FCC Ready to Work with PM Carney on Canada’s Fisheries Future
The Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) has extended its congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada on their re-election.
As the national voice of Canada’s fish and seafood industry, we look forward to continuing our productive working relationship with the Government of Canada in this new mandate.
“We are in a defining moment for Canadian fisheries and we are ready to work with Prime Minister Carney’s government, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and all federal departments and agencies to steward this future together,” said Jason McLinton, President of the Fisheries Council of Canada. “There is still a lot of important work to do to strengthen our sector and coastal communities.”
The FCC is committed to working closely with the Government of Canada on several critical priorities:
- Enhancing market access and pursuing fair trade, including restoring zero-tariff seafood trade with the U.S. and China;
- securing long-term access and allocation stability for predictable, prosperous fisheries management;
- championing Canada’s leadership in sustainable seafood through innovation from coast to coast to coast, and strengthening the competitiveness of our industry through science-based fisheries management; and
- leading globally on regulatory efficiency, sustainability, collaboration and innovation.
“Canada’s fish and seafood sector is the backbone of our coastal economies, a vital source of food security and a steward of marine ecosystems,” McLinton emphasized.
“We are at a point in time that presents significant opportunities to build on existing successes while addressing the challenges that face our industry. FCC and its members are ready to work in close partnership with government, industry and communities to unlock the full potential of our fisheries sector. We believe that through meaningful collaboration, we can advance our shared goals of sustainable resource management, economic prosperity and the continued global leadership of Canadian seafood.”
N.L. Announces Value-Added Snow Crab Processing Licences
The Newfoundland and Labrador Department Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture recently announced new value-added processing licences for snow crab in the province.
These new licences will mean more jobs and increased investment in the seafood industry. The licences will be available to industry leaders who have been purchasing primary processed crab in the province and adding additional value such as snap and eat, meat extraction, etc. Successful applicants will be able to buy directly from harvesters, then primary process and add that same value to the volume that is sold as
value-added crab.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they have been active in producing value-added crab for a period of three years prior to receiving a primary processing crab licence. Applicants must also submit the appropriate application and a viable business plan and be:
- Registered as an incorporated entity in the province and in good standing with the Registry of Companies and Deeds;
- registered and in good standing with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission; and
- clear of debt owed to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
To apply, interested parties should contact the Licensing and Inspections Division at 709-729-3736.
This new category of licences comes in addition to the recently announced Industry Balance and Opportunity Licensing Approach to increase the sector’s competitiveness, increase capacity and strengthen controls over corporate concentration.
Local Search and Rescue Stations Open for 2025 Season
The Canadian Coast Guard’s seasonal search and rescue stations across Newfoundland and Labrador are now open for the 2025 season.
The seasonal search and rescue stations include:
- Old Perlican
- Twillingate
- Port au Choix
- St. Anthony
- Corner Brook (Temporary location for the 2025–2026 season)
Please note that while wharf infrastructure upgrades are ongoing at Lark Harbour, the crew will be operating out of Corner Brook at the Bay of Islands Yacht Club.
Waterways remain very cold at this time of year and take much longer to warm up when compared to the air, so boaters should ensure they take necessary precautions when near or on waterways. Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide is an excellent source of information in preparation for the recreational boating season.
Emergencies on the water can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free (within Canada) at 1-800-563-2444. If toll-free service is unavailable (within Canada and the United States), please dial 1-709-772-5151.
Governments Support N.B. Redfish Fishery
The New Brunswick and federal governments recently announced funding to help develop the redfish fishery on the Acadian Peninsula.
The financial support, which comes from the $400-million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, will help the Fédération régionale acadienne des pêcheurs professionnels develop best practices to integrate the redfish fishery into the region’s fishing industry.
The provincial government is investing just over $1 million while the federal government is contributing about $2.4 million.
The main objectives are to determine the viability of a commercial redfish fishery by ensuring the best fishing gear and other equipment will be used to maximize the catch while minimizing the by-catch.
Additionally, this project will contribute to the development of a new fishery, creating diversification opportunities for some processors and generating positive economic impacts for the province.
Province Launches Seafood Marketing Support Program
The Newfoundland Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture recently launched the Seafood Marketing Support Program to support global market diversification.
The program will help proponents identify, assess, target and develop new market opportunities in response to tariff threats from the United States and recent tariffs from China. It will support market diversification and reduce reliance on traditional markets while capitalizing on new opportunities in domestic and international markets.
Funding is available to licensed Newfoundland and Labrador fish processors, aquaculture companies, seafood marketing firms, industry associations, research and development institutions, fisheries organizations, and development associations.
Funding will be provided through non-repayable contributions to a maximum of $100,000 and a rate of assistance of up to 90 per cent. The Seafood Marketing Support Program will focus on:
- Market information and research
- Market development planning
- Adapting products and packaging for new markets
- Market development activities
- Marketing material and promotional tools
- Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- Re-development of packaging for new markets
- Participation in trade shows/missions
- Market research
- Brand strategy development
- Advertising
- Export development planning
Union Concerned Over Grounded Vessel
The FFAW-Unifor is urgently calling attention to the grounding of the MSC Baltic III cargo ship near Lark Harbour on N.L.’s west coast.
The union said it is concerned that the vessel, which ran aground on February 15, 2025, poses a significant and ongoing threat to the marine environment and the livelihoods of inshore fish harvesters who depend on these waters.
FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street expressed deep concern over the potential for environmental disaster, stating, “This ship is sitting on the rocks of Cedar Cove with hazardous materials and fuel onboard. We’ve seen reports of structural damage, leaks and an oily mixture in the engine room. The longer this drags on, the greater the risk of a spill that could devastate our fisheries and coastal ecosystems. Our members — fish harvesters who rely on these waters — are watching this unfold with growing alarm.”
The Union is particularly troubled by the presence of eight containers of polymer beads, a material used in plastic production, identified as a priority for removal. Should these beads enter the marine environment, they could wreak havoc on fish stocks and wildlife, creating a cleanup nightmare that could persist for years. “These are the same waters where our members fish for lobster, crab, halibut and other species,” Street noted. “Any pollution here doesn’t just harm the environment — it threatens the economic survival of entire communities.”
FFAW-Unifor is calling on the Canadian Coast Guard, Environment Canada and provincial authorities to expedite salvage efforts and ensure robust measures are in place to prevent an ecological catastrophe. The Union is also demanding transparency and accountability from the vessel’s operator, MSC, and the salvage contractor, T&T Salvage, regarding the timeline and plan to mitigate risks.
“Weather delays are no excuse for inaction,” Street added. “Our members deserve to know that their fishing grounds are being protected, not left vulnerable to corporate negligence.”
B.C. Sablefish Now MSC Certified Sustainable
The Pacific Halibut Management Association of B.C. (PHMA) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) recently announced that sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) caught on licensed commercial halibut vessels in British Columbia, Canada, has successfully achieved MSC certification for sustainable fishing.
This milestone follows a comprehensive assessment by MRAG Americas and marks the addition of sablefish as an MSC certified species alongside Pacific halibut in the now named Canada (British Columbia) Hook and Line Halibut Fishery and sablefish caught by licensed commercial halibut vessels. This fishery is currently the only source of MSC certified sablefish in Canada.
MSC certification ensures full traceability from harvest to landing, supported by rigorous 100 per cent at-sea and dockside monitoring for which the B.C. halibut fishery is renowned.
Applications Open for Lobster Technology and Innovation Funding
The Provincial Government is investing in new technology, processes and innovation to support the growth and sustainability of the Newfoundland and Labrador lobster fishery.
The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is now requesting applications through a Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster Technology and Innovation Request for Proposals.
Funding is available to both commercial and non-commercial applicants. The level of support will vary from project to project with non-repayable contributions available to a maximum of $100,000 and a rate of assistance of up to 80 per cent depending on level of technology and risk of project. Proposals must be submitted by May 16, 2025, to lynettepeddle@gov.nl.ca.
The Newfoundland and Labrador lobster fishery is in a period of immense growth and potential. From 2015 to 2024, lobster landings increased by 263 per cent from 5.7 million pounds to 20.7 million pounds. During that same period, the landed value increased by 345 per cent from $30.7 million to $136.6 million. To ensure that the industry can keep pace with this resource growth, investments in infrastructure and new technology are essential throughout the supply chain.
Russia to Increase Total Allowable Catch for 2026
According to recent statements made by representatives of Russia’s Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo), the country will be increasing the total allowable fish catch for 2026.
The increase will be based on recommendations prepared by industry scientists, particularly those at some of the country’s leading research institutions in the field of fisheries.
Ilya Shestakov, head of Rosrybolovstvo, said, “It is important that the total allowable catch is set using a precautionary approach, taking into account the recommendations of scientists. In 2026, the catch is planned to be increased by 61,100 tons — up to 3.65 million tons. Recent scientific expeditions have shown an increase in the stocks of a number of species, primarily pollock and herring. Thanks to this, Russian fishermen will be able to increase the volume of their catch.”
Per the increase, fishermen will be able to catch pollock in the volume of 2.4 million tons (about 1.3 per cent higher than in 2025), Pacific herring in the volume of 534,900 tons (about 18 per cent higher than in 2025), cod in the volume of 134,900 tons, and commander squid in the volume of 110,000 tons.
The total allowable catch of blue crab will grow by 13.5 per cent, while snow crab-opilio will grow by 2.7 per cent. There are also plans to increase the total allowable catch for the current year. For example, in the case of crabs, total catch will be increased by about 20 per cent depending on the crab type.
Canada Announces Strategy to Restore and Rebuild Atlantic Salmon Populations and Habitats
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans recently announced Canada’s first ever conservation strategy to restore and rebuild wild Atlantic salmon populations and their habitats.
The strategy will guide the Department and partners in working together to mitigate threats and ensure healthy ecosystems that can support Atlantic salmon. Since 2021, we have engaged with Canadians, stakeholders, partners, provincial governments and Indigenous organizations on the strategy. The department will continue to collaborate with these groups in implementing and reviewing the strategy to help shape its evolution.
In addition to the $6.1 million, the Government of Canada is also investing $1 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year to support new projects focused on Atlantic salmon conservation and the objectives set out in the strategy. A call for proposals process will be launched in the coming months for projects specifically targeting Atlantic salmon.
2024 Lobster Prices Improved Landings Value for Maine
Recent data shared by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) indicated that harvesters in the state earned $74 million more in 2024 than in 2023, with total landings valued at $709,509,984.
“During a year shaped by unprecedented storms and damage to our working waterfronts, Maine’s commercial fishermen, aquaculturists and seafood dealers once again delivered a major economic benefit to our state,” said Governor Janet Mills.
“They did so through hard work and their time-honoured commitment to producing and delivering the best seafood in the world.”
The value was largely credited to a $46 million year-over-year increase in lobster landings. Lobstermen in Maine took home $528,421,645 on the strength of a $6.14 per pound price, despite a catch that declined by more than 10 million pounds, per the DMR.
“The boat price paid to fishermen, which is the second highest on record, reflects the continued strong demand for this signature, premium Maine product,” said Mills.
The second-most valuable fishery was the softshell clam fishery ($15,461,017). It saw a more modest bump, but DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher noted that multiple projects began in 2024 to improve the management of the resource.
“DMR conducted programs to train municipal marine resource officials, held informational meetings, and provided mini grants to support municipal shellfish management and conservation work,” Keliher said.
“2024 was a challenging year for Maine’s commercial fishing and aquaculture industries,” said Commissioner Keliher. “The storms that destroyed docks and piers up and down the coast put these industries at serious risk. But thanks to Governor Mills’ success in securing funding, the state has been able help rebuild damaged coastal infrastructure, make it more resilient to the effects of climate change, and protect critically important waterfront access for those who make a living on the water,” said Keliher.
The DMR also highlighted other species, including oysters ($14,852,101), menhaden, a popular lobster bait, ($13,203,602) and Maine elvers ($12,201,545).
