Rebuilding Plans for Critically Depleted Fish Stocks Could Signal the Beginning of Historic Recovery for Canada’s Oceans
September 18 2024 - 5:00AM
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has taken a critical step toward
restoring the health of Canada’s oceans with the release of two
pivotal rebuilding plans for Southern Newfoundland cod and Atlantic
mackerel. These plans are the first in a series aimed at bringing
back depleted stocks, with new plans for groundfish, herring and
salmon expected soon. Two additional stocks were granted short-term
extensions and had their rebuilding plans approved in July. If the
government continues publishing high-quality rebuilding plans, it
could reverse decades of overfishing and mismanagement that have
devastated marine ecosystems.
“This is a pivotal moment for the health of our oceans,” said
Rebecca Schijns, Fishery Scientist, Oceana Canada. “If these plans
are implemented effectively, cod and mackerel stocks can recover,
supporting healthier ecosystems and stronger coastal economies.
It’s crucial that the government moves swiftly to ensure the
recovery of all critically depleted fish populations.”
Over the past seven years, Oceana Canada’s annual Fishery Audit
has shown that only a third of Canadian fish and invertebrate
populations are considered healthy. This demonstrates an urgent
need for robust rebuilding strategies. The 2022 Fisheries Act
regulations provide clear requirements for rebuilding depleted fish
stocks and offer a path to recovery. However, only 30 fish stocks
are currently governed by these regulations. The government has yet
to ensure that the law applies to all of Canada’s major fish
stocks, despite the pressing need. Oceana Canada continues to
advocate for the inclusion of all remaining fish stocks under the
Fisheries Act to trigger necessary rebuilding actions and ensure
long-term recovery with science-based management. The rebuilding
plans for Atlantic mackerel and Southern Newfoundland cod provide a
template for the work ahead. Both plans outline transparent,
evidence-based approaches to restoring these stocks towards healthy
levels within specified timelines, while also considering the
socioeconomic and cultural importance of fishing for coastal
communities. For example, Atlantic mackerel could recover as early
as 2028/29, while Southern Newfoundland cod could recover by
2036. These long-term strategies offer much-needed stability
and a healthier future for both fisheries and the communities that
rely on them.
Despite these promising developments, significant challenges
remain. The government continues to allow overfishing on Northern
cod and capelin, despite clear warnings of continuing decline. A
second list of at least six critical stocks, including Scotia-Fundy
herring and Gulf yellowtail flounder, urgently awaits regulatory
action to prevent further depletion.
“The government has been slow to meet its legal obligations
under the Fisheries Act despite the fact that Canadians expect the
government to consistently implement its own laws and apply them to
all fish populations.” adds Schijns, “While these rebuilding plans
are a critical milestone, they are just the beginning. Urgent
action is needed, and the stakes are high for Canada’s fisheries
and oceans.”
Oceana Canada was established as an independent
charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy
group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has
successfully campaigned to ban single-use plastics, end the shark
fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law,
improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat.
We work with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples
and governments to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to
health and abundance. By restoring Canada’s oceans, we can
strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional
benefits, and protect our future. Find out more
at www.oceana.ca.
Media contacts: Vaishali Dassani, Oceana Canada,
vdassani@oceana.ca, 647-294-3335;Angela Pinzon, Pilot PMR,
angela.pinzon@pilotpmr.com, 647-295-0517