the fishing industry
3. Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
• Fishery officers are at the frontline of DFO operations and are often the only federal presence in many coastal communities. A total of 680 fishery officers are stationed in 106 locations across the regions
• The Conservation and Protection program includes the National Fisheries Intelligence Service, Enforcement Operations, and Program and Operational Readiness

Key issues:

• Enforcement Consistency: a move toward the expanded use of ticketing for minor fisheries violations, rather than formal charges, and ensuring consistency of enforcement from region to region
• Modern Tools: the integration of modern investigative tools, such as digital forensics, to enhance the ability of enforcement officers to address and deter instances of non-compliance 

Indigenous Programs and Treaties

Budget: $447.0M
FTEs: 255

• DFO’s suite of Indigenous programs advance reconciliation by supporting Indigenous participation in the commercial fishery, as well as the use of fish resources for food, social and ceremonial purposes
• Through the Atlantic, Pacific, and Northern Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiatives, DFO provides Indigenous commercial fisheries access, business management capacity, and training to build
• self-sustaining Indigenous-owned commercial fishing enterprises
• These programs are important drivers for economic development and self-sufficiency for Indigenous groups, and support an Indigenous commercial fisheries that employs 2,800 Indigenous fishers and generates annual gross revenues of over $200M
• The Reconciliation Negotiation and Implementation program supports treaty and non-treaty negotiations and implementation on fisheries issues with Indigenous Nations across Canada
• Treaty and reconciliation negotiations and implementation activities are administered across Canada and there are currently 55 active negotiation tables

Key issues:

• Co-management: the Department is continuing to expand co-development, co-design, and co-delivery structures for programs delivered to Indigenous groups
• Reconciliation: heightened expectations with respect to fisheries access, allocation, and governance 

Oceans Management

Budget: $31.3M
FTEs: 209

• Integrated oceans management is undertaken through a variety of evidence-based activities that provide governance mechanisms, data, and information to support decision-making and implementation of management tools, including:
• Marine spatial planning (MSP), including the development of conservation networks
• Establishment and management of Oceans Act marine protected areas (MPAs) and other effective area-based conservation measures (e.g., marine refuges)
• Development of marine environmental quality objectives, criteria, guidelines and standards to protect marine species, habitats and ecosystems
• The program collaborates with provinces, territories, Indigenous groups and organizations, and other stakeholders to better co-manage our oceans

Key issues:

• Conservation Targets: as a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, an agreement on post-2020 marine conservation targets will have implications for Canada’s domestic and international targets
• Collaborative Governance: MSP is increasingly recognized and advanced as a way to better govern the use of our oceans in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples

Fish and Fish Habitat Protection

Budget: $97.1M
FTEs: 593

• The Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) implements protection and conservation measures in accordance with the Fisheries Act, and undertakes work in four key areas: 1) regulatory review; 2) reporting to Canadians; 3) integrated planning; and, 4) engagement and partnering
• The FFHPP regulates projects in or near water to reduce negative impacts on Canada’s aquatic ecosystems resulting from development pressures
• A key part of this work is to authorize proposed projects that might impact Canada’s aquatic ecosystems. The program also supports the review of major projects as required under federal and northern impact assessment regimes
• The FFHPP oversees various grants and contributions programs that support stakeholder-led efforts to protect and conserve fish and fish habitat

Key issues:

• Fisheries Act Implementation: the FFHPP is undergoing revitalization to implement the new Fisheries Act. This includes training staff, undertaking policy and regulatory development, and engaging with partners and stakeholders
• Impact Assessment Act: the FFHPP is working collaboratively with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to fulfill responsibilities under the Impact Assessment Act as it pertains to its role in major project reviews

Species at Risk

Budget: $41.7M
FTEs: 161

• The Species at Risk Program (SARP) works to implement the Species at Risk Act (SARA)to:
• Prevent aquatic wildlife species from being extirpated in Canada or becoming extinct
• Provide for the recovery of wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered or threatened as a result of human activity
• Manage species of special concern to prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened
• SARP works with partners to improve the integrity, health, and productivity of aquatic ecosystems. An evidence-based approach informed by scientific research, social and economic research, and stakeholder and community views, informs listing decisions and recovery measures
• SARA is administered by three federal departments: DFO (aquatic species); Parks Canada (species found in or on federal lands); and, Environment and Climate Change Canada (all other species, and responsible for overall administration of SARA)

Key issues:

• Decision-Making: SARA is restrictive and prescriptive in terms of timelines, processes, and decision-making, which leads to challenges in meeting legal deadlines
• Implementation of SARP: high level of complexity in implementing SARP due to multi-region, multi-stakeholder environment where achieving success is largely dependent on the dedication of significant resources by multiple jurisdictions and parties

Aquatic Invasive Species

Budget: $15.8M
FTEs: 83

• DFO’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program aims to protect Canadian marine and freshwater ecosystems from the introduction and spread of AIS, and to mitigate the negative impacts of established invasive species for the benefit of Canada’s biodiversity, economy, and society
• The AIS regulations came into force in 2015 under the Fisheries Act to provide tools for federal, provincial, and territorial action and partnership in addressing AIS. The key pillars, in priority, of addressing AIS are: 1) prevention; 2) surveillance/early detection; 3) response; and, 4) control/managemen
• The AIS National Core Program implements the AIS regulations in Canadian waters, acting on sound science and other advice, and reports nationally on AIS activities
• Examples of AIS include but are not limited to: zebra mussels; Asian carp; sea lampreys; and, European green crab. The program aims to manage pathways and vectors of introduction and spread rather than individual species, as this approach has proven both more efficient and effective

Key issues:

• Growing threat: the number of invasive species worldwide is rising due to increasing international trade, travel, and climate change, among other drivers
• High Impact: after habitat loss, invasive species are among the next leading threats to biodiversity and the Department will be challenged to risk manage the potential impact to Canada

Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

Budget: $174.1M
FTEs: 778

• Science programs contribute to the Department’s mandate to sustainably manage fisheries and aquaculture, and provide science advice in alignment with DFO’s Sustainable Fisheries Framework and the Framework for Aquaculture Risk Management
• The Fisheries Science program is responsible for the monitoring, data collection, and research that supports sustainability in Canada’s fisheries, including fish stock assessments
• Aquaculture Science pursues research and risk assessments to better understand aquaculture processes and assess the impacts of aquaculture sites on the surrounding environment
• In addition, the Marine Mammal Science program supports the implementation of the Species at Risk Act and the Fisheries Act through research and data on marine mammal populations, their habitat, biology, abundance, distribution, and threats

Key issues:

• Demand for Science Advice: ensuring capacity to accommodate increasing demand for science-based analysis and advice
• Environmental Uncertainty: a growing need to provide risk-based science advice that takes into account uncertainty associated with changing environmental conditions and incorporates ecosystem considerations

Aquatic Ecosystem Science

Budget: $73.1M
FTEs: 424

• Aquatic Ecosystem Science contributes to evidence-based decision-making that ensures ecosystems are productive and negative impacts are avoided or minimized
• Science programs support integrated oceans management and fish and fish habitat protection, including providing science advice to advance Marine Spatial Planning, marine conservation and resource development projects
• Science supports oil-spill planning and response by identifying sensitive species and habitats, and by studying fate behavior and biological effects of oil
• Science Enterprise Centres in Atlantic (Moncton) and Pacific (Vancouver) are leveraging external partnerships to deliver stronger science outcomes. Public engagement activities are also connecting science to communities

Key issues:

• Science Advice: DFO uses a unique to government, peer review process to generate its science advice. All advice is published on-line as part of this process
• Cumulative Effects: a growing need to consider effects of multiple activities in ecosystems that are also undergoing climate-related changes

Oceans and Climate Change Science

Budget: $11.7M
FTEs: 157

• DFO assesses the impacts of climate change on Canada’s oceans, such as rising sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification, through oceanographic monitoring and targeted research
• The objectives are to enhance the scientific knowledge and understanding of the risks, vulnerabilities, impacts, and opportunities presented by climate change, as well as to integrate climate change considerations into decision-making
• DFO partners with stakeholders and Indigenous communities to understand coastal and other aquatic ecosystems. This information is the foundation for both adaptation efforts as well as tools that will allow communities to better access our data
• DFO Science publishes the annual “State of Canada’s Ocean” reports so that Canadians are more informed on the current and future state of our three oceans. The ongoing reporting cycle focuses on one ocean each year, followed by a National report. The most recent report, the State of the Atlantic Ocean, was published in 2018

Key issues:

• Adaptation and Resilience: climate change considerations will be an important part of decision-making going forward in order to adapt and be resilient to impacts on Canada’s ocean environment
• Migratory Patterns: increasing incidences of aquatic species, migrating or using different geographic areas due to a changing environment

Canadian Hydrographic Service

Budget: $49.4M
FTEs: 324

• The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) contributes to safety in Canada’s waterways by undertaking hydrographic surveys, often supported by Canadian Coast Guard vessels, to measure, describe, and chart the physical features of Canada's oceans and navigable inland waters
• CHS produces nautical charts and other navigational products; monitors tides and water levels to detect and predict coastal natural hazards; conducts ocean and freshwater mapping; and, works to determine Canada’s maritime boundaries and sovereignty
• As Canada's hydrographic authority, CHS uses the data it collects to produce up-to-date, timely, and accurate information for use by domestic and international mariners, such as commercial shippers, recreational boaters, and fishers, as well as to support Canada’s defence and maritime security
• In addition, hydrographic information is used in a number of applications in engineering, ocean and climate change research, ocean management, ecosystem science, marine conservation and protection, and in the renewable and non-renewable energy sectors (e.g., oil, gas, and mineral exploration)

Key issues:

• Digital Transformation: with increasing demand for real-time information and services, CHS is transitioning to provide more accessible, web-based data and electronic charts to meet the needs of a wide array of users
• Arctic Data Collection: collecting hydrographic data in the Arctic poses a challenge due to its size and harsh conditions, but will become increasingly important as the expansion of the navigation season sees more ships travelling through the region

Aquaculture Management

Budget: $16.0M
FTEs: 97

• DFO delivers the Sustainable Aquaculture Program (SAP) to support the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the aquaculture sector in Canada
• The SAP provides funding for regulatory science, regulatory reform and governance, and improved public reporting on the environmental and economic performance of the sector
• The SAP is implemented in partnership with other federal departments to create the optimal conditions for science-based sustainable management. DFO also works collaboratively with stakeholders, including industry, provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, and others to ensure the long-term success of the sector
• Two other programs, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program and the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (jointly administered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada) also support sustainable aquaculture in Canada

Key issues:

• Aquaculture Act and General Aquaculture Regulation: commitment to develop new aquaculture legislation and associated regulation that would consolidate all aquaculture-related regulatory provisions under the Fisheries Act into a single comprehensive regulation
• New Way Forward: announcement in December 2018 of a new way forward for aquaculture management and protection of wild salmon, including a study on alternative technologies and the development of a framework for aquaculture risk management

Intergovernmental Affairs

Budget: $2.3M
FTEs: 11

• Strategic Policy coordinates DFO’s federal-provincial-territorial (F-P/T) engagement and provides advice to the Minister on managing important relationships with other orders of government
• The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) is the Department’s primary F-P/T forum, with IGA serving as the secretariat and leading all aspects of logistics and strategic advice for Minister and Deputy Minister-level CCFAM meetings
• Strategic Policy coordinates National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs) meetings with the Minister in conjunction with CCFAM. Meetings with Indigenous leaders strengthen engagement and contribute to advancing the nation-to-nation, Crown-Indigenous relationship
• Strategic Policy provides arm’s length oversight of DFO’s only Crown corporation, the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation (FFMC), and is supporting a transformation process to modernize the corporation
• DFO sectors, programs, and regions also liaise with their P/T counterparts; however, IGA provides a national and whole-of-department perspective

Key issues:

• Scope of CCFAM: there is P/T interest to discuss issues at CCFAM beyond the scope of its current tables. This will provide the Department an opportunity to ensure continued alignment on shared priorities. In addition, NIOs are seeking greater say and have submitted requests to formally join the CCFAM forum
• FFMC Transformation: options on a harvester-led model are being explored with the freshwater fishing industry and other partners. Timely consensus will be integral to a successful transformation process

International Affairs

Budget: $11.0M
FTEs: 45

• International engagement at DFO involves working with global partners, including other governments and multilateral organizations, to advance shared issues related to fisheries, fish and seafood trade, oceans governance, and the Arctic. DFO also supports the Prime Ministerial/Ministerial participation in international oceans and fisheries fora
• DFO is involved in engagement with multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Arctic Council, and the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (DFO supports the Prime Minister’s participation)
• DFO also contributes to a stable international trade regime for Canadian fish and seafood products
• DFO engages in World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations on fisheries subsidies; works with international organizations on research and cooperation on fish and seafood trade; and manages the Certification and Market Access Program for Seals

Key issues:

• International Leadership: maintaining and growing Canada’s international leadership, including supporting the Prime Minister’s membership on the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Blue Economy
• Trade and Market Access: ensuring Canada’s interests with respect to fisheries subsidies and trade is well represented at the WTO, and promoting expanded market opportunities for Canadian exporters