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A Policy Framework for the Management of Fisheries on Canada’s Atlantic Coast is the first comprehensive blueprint to guide fisheries management. It is the culmination of fisheries renewal efforts started under the first phase of the Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review (AFPR). The AFPR is a collaborative process with a broad citizen-engagement approach, through which advice and feedback are continuously sought from fish harvesters, processors and industry representatives; the governments of the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Nunavut; Aboriginal groups; community representatives; environmental groups; academics and other interested individuals. The AFPR is being completed in two phases: Phase I delivers a long-term policy framework, and Phase II establishes priorities and implements elements from the policy framework. The creation of sanctions for violating the Fisheries Act is also being explored.
What is the policy framework?
This policy framework offers a shared vision and a clear direction for how the Atlantic fisheries can be managed. Over time, as the role of resource users in the management of the fishery increases, the role of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will evolve from one taken up with day-to-day management of fleets and fishing activities to one concerned primarily with developing policy, setting direction and evaluating performance. The framework presents four interrelated objectives and corresponding strategies:
Conservation and Sustainable Use:
Conservation of marine resources and habitat, and rebuilding of resources and restoration of habitat where necessary, will remain the highest priority for the management of all fisheries. Within the limits of available knowledge, all fishing activities will be conducted in a manner that leads to sustainable resource use.
Implementation will result in a comprehensive risk-management framework that incorporates precautionary decision making, ecosystem-based management, fishing activities conducted within an enforceable regulatory framework and a conservation ethic and responsible harvesting operations.
Self-reliance: Self-reliant fisheries and continued collaboration with the provinces and Nunavut, communities, Aboriginal groups, industry and others will contribute to the well-being of coastal communities. To be more self-reliant, resource users will ultimately have the flexibility to make decisions about their own economic and social objectives.
The framework clarifies the role of DFO in supporting viable coastal communities and provides resource users with a greater role in shaping social and economic objectives. It promotes innovation, diversification and the preservation of an independent inshore fleet and calls for self-adjustment mechanisms in all commercial fisheries.
A Stable and Transparent Access and Allocation Approach:
The access and allocation of fisheries resources will be more stable and predictable, and decisions will be made and conflicts resolved through a more fair, transparent and rules-based processes.
Implementation of the framework will set a stable and transparent access and allocation approach including clarifying the process and criteria for determining "best use", establishing decision-making guidelines for commercial access and allocation and stabilizing sharing arrangements in established commercial fisheries.
Shared Stewardship:
Participants will be effectively involved in fisheries management decision-making processes at appropriate levels; they will contribute specialized knowledge and experience, and share in accountability for outcomes.
The framework will lead to a more inclusive approach to policy planning, enable resource users to assume more of a role in operational decisions, facilitate Aboriginal participation in policy planning and decision making and support building capacity for resource users to take on new responsibilities.
The policy framework was not created in isolation. It is part of a larger Departmental mandate to lead in the sustainable development of all of Canada’s oceans resources. Modern fisheries management practices on all coasts are an integral component of Canada’s Oceans Action Plan.
How Will the Policy Framework be Implemented?
As part of the AFPR process, DFO has already moved to implement some of the key strategies of the policy framework, including a commitment to an independent and viable inshore fleet and the creation of multi-year fisheries management plans focused on conservation and risk management.
Administrative sanctions for violations of the Fisheries Act could be explored. Stabilizing sharing arrangements in established commercial fisheries and establishing more transparent and rules-based decision-making processes are additional priorities under the framework.
Implementation of the framework requires an acceptable pace of change and continued cooperation with provinces, communities, Aboriginal groups, industry and others.
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