Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, molluscan shellfish, and marine conservation. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-04-27
End Date: 2025-05-03

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Transport Canada Issues Interim Order for North Atlantic Right Whale Protection in Gulf of St. Lawrence

On April 16, 2025, the Minister of Transport signed an Interim Order under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, establishing new requirements for the protection of North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The measures are designed to address risks to marine safety and the marine environment, and may form the basis for future regulatory amendments. The order is effective immediately and applies to vessels over 13 meters in length, with specific exceptions for distress situations and government operations. The order outlines circumstances under which vessel speed limits and navigation restrictions may be imposed or lifted, based on whale detections and environmental conditions.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Detailed Vessel Speed Limits and Navigation Rules Announced for Right Whale Zones

The Interim Order specifies that vessels exceeding 13 meters must not exceed 10 knots in static and dynamic zones where right whales are detected, with some exceptions for commercial fishing in shallow waters unless a whale is detected. The Minister can direct the Canadian Coast Guard to issue navigational warnings imposing speed limits or prohibiting navigation in certain areas following whale detections or injury reports. Exceptions exist for vessels engaged in commercial fishing, Aboriginal communal fishing, and government-sanctioned research or response activities. A reduced speed of 8 knots applies to exempted vessels in restricted areas. The order is subject to suspension in adverse weather if marine safety is at risk and is set to be repealed 30 days after coming into force.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

CBSA Reminds Boaters of Aquatic Invasive Species and Import Requirements

With boating season approaching, the Canada Border Services Agency issued guidance on May 2 regarding entry and reporting requirements for private boaters, including those engaged in fishing or transporting seafood. All vessels entering Canadian waters must report to CBSA if they land, anchor, or transfer goods or people. The guidance notes that certain fishing bait is not permitted for import, and vessels must be cleaned, drained, and dried before entry to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Failure to comply may result in fines or vessel seizures. The announcement references additional surtaxes of up to 25% on specified U.S. goods exceeding personal exemptions, as published by the Department of Finance.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Nova Scotia Premier Launches Seafood Trade Mission to Spain and U.K.

Premier Tim Houston and Minister Kent Smith depart May 4 for a trade mission to Spain and the United Kingdom to promote Nova Scotia’s seafood sector at industry events and expand international trade.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba Invests $540,000 in Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

On April 30, Manitoba announced new funding for aquatic invasive species prevention, including a dedicated fund for partners and $130,000 for AIS prevention equipment.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Alberta Seeks Feedback on Water Act Updates Affecting Fisheries

Alberta is collecting public input on targeted Water Act amendments to improve water availability for agriculture, industry, and communities. Engagement continues through June 30.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

B.C. Proposes Mandatory Watercraft Stops to Combat Aquatic Invasive Species

The Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2025, includes changes to the Wildlife Act, proposing mandatory stops at open watercraft inspection stations for the 2025 summer.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Rick Perkins Critiques Federal Fisheries Policy on Twitter

On April 30, MP Rick Perkins referenced federal fisheries policy on social media, characterizing the current approach as detrimental to the commercial fishery.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• For Mi’kmaq fishers working within Ottawa’s baby eel rules, it’s a ‘peaceful’ season: Coverage of Mi’kmaq participation in the elver fishery under federal regulations.
• Environment Canada lays 200 Fisheries Act charges against ArcelorMittal: Report on enforcement actions involving alleged Fisheries Act violations.
• P.E.I. watershed group hopes fish like this are ready for a close-up, in the name of science: A look at community science initiatives for fish monitoring in Prince Edward Island.
• Terror, violence and organized crime: Inside the lawless East Coast fishery: Feature on the ongoing tensions and enforcement challenges in Atlantic fisheries.