Fisheries and Oceans

This meeting of the Fisheries and Oceans committee focused on the declining Atlantic salmon populations. Committee members heard from various experts and conservationists about the causes of the decline and potential solutions. Key speakers included Dr. Gary Anderson, an Atlantic salmon angler, who highlighted the severe impact of the increased striped bass population on salmon, especially in the Miramichi River. He suggested reducing the striped bass population to 100,000 through increased commercial fishing and allowing gaspereau fishermen to keep striped bass bycatch. Andrew Murphy, co-owner of Gaspé Coastal, emphasized a multi-faceted approach, stressing the importance of local actions, research into marine migration, and accessible funding. He also noted the economic value of striped bass fishing. Alex Mills and John Bagnall from Save Miramichi Salmon Inc. strongly argued that striped bass are the primary cause of the salmon crisis in the Miramichi, not climate or habitat issues. They advocated for major hatchery enhancement efforts and criticized the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for being too slow to act. Dr. Colin Curry from the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick spoke about the critical decline of Atlantic salmon in the Saint John River and the importance of the Mactaquac biodiversity facility for conservation and maintaining recovery options, emphasizing the need for continuity in its programs. Several committee members raised concerns about DFO's perceived inaction and reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the striped bass problem. There was discussion about the lack of implementation of past recommendations from committee reports on Atlantic salmon, striped bass, and seal predation. Witnesses also highlighted the economic impact of salmon decline on outfitters and the potential for a balanced fishery that supports both salmon and striped bass. The issue of Indigenous fishing rights and the need for capacity building within First Nations communities for commercial fishing was also brought up. No specific decisions were made during this meeting, but the discussion clearly pointed to a need for DFO to take more decisive action on striped bass management and to better support conservation efforts, including hatchery programs and habitat restoration. The committee will continue its work on a draft report for the review of the Fisheries Act in its next meeting. A notice of motion was also placed regarding France's proposed snow crab fishery off Newfoundland and Labrador.

The committee met to discuss the serious decline of Atlantic salmon populations in eastern Canada and explore potential solutions. Witnesses from First Nations, conservation groups, and individual experts shared their concerns and recommendations. Chief Justice Gruben of Kingsclear First Nation spoke passionately about the planned closure of the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility, which is crucial for the survival of a unique type of Atlantic salmon in the Wolastoq (Saint John River). She highlighted the lack of consultation with First Nations and the cultural importance of salmon, urging the government to extend the facility's timeline and continue its programs. Myriam Bergeron from the Fédération québécoise pour le saumon atlantique pointed to high mortality at sea, likely due to climate change and predation, and called for more research and long-term support. Angler Paul White emphasized the cultural and mental health benefits of salmon, advocating for hatcheries and stronger river guardian programs. Later, Pierre D'Amours, a biologist and fishing guide, described the economic and cultural losses from declining salmon, particularly in the Restigouche River where striped bass are seen as an invasive species. Nathan Wilbur of the Atlantic Salmon Federation and William Dalton of the Miramichi Salmon Association strongly focused on the exploding striped bass population as a major cause of salmon smolt (young salmon) mortality, especially in the Miramichi River. They urged the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to set a lower target for striped bass numbers and allow more harvesting through indigenous commercial fishing and bycatch in other fisheries. Witnesses also discussed the impact of seals and the need for more scientific studies on various factors affecting salmon. Many expressed frustration that previous recommendations, such as increasing striped bass harvest and supporting seal culling, have not been fully implemented by DFO. They stressed that while the government's new $80 million strategy is welcome, more focused and immediate action is needed, especially on predator management and habitat protection. No formal decisions were made by the committee during this meeting, as it was part of an ongoing study. However, witnesses consistently called for DFO to extend the Mactaquac facility's operations, implement stronger measures to control striped bass and seal populations, and use sound science to guide urgent conservation efforts.

The committee met to talk about a report from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) concerning four areas off the coast of Nova Scotia where offshore wind farms might be built. Bernard Vigneault, a DFO director, explained that the report, published in December 2025, simply gathers existing information about the ocean environment, marine animals, and human activities like fishing in these four areas. He made it clear that the report does not say if these areas are good for wind farms or what risks they might pose. Wendy Williams, another DFO official, added that the report was meant to help with an information request from the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore energy regulator, and that actual risk assessments would happen later. Committee members like Clifford Small and Alexis Deschênes questioned why the report didn't include historical fishing data or look at the possible harm to marine life. DFO officials explained that this report was just a collection of facts, and deeper studies on impacts would come later. Liberal committee members, including Robert Morrissey, stressed that the report was not an approval for wind farm development, but just a collection of existing facts. DFO officials confirmed they are getting extra money from Natural Resources Canada to do new research and collect more information about whales, migratory fish, and other species in these areas. This new research will help fill in the gaps for future studies on the wind farm projects. The meeting also included a debate among committee members about whether DFO had provided all the documents the committee had asked for regarding how the report was put together.

This committee meeting focused on how decisions are made about when fishing seasons open and close, and the problems these decisions cause for fishermen and Indigenous communities. Alberto Wareham, who runs a seafood company in Newfoundland, explained that delays in opening the northern cod fishery cost his company and local fishermen millions of dollars. He said that cod move offshore later in the season, making it harder and more dangerous for smaller boats to catch them. He also mentioned that the government still uses paper licenses, which slows down the opening process. Jason McLinton from the Fisheries Council of Canada agreed that fishing season dates need to be clear and announced on time, based on good science. Michael Barron from the Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association added that each fishing area is unique, and decisions must consider local weather, safety, and the knowledge of experienced fishermen. Retired fisherman Ghislain Cyr felt that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) doesn't value the experience of fishermen enough, especially when it comes to understanding fish behavior like mackerel. Chief Andrea Paul from the Assembly of First Nations highlighted that setting fishing times is more than just scheduling; it's about who makes the decisions and if First Nations are truly involved. She said that First Nations have rights to fish that should be respected, but often these rights are not fully put into practice, leading to limited access. Claire Mavin, a young commercial fisher from British Columbia, shared how DFO's unpredictable and late notices for prawn and salmon seasons cause financial stress and force fishers to work in unsafe conditions. She believes these policies are pushing young people out of the industry. Aidan Fisher from the Fraser Salmon Management Council talked about a new agreement for managing Fraser salmon with First Nations, but noted that fully working together is still a challenge. While no final decisions were made, the witnesses strongly urged the committee to push DFO for more predictable and timely announcements for fishing seasons. They also asked for better discussions with fishing groups and First Nations, and for DFO to use the valuable knowledge of people who spend their lives on the water, alongside scientific information.

The Fisheries and Oceans committee met to discuss the seal industry and related issues. Alexis Deschênes proposed a study on developing the seal industry in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Maritimes, focusing on modernizing rules and supporting new hunters. Clifford Small suggested broadening the study to include all pinniped industries (seals, sea lions, etc.) across Canada, and to review a previous report on pinniped populations. Committee members debated whether to expand the study's scope and include a review of past recommendations. Serge Cormier raised concerns that reviewing the old report would take time away from hearing from witnesses about the seal situation. Clifford Small defended his amendment, arguing it was important to see if previous recommendations had been acted upon. Alexis Deschênes emphasized the importance of focusing on seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but was open to including sea lions on the west coast. Ultimately, the committee agreed to expand the study to include pinniped species like seals and sea lions across Canada, but they removed the part about spending an hour reviewing the old pinniped report. The committee will invite representatives from various groups, like Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Indigenous communities, to share their views. The committee will report its findings and ask the government for a response.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met to elect a new chair and discuss factors that determine the opening and closing dates of marine harvesting seasons. Hedy Fry was elected as the new chair of the committee after several nominations and declinations. Committee members thanked the previous chair, Mr. Weiler, for his service and welcomed Ms. Fry, expressing hope for continued collaboration and respect within the committee. The meeting also acknowledged that the committee was meeting on the ancestral lands of the Algonquin Anishinabe people. Representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) presented information on how fishing seasons are determined, emphasizing safety, scientific and environmental factors, and economic considerations. Todd Williams, senior director of fisheries management operations, highlighted the importance of working with harvesters and advisory committees to gather real-world information on conditions and adjust openings and closings as needed. They also discussed the department's obligations to Indigenous peoples and the need to prioritize food, social, and ceremonial fisheries. Committee members questioned the DFO representatives on various topics, including the Fraser River sockeye salmon season, retention opportunities in Howe Sound, and the availability of resources for ice clearing in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. Discussions also covered the American mackerel quota, mass marking for hatchery-raised salmon, and co-management agreements with First Nations. The committee explored the balance between conservation, economic interests, and collaboration with different stakeholders in fisheries management. Several committee members expressed concerns about the timeliness and predictability of opening dates, particularly for the snow crab and Fraser River sockeye fisheries, and the impact of delays on harvesters. They also questioned the DFO representatives about the science behind decisions and the extent to which harvesters' observations are considered. The committee identified the need for better communication and collaboration between DFO, the Coast Guard, and harvesters to ensure safe and sustainable fisheries. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but committee members emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns raised by harvesters and finding solutions to improve the management of fisheries. The committee agreed to continue its study of the factors determining opening and closing dates of marine harvesting seasons at future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met to discuss recreational and traditional softshell clam harvesting. Witnesses from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) explained their roles in the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program (CSSP). The CSSP aims to ensure shellfish are safe to eat by monitoring harvest sites for contamination. The committee heard about the challenges of balancing public health with the cultural and economic importance of clam harvesting, especially for Indigenous communities. Committee members questioned witnesses about the time it takes to open and close harvesting areas and the impact of waste-water treatment on water quality. Evelyn Soo from the CFIA described the agency's role in monitoring shellfish harvest areas for harmful toxins and licensing shellfish processors. Alistair Struthers from DFO explained how the department manages shellfish fisheries and opens or closes harvesting areas based on recommendations from the CFIA and ECCC. Joanne Volk from ECCC discussed the department's responsibility for assessing and monitoring the sanitary quality of shellfish harvesting waters. Members of parliament questioned the witnesses on the length of time for opening and closing harvesting areas, and the coordination between the three agencies. Several committee members voiced concerns about the time it takes to reopen clam harvesting areas after closures, with some closures lasting for years. They also discussed the impact of climate change and waste-water treatment on water quality. A motion was introduced by Serge Cormier to undertake an urgent study on the decline of Atlantic salmon, considering the impact of striped bass and seal populations. The motion was amended to include a broader examination of mortality factors during migration. The committee voted to undertake the study on Atlantic salmon, with the amended motion being agreed to. Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of managing shellfish harvesting in Canada and the need for collaboration between federal departments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders. The committee also addressed the urgent issue of declining Atlantic salmon populations and the need for a comprehensive study to identify effective management measures.

The Fisheries and Oceans committee met to discuss a proposed law about aquaculture in British Columbia. Aaron Gunn, a Conservative committee member, wanted the committee to order the Minister to release a report on aquaculture that he says is already finished. He thinks it's important for transparency and for the thousands of workers who are worried about their jobs. He says billions of dollars in investments are on hold because of the uncertainty. Serge Cormier, a Liberal committee member, argued that Gunn was trying to undermine years of work and consultations with First Nations and the aquaculture industry. He said the government has a plan to transition to more sustainable aquaculture, investing millions of dollars and working with First Nations and communities. He read parts of the draft plan, which includes supporting First Nations, workers, and communities during the change, and using new, clean technology. The committee voted to stop the debate on Gunn's motion. Then, another Liberal committee member, Robert Morrissey, made a motion to move the meeting to a private session, which was approved. The meeting was then suspended briefly before resuming in private.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met to discuss the Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring fisheries. Witnesses included Barry Darby, who suggested a shift to input-based management (IBM) focusing on regulating fishing gear and practices rather than catch limits. Dylan MacIntyre, a fisherman, spoke about the economic impact of the mackerel fishery closure on his livelihood and the increased costs of importing bait. Erin Carruthers from the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union, presented survey results indicating an abundance of mackerel reported by harvesters, contrasting with DFO's stock assessment. Martin Mallet from the Maritime Fishermen's Union, advocated for reopening the fishery and co-management with the United States. He also highlighted the economic importance of mackerel and herring to inshore fisheries. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the discrepancies between scientific assessments and fishermen's observations, the impact of the fishery closure, and potential management strategies. Clifford Small introduced a motion regarding a report on offshore wind energy areas and their potential impact on fisheries, leading to a debate among committee members. The committee voted in favour of the motion, ordering the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to provide related documents and schedule a meeting to discuss the report. Aaron Gunn introduced a motion regarding a production order for ISED's report and consultations on the aquaculture transition plan for British Columbia, but the meeting was adjourned before a vote could occur.