Reel returns: the economic mandate for rebuilding fisheries

Canada’s wild fisheries are at a critical crossroads, threatened by overfishing, climate change, and economic instability. With a growing global demand for seafood, Canada has a golden opportunity to rebuild healthy fish populations, and secure economic prosperity for coastal communities. But there is a catch: how can Canada—once a leading fishing nation—capitalize on this growing demand when only 28 per cent of our fisheries are considered healthy? Canada’s newest fisheries minister, Diane Lebouthillier, has the authority, resources, and law on her side to transform Canada’s coastal communities, seafood industry, and ocean ecosystems. Oceana Canada's seventh annual Fishery Audit paints a stark reality of the state of our fisheries and how they are currently managed. There is a widening gap between government commitments on fisheries management, and implementation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, resulting in continued overfishing, delays in completing any new rebuilding plans, and the failure to include more stocks under the modernized Fisheries Act. A recent auditor general report further exposes the department’s failure to apply a national fishery monitoring policy that would account for all catches. The absence of strong monitoring has led to inconsistent data and an inability to sustainably manage Canada’s wild fisheries. I had the chance to travel across the country, from Vancouver to St. John’s, to speak with people in coastal communities about the challenges they face with the current state of fisheries. Again and again, I heard from fishers about a desire for timely and dependable data, transparent decision-making, and meaningful engagement—all elements of existing policies and laws. Rebecca Schijns is a fishery scientist with Oceana Canada. Photograph courtesy of Oceana Canada However, this past year’s fishing season exposed inconsistencies in government decision-making, and an inability to respond to current threats or prepare for the future. Notably, the fate of capelin—a vital species in the Atlantic Ocean ecosystem—remains at risk due to government mismanagement. Despite the latest science confirming that there is no growth in the depleted capelin population, and overwhelming public support for a closure, the previous fisheries minister set a quota that exceeds the population's capacity to recover. Canada’s haunting legacy of overfishing persists, epitomized by decades of economic and social hardships following the northern cod collapse. Now, the scarcity of forage fish such as capelin, mackerel, and herring—which serve as essential food for whales, fish, seabirds, and communities—imperils the entire ecosystem, posing risks to future food and economic security. We must do better. For the oceans and for economic prosperity. And we can. Fisheries rebuilding is possible and, in some cases, already happening. In the first major fisheries decision of 2024, Lebouthillier reopened the redfish fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence after an impressive recovery from critically overfished levels, enabled by a nearly 30-year commercial moratorium and favourable environmental conditions. There is potential for recovery of other depleted stocks, provided the minister follows the best available science to support long-term rebuilding. Given the immense power and responsibility she carries, Lebouthillier must take the opportunity to change a failed approach that has left too many stocks languishing in a depleted state, depriving communities of much needed income and stability. To fulfill her duties to safeguard ocean resources and the economic health of communities, Lebouthillier must champion the implementation of laws and policies that will help rebuild fisheries. The modernized Fisheries Act mandates the rebuilding of depleted fish stocks; however, the new law currently applies to only 30 of our nearly 200 stocks. Lebouthillier must act swiftly to include all of Canada’s stocks under regulation, triggering legal obligations for rebuilding depleted stocks and sustainably managing our fisheries. The power to shape the future of our ocean community rests in Lebouthillier's hands. This is not just a responsibility; it is an opportunity to leave an enduring legacy for people across Canada and the planet. Let’s rebuild our fisheries: not just to safeguard today's needs but ensure prosperity for generations to come. Rebecca Schijns is a fishery scientist with Oceana Canada. The Hill Times

Reel returns: the economic mandate for rebuilding fisheries

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Reel returns: the economic mandate for rebuilding fisheries

This past year’s fishing season exposed inconsistencies in government decision-making, and an inability to respond to current threats or prepare for the future.

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