Fishing Industry
The fishing and trapping industry is a large part of Canada’s culture and economy. Fish and seafood exports provide roughly 7 billion dollars to the Canadian economy each year, with fisheries products being the largest single food commodity export in Canada. However, despite the economic importance of fisheries, Canada is failing at operating commercial fisheries sustainably.
According to research studies published on the impact of overfishing in coastal communities, less than a quarter of Canada's fish stocks are considered healthy, while the status of almost half is unknown. Overfishing and decades of poor management practices have severely depleted fish populations and livelihoods within coastal communities. Although the fishing industry in Canada is quite profitable on paper, the 7 billion dollars in exports does not represent sustainable fish stocks
Unsustainable fishing practices are prevalent due to overfishing and bycatch. Canada has not yet fully established clear adaptation strategies for its fisheries. Sustainable management guidelines such as the precautionary principle are not being fully applied in Canada. There is a trend of ineffective and slow implementation of legislation and policies in Canadian fisheries and oceans management. Inadequate policies that do not support sustainable management approaches will have a significant impact on the potential long-term health of Canadian fisheries in the near future.
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The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute is a board of regional and national indigenous executives that are working to support federal program design and development across ocean and fisheries management programs. They are working toward a vision for maximizing the potential of ocean management for Indigenous people and communities. The National Indigenous Fisheries Institute is guided by the principles of collaboration, inclusion, openness, respect and communication. Find them here
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Living Oceans society was founded in 1998 and has been a leader in protecting Canada’s oceans. They advocate for oceans that are managed for the common good, according to science-based policies that consider ecosystems in their entirety. Their vision is ensuring Canada’s oceans are sustainably managed and thriving with abundant sea life that supports vibrant and resilient communities. Living Oceans has campaigns that focus on public involvement and education, as well as advocating sustainable fisheries and business practices. Find them here.
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Watershed Watch Salmon Society works to defend and rebuild B.C.’s wild salmon and their habitats. Though their supporters come from different backgrounds, they all share the same vision: Thriving wild salmon runs across B.C. forever. Find them here.
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The Ocean Tracking Network is a global monitoring network whose mission is to provide data for sustainable ocean management. They do this by providing first-of-its-kind information regarding the movement, survival, migrations and habitats of aquatic species. They report on all five oceans of the world, providing data on sharks, marine mammals, tuna, sturgeon and many other species. The Ocean Tracking Network are innovation leaders, working with researchers to develop the next generation of ocean tracking technology. Find them here.
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First Nations Fisheries Council works with and on behalf of BC First Nations to protect, reconcile, and advance First Nations title and rights as they relate to fisheries and the health and protection of aquatic resources, including access for food, cultural, and economic purposes. By establishing a coherent process and cohesive messaging for cooperation and collaboration among First Nations and between First Nations and government. First Nations can become active fisheries managers, and decision-makers to ensure fisheries resources are conserved for the benefit of future generations. Find them here.
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Clayoquot Actions mission is to protect the natural biodiversity of Vancouver island’s Clayoquot Sound, advocating against fish farms in order to protect the vast salmon species on Canada West Coast. Find them here.