For the first time since the 1992 moratorium, the latest Northern Cod science indicates the stock is in the healthy zone. This allows for an increased commercial fishery, along with the previously announced expansion of the Northern cod food fishery. The 2026 management decisions are: Northern cod: TAC increase from 38,000 tonnes to 59,000 tonnes. … Read more
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) launched its fourth annual high seas patrol to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North Pacific Ocean. The mission, known as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG), is led by DFO fishery officers and supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Canadian patrol … Read more
Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean (Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, B.C.) highlighted key investments from the Spring Economic Update to protect endangered whales and their habitats. This proposed investment will see $163.8 million dedicated to continue the important work done under the Whales Initiative over the next 5 years, providing immediate and comprehensive action to protect whales. The … Read more
Deputy House Leader of the Government Arielle Kayabaga (London West, Ont.) was in Chatham-Kent, Ont., to highlight Spring Economic Update 2026 investments will support infrastructure improvements at two Ontario harbours. The full release is available online. Contact Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) released the What We Heard document summarizing the results of the 2025 Food Fishery survey. Participation was overwhelmingly local, with 95 per cent of respondents residing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nearly all respondents reported taking part in the food fishery, many of them multiple times per season. The What We Heard highlights several … Read more
On March 28, the Government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association celebrated the establishment of the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Nunavut, bringing Canada one step closer to protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030. The full release is available online. Contact Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
As a result of an investigation by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), a Long Point area landowner was convicted and subsequently sentenced in the Ontario Court of Justice for a violation of the Species at Risk Act. The sentence imposed was a fine totaling $13,000 that will be directed to the Environmental Damages Fund and used for … Read more
After considering the best available scientific and socio-economic data, and comments received from Indigenous groups, provinces, partners, stakeholders and the Canadian public via public engagement and consultation efforts, the Governor in Council has decided not to list American eel under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Governor in Council determined that managing American eel and its … Read more
This year marked the fourth consecutive season that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), inspected and decontaminated watercraft to ensure they were free of Zebra Mussels and other aquatic invasive species, safeguarding our ecosystems, biodiversity, and economy. This spring through fall, DFO and CBSA staff conducted 772 watercraft … Read more
Budget 2025 will launch a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund by directing $97 million, over five years, starting in 2026-27, from existing Foreign Credential Recognition Program resources. The Action Fund will help internationally trained workers, particularly in health care and construction, get their skills recognized faster so they can contribute sooner in Newfoundland and Labrador, … Read more