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Backgrounder
Canada’s Strategy to Combat Global Overfishing and Improve International Fisheries and Oceans Governance
Depleted fish stocks and the degradation of ocean ecosystems are global problems with many underlying causes. To ensure sustainable high seas fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems, action is urgently needed at local, regional and international levels.
The Government of Canada is taking a holistic approach to overfishing to achieve long-term success. Our strategy includes maintaining patrol presence on the water to deter vessels from illegal fishing; working through diplomatic channels to push countries to hold their vessels accountable; building our understanding of fisheries and oceans through increased scientific research on high seas ecosystems and fish stocks; and engaging our international partners to strengthen global norms for fisheries and oceans management.
Custodians of the Resource: Monitoring and Surveillance Measures
Conducting aerial and at-sea patrols to monitor the activity of fishing vessels beyond our 200-mile limit sends a clear message: overfishing on the high seas will not be tolerated by Canada. As part of our responsibilities to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), Canada invests $30 million annually into aerial surveillance and at-sea inspection patrols in the NAFO Regulatory Area. We also watch for illegal high seas driftnet fishing of salmon in the Pacific Ocean, and we work with other countries to reduce overfishing of tunas in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The commitment of our fishery officers to surveillance and conducting vessel inspections has significantly reduced illegal fishing activities.
International Co-operation: Diplomatic and Advocacy Activities
Canada’s efforts to stop overfishing and improve the way high seas fish stocks are managed are achieving greater success because we work together with others—regionally and globally. To secure co-operation, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as their officials, engage in bilateral discussions and negotiations with international counterparts. Much of the progress made against overfishing and the degradation of oceans ecosystems is a result of work that goes on behind the scenes.
Improving the Way the World Manages Fisheries and Oceans: Governance
Many high seas fish stocks are managed by regional fisheries management organizations that have members from different fishing nations. These regional regimes are responsible for the conservation and protection of fish stocks they are mandated to regulate. Canada is a member of 15 organizations dealing with straddling and transboundary fish stocks, as well as highly migratory and anadromous stocks. We are actively advocating for the modernization of these organizations to ensure they have the necessary tools to do their jobs effectively. This includes incorporating the precautionary approach and ecosystem-based approach into decision making, and ensuring there are serious penalties for fishing violations.
Understanding Marine Resources and Ecosystems: Strengthening Science
To make better management decisions for fisheries and oceans, we need to increase our knowledge of high seas marine ecosystems, including straddling and highly migratory fish stocks. Canada has invested almost $11 million over three years to fund research activities aimed at improving our understanding of sensitive marine areas and aquatic species on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. It is also funding research on straddling and highly migratory fish stocks in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the ecosystems of surrounding oceans. Furthermore, it supports research initiatives on sustainable fisheries practices and harvesting strategies that use a precautionary approach.
Maintaining Momentum and Achieving Results
Canada’s strategy is reaping some positive results. In the Northwest Atlantic, the number of fishing vessels is steadily decreasing. In the Pacific, high seas driftnet fishing is almost eradicated. Global alliances, such as the High Seas Task Force, are committing resources to ensure illegal fishers are exposed and blacklisted. And more and more countries are signing up to important international agreements, like the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, which obliges States to use the precautionary approach and ecosystem based approach when managing high seas fisheries.
Canada is encouraged by this progress- and the international momentum to continue to achieve results. But we intend to press for further improvements. More governments need to sign on to rules that put conservation first, and they need to demonstrate the necessary will to back these rules with tough enforcement. Fishers around the world need to take responsibility for their actions, and stop fishing illegally.
Fishing has long been a way of life for millions of people in coastal communities around the world. We must now act to preserve this legacy for future generations.
