In a recent Fishery Audit for 2023, Oceana Canada highlights the lack of progress by the Canadian government and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in rebuilding and sustaining fishing stocks.
Oceana Canada’s seventh assessment reveals that less than a third of the country’s marine fish and invertebrate populations are considered healthy, with almost 40 percent of fisheries lacking sufficient information for proper management. According to Fishery Scientist Rebecca Schijns, there has been a decline in the number of healthy fish stocks, an increase in depleted stocks, and no significant improvement in DFO’s performance since the first audit in 2017.
Despite the passage of a new Fisheries Act in 2019, mandating action plans for depleted fisheries, Oceana Canada points out that DFO has not published rebuilding plans for 13 critical stocks, as required by law by April 2024.
The audit raises concerns about DFO’s decision-making processes, accusing it of disregarding scientific advice and evidence when setting quotas. Instances of rolling over quota levels and delayed announcements without explanation further contribute to the challenges.
Oceana Canada emphasizes that the lack of information remains a persistent issue, with 40 percent of marine fish and invertebrate populations classified as “uncertain” due to insufficient stock status information. While there is a slight improvement in the metrics related to stock information, the overall percentage of stocks with sufficient data for health statistics has remained unchanged since 2017.
The report suggests a contrast with the recent “MSC Canada State of the Water Report 2023” by the Marine Stewardship Council, which certifies 61 percent of Canada’s wild-caught seafood to MSC standards. However, this certification mainly covers major fisheries, leaving poorly managed fisheries, including capelin, Atlantic herring, and northern cod, unaccounted for.
Oceana Canada urges the Canadian government to follow the example of the U.S., emphasizing that, since 2000, the U.S. has successfully rebuilt 49 stocks and has rebuilding plans for 84 percent of its overfished stocks. The organization calls for expedited implementation to ensure the well-being of fishing communities and marine ecosystems.
