Final Fisheries Regulation Amendments: Three Key Issues Addressed
The long-awaited amendments to federal fisheries regulations codifying key aspects of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) PIIFCAF policies, including prohibitions on “controlling agreements,” are finally final.
Anticipated since the June 2019 Fisheries Act refresh, the final amendments to the regulations come with some surprises, often differing significantly from the proposed draft amendments the DFO initially released in July 2019. The amended regulations prohibit the transfer ...
When is a Plan Not a Plan?
For years there have been calls for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to develop a rebuilding plan for our Northern cod stocks.
Leaving aside the larger question of whether it is even possible for humans to rebuild wild stocks, we want to look at what the department finally came up with just before Christmas to supposedly satisfy those calls.
The federal rebuilding plan as presented by DFO begins with four overviews — a biological synopsis, an overview of the cod fishery, ...
Predictable Reaction to DFO’s Northern Cod Rebuilding Plan
In late December, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) quietly and with little fanfare, released its latest rebuilding plan for the iconic Northern cod stock in NAFO divisions 2J3KL.
And, as predicted by many industry stakeholders, the overall message was to maintain the status quo limited harvesting approach, for now, with this fishery.
Last year, in the midst of other fisheries across the region facing uncertainty due to the worldwide impact of COVID-19, DFO released its latest ...
A Cautiously Optimistic N.L. Snow Crab Stock Assessment
FFAW Still Concerned Over Precautionary Approach Framework
For the third year in succession, scientists at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) are painting a somewhat bright, yet cautious, picture for snow crab stocks off Newfoundland and Labrador.
At the recent 2020 annual snow crab technical meeting, DFO reported that despite some stock increases, the overall exploitable biomass remained near historic lows in 2019, but noted that there are some positive signs for future recruit...
Gear Innovation Summit Explores Options for Whale-Safe Fishing Gear
Exploring options for whale-safe fishing gear and finding innovative ways to prevent, retrieve and recycle lost or discarded fishing gear was the focus of the two-day Gear Innovation Summit, hosted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in Halifax on February 11 and 12.
The Summit brought together more than 250 harvesters, industry representatives, fishing gear manufacturers, marine mammal responders, ENGOs and government officials from Canada, the United States, Iceland and Norway. ...
Illegal Fishing and Whales Continue to be Major Concerns for MFU
An escalation of illegal fishing efforts from some individuals or groups under the guise of First Nations’ treaty rights to a moderate livelihood is a major concern for the Maritime Fishermen’s Union (MFU), as well as other industry associations, says executive director Martin Mallet.
“From the beginning, associations have been working together and have no issues with First Nations’ rights as long as it’s done within conservation rules,” said Mallet.
“Some individuals are ...
New Study Outlines Good News for Future SW Nova Lobster Habitat
Above: Lonnie Snow photo
Overall projected changes in offshore lobster habitat for the region, as a whole, appear to be positive.
However, changes in resource management need to be considered to promote the long-term sustainability of the fishery in Nova Scotia, according to the findings of a new study published this fall in Frontiers in Marine Science.
The study was a collaboration between researchers at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Bedford Institute of Oceanography ...
Could the Southern Gulf Cod Be Extinct by 2050?
DFO Scientists Point Finger at Grey Seal Predation as a Major Cause
The plight of the Atlantic cod has been in the headlines for decades in this region, with most of the attention focused on the Northern cod stock off eastern Newfoundland.
But a new study has highlighted the cod stock in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and the news is not promising.
A recent report from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) stated that the outlook for this particular cod stock remains grim.
...
Appeals Court Upholds DFO Right to Enforce Fleet Separation
A Canadian federal appeals court recently found that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) acted properly in taking the license of Labrador fisherman Kirby Elson, after he refused to terminate a controlling agreement he had made with Quinlan Brothers Ltd. and Labrador Sea Products.
The agreement, which began in 2003, gave the companies control over the disposition of the fishing license. In return, Quinlans supplied a vessel, crew, financed the boat and reaped the profit.
Canadian ...
Building Trust
In the fishery, we have a trust problem.
It’s a problem with deep historical roots and there are many levels of trust issues, so it is not an easy one to overcome. But we need to find some solutions.
For as long as I can remember, market research has continually shown that most consumers are hesitant about buying fish products, because they don’t understand the characteristics of different species or trust their own abilities to assess quality and turn the fish into an enjoyable meal. ...
Final Fisheries Regulation Amendments: Three Key Issues Addressed
The long-awaited amendments to federal fisheries regulations codifying key aspects of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) PIIFCAF policies, including prohibitions on “controlling agreements,” are finally final. Anticipated since the June 2019 Fisheries Act refresh, the final amendments to the regulations come with some surprises, often differing significantly from the proposed draft amendments the DFO initially released in July 2019. The amended regulations prohibit the transfer ...