On October 29, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) scientists presented a comprehensive update of the latest scientific knowledge of North Atlantic right whales (NARW) and their potential for recovery to stakeholders and interested Canadians. This review was conducted by DFO as part of a Recovery Potential Assessment (RPA) for NARW, assessing a broad range of topics … Read more
President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson (St. John’s East, N.L.) formally announced two marine refuges on Haida Gwaii, B.C.: G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii. The marine refuges will protect multiple species of salmon, sea birds and their habitat, and other important species such as herring and harbour seals. The … Read more
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joanne Thompson (St. John’s East, N.L.) issued a statement: “This morning, Fisheries and Oceans Canada informed Marineland I have denied their request to export thirty belugas to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China. To approve the request would have meant a continued life in captivity … Read more
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) concluded its participation with the United States in Operation Sea Dog 2025, a multi-agency international enforcement initiative focused on marine border intelligence, fisheries compliance, and conservation. The full release is available online. Contact DFO.RPACCommunicationsR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
This summer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in partnership with the Manitoba Government, conducted joint roadside inspections on Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) near the Manitoba-Ontario border to stop and inspect watercraft for AIS and to ensure they were cleaned, drained and dried before crossing the provincial border. During the three-day inspection blitz, a total of … Read more
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joanne Thompson (St. John’s East, N.L.) welcomes confirmation from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that all Canadian fisheries received comparability findings under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This means our fisheries can continue to access U.S. markets for our fish and seafood exports, and … Read more
The Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) met over the past two days in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joanne Thompson (St. John’s East, N.L.) and Nunavut Minister of Community Services David Akeeagok co-chaired the meeting, which was attended by their provincial and territorial counterparts. Ministers discussed strengthening … Read more
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) continues to do its part to detect and deter IUU fishing, having recently completed this year’s Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG) mission. This was DFO’s third patrol under the annual, multi-national high seas operation in the North Pacific, and the first to have representatives from four nations onboard a … Read more
The Honourable Justice Crerar of the British Columbia Supreme Court has sentenced Scott Steer, a repeat offender with a history of serious violations under the Fisheries Act, for illegal sea cucumber harvesting and sale. The sentencing follows Steer’s conviction on Jan. 8, 2025, on multiple counts related to the unlawful harvest and sale of sea cucumbers between … Read more
The Canadian Coast Guard officially welcomed CCGS Baie des Chaleurs to its fleet at the Lifeboat Station in Clark’s Harbour, N.S. Liberal MP Jessica Fancy (South Shore–St. Margarets, N.S.), alongside vessel sponsor Rosemarie Patricia LeBlanc, and the crew and community members, participated in the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle upon the ship’s bow. The CCGS Baie des … Read more
