Québec Fisheries Fund Renewed for Five Years
The federal and Québec governments recently announced the renewal of the Québec Fisheries Fund (QFF), with a budget of $50 million over five years.
The QFF supports the sustainable, long-term growth of Québec’s fish and seafood sector by increasing the value of products derived from sustainable practices and strengthening their recognition in the marketplace.
Investments will help boost productivity and competitiveness, with a strong focus on opening new markets and adapting to changes in the ecosystem. At a time when reaching new markets and reducing reliance on any single one matters more than ever, this support helps the sector plan for a prosperous and sustainable future for the fishery.
The Fund is built on four pillars. To be eligible, projects must align with the following areas:
- Innovation — develop new products, processes, technologies or equipment that improve productivity, competitiveness, sustainability or market access in the sector;
- Infrastructure — adopt, adapt or install new processes, technologies or equipment that improve productivity, competitiveness, sustainability or market access in the sector;
- Scientific partnerships — improve knowledge or adaptive capacity in response to ecosystem changes and their impacts on commercial fisheries;
- Market development and diversification — contribute to expanding market access and diversification, both within Canada and internationally, by reducing the impact of trade barriers while supporting growth in the value of Québec seafood products.
This renewal builds on the positive results achieved since the Fund’s launch and aims to deliver even greater benefits across the sector. Market development and diversification is a new pillar in this renewal. It responds directly to what the sector is saying: reaching new markets and reducing reliance on any single one is essential to a competitive and resilient fishery sector.
Originally launched in 2019, the QFF represented an investment of $42.8 million over five years. It funded 198 projects that helped drive innovation in Québec’s fish and seafood sector while supporting its growth and capacity to adapt.
U.S. to Delay Critical Protections for North Atlantic Right Whales
The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee recently advanced a bill that would delay critical protections for endangered North Atlantic right whales for another seven years.
The bill, H.R. 9436, would extend a delay on new fishing regulations aimed at reducing whale entanglements in lobster and Jonah crab gear. An initial policy rider, attached to a spending bill passed in 2022, allowed the government to delay any action until early 2029.
“For far too long, North Atlantic right whales have been getting entangled in fishing gear while we’ve debated and studied what to do about it,” said Oceana Senior Campaign Director Gib Brogan.
“They needed more protections in 2022 when Congress ignored a mountain of evidence and decided that insufficient efforts were enough. Now, once again, lawmakers are trying to pass the buck.”
Protections were delayed by the congressional action in 2022 but are currently required to be put in effect by the beginning of 2029. This bill, if passed, would extend the timeline of implementation once again until 2035. Since the delay, at least 31 North Atlantic right whales have been killed or injured due to entanglements.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act brings together fishers, government representatives, scientists and conservationists to recommend measures that can protect whales, dolphins and other marine mammals from impacts from commercial fisheries. The team develops recommendations based on the best available science and group consensus, with several opportunities for public input. The Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT) is scheduled to start its consideration of potential new protections for these whales from entanglement in fishing gear, to be put in place when the Congressionally mandated delay ends at the beginning of 2029.
Food Fishery Committee Announces Leadership Transition
The Newfoundland and Labrador Food Fishery Committee (FFC) recently announced that Merv Wiseman has assumed the role of interim chair following Barry Fordham’s decision to step away from that position on July 9, 2026, due to personal considerations.
The Committee stated it extends its heartfelt gratitude to Barry for his leadership, passion, dedication and service during his tenure as chair.
Wiseman noted, “Barry’s immense contributions helped formed the Food Fishery Fighters group, leading to a strong resurgence of advocacy across the province. His efforts ensured food fishers were able to participate more fully in this traditional activity, notwithstanding the fact that the Minister decided, based on conservation concerns, to continue to limit the south and west coasts to a three-day weekend fishery.”
Wiseman said he is “honoured to be leading the Food Fishery Committee and its important work,” adding that, “in the coming weeks, the committee will meet to discuss and finalise a strategy for the path forward.”
He added the committee has plenty of ideas “to strengthen our advocacy efforts and build on the work that has already been accomplished,” but welcomes all food fishery stakeholders to submit their ideas, suggestions and concerns to the FFC.
As the food fishery season continues, Wiseman encourages participants to prioritize safety. “Enjoy this special part of our fish culture, but always keep safety top of mind while on the water.”
Other FFC members include Calvin Peach, Connie Tobin-Barrow and Kim Ploughman.
N.L. Government Issues RFP to Assess Shipbuilding Capacity for Ferry Construction
The Provincial Government is taking another step toward strengthening the province’s ferry system and supporting the long-term growth of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industry with the release of a request for proposals (RFP) for a consultant to review the capacity and readiness of the provincial shipbuilding industry to construct three new ferries for the intra-provincial ferry fleet.
In a press release, government said reliable ferry services are essential to connecting communities, supporting local economies and ensuring residents and businesses can access vital transportation links throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to improve service reliability and stability, the consultant will assess the province’s current shipbuilding capabilities and the requirements necessary to support future ferry construction in the province.
The successful proponent will engage with industry stakeholders, including shipyard operators, designers, construction firms, labour representatives and government partners, to gather information and conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing infrastructure, workforce capacity, skills requirements and industry readiness. The consultant’s final report will identify gaps and provide recommendations on potential strategies to address them. It will help identify workforce training needs, infrastructure requirements and potential investment opportunities needed to support a sustainable and competitive shipbuilding industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
NMG Welcomes Debbie Murray as President and CEO
The National Maritime Group (NMG) recently announced the appointment of Debbie Murray as President and Chief Executive Officer.
A seasoned public affairs professional with a strong grasp of the maritime sector, experience balancing the challenges of Canadian market access and policy development within globally regulated sectors and success with Canadian government and parliamentary affairs, Murray’s experience and expertise will allow her to effectively engage with stakeholders and advocate on behalf of Canada’s private sector maritime operators and employers, a press release stated.
“I am honoured and excited to join the National Maritime Group at such a critical time for Canada’s maritime transportation sector,” said Debbie Murray.
“Canada’s private sector maritime employers and operators play a vital role in keeping supply chains moving, supporting jobs and enabling trade. I look forward to working with members and partners across the country to advance policies that strengthen port competitiveness, diversify Canada’s trade opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.”
Murray brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, governance, communications, advocacy and stakeholder relations. She joins NMG from the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, where she most recently served as Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs, following nearly a decade in senior policy and regulatory leadership roles within the organization. Over the course of her career, she has established deep expertise in maritime transportation, supply chains, trade, sustainability, infrastructure, innovation, human capital policy and stakeholder engagement. Her previous experience also includes senior policy and regulatory responsibilities with the Canadian Shipowners Association, Innovative Medicines Canada, Universities Canada and The Conference Board of Canada.
The National Maritime Group (NMG) represents nearly 100 private sector maritime employers and operators from coast to coast and through the St. Lawrence, moving over $790 million worth of cargo daily. More than 213,000 jobs at 14 Canadian ports, across five provinces, depend on coalition member operations.
WCB Nova Scotia Announces First Rate Cut in a Generation
WCB Nova Scotia recently announced today that it is lowering the average employer rate to $2.25 per $100 of assessable payroll — a 15 per cent reduction and the first rate cut in a generation.
This reduction is putting money back into the Nova Scotia economy, helping employers across the province reinvest, grow and support their people. At the same time, worker benefits are also improving.
Beginning in 2027, workers will have their benefits indexed to the full cost of living, instead of just half, after changes made by Government last year to the Workers’ Compensation Act.
“Reaching a position of financial strength means we can now do more for the people we serve,” said WCB Board Chair Saeed El-Darahali. “Workers can now begin to receive improved benefits, and employers can begin to see the cost of workers’ compensation come down.”
It’s balanced change that workers and employers have been waiting for, and a transformation guided by the Board’s 2024–2030 Protect More Strategic Plan.
The rate reduction has become possible through careful financial stewardship, a record-low workplace injury rate that has been steadily declining for 20 years, and more people staying connected to work after an injury.
It’s a moment that once felt out of reach for many.
In the early 1990s, Nova Scotia’s workers’ compensation system was only 27 per cent funded after years of keeping assessment rates artificially low.
As a result, both workers and employers felt the impact of the system’s financial challenges — benefits were low, rates were high.
The goal was to strengthen WCB’s financial position over time so the system could better support workers and employers.
A 2024 government review recognized progress that had been made but challenged the system to pick up the pace. It called for a continued focus on better outcomes for workers and employers, supported by a stronger financial foundation.
Today, WCB is 117 per cent funded. The milestone marks a transformation in workers’ compensation that’s putting Nova Scotians first and helping build a sustainable system for years to come.
And while today is about celebrating progress, the WCB said it’s also about maintaining momentum.
NOAA Strengthens Commitment to Aquaculture
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced the University of New Hampshire as host institution for the new NOAA Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM) to expand NOAA’s impact and strengthen efforts to boost American seafood competitiveness.
After a highly competitive application process, this new five-year cooperative institute will harness partnerships with cutting-edge researchers to advance American marine aquaculture. Approximately $13,500,000 will be available this year for projects following the establishment of CIFARM.
“The United States is finally recognizing aquaculture as a vital complement to our world-class fisheries,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA administrator. “We look forward to collaborating with these exemplary partners to continue to unlock the potential of this industry in the United States.”
CIFARM researchers will investigate solutions that can be leveraged for industry advancement, such as:
- Marine aquaculture demonstration projects;
- Engineering and technology development;
- Artificial intelligence for aquaculture;
- Environmental observations and forecasting;
- Risk management and vulnerability analysis; and
- Seafood markets research.
These research priorities will also magnify scientific advancement through education, outreach and engagement.
The University of New Hampshire has partnered with a diverse suite of outstanding academic, industry and non-governmental organization partners, including: New Hampshire Sea Grant, the University of Miami, Florida Sea Grant, University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, California Sea Grant, University of Hawaii and Hawaii Sea Grant.
