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.

Dates: 2025-06-15 to 2025-06-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada Announces Major Increase in Northern Cod Total Allowable Catch and New Measures for Recreational Fishery

Fisheries and Oceans Canada raised the Northern cod (2J3KL) total allowable catch (TAC) for the 2025-26 season from 18,000 tonnes to 38,000 tonnes after scientific assessments showed the stock has remained stable since 2017 and is now at a higher biomass than previously believed. The new management approach allocates 80% of the TAC to inshore harvesters (including a new inshore mobile gear fleet share), 10% to Indigenous groups and special allocation, approximately 10% to offshore and other sectors, and 2,000 tonnes set aside for foreign NAFO members under international commitments. The recreational groundfish fishery—commonly known as the food fishery—will continue under existing limits: five groundfish per person per day and a 39-day summer season.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca, Announcements: www.canada.ca

Redfish Quota Set at 60,000 Tonnes for Second Year of Commercial Harvest

Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed the total allowable catch for Unit 1 Redfish at 60,000 tonnes for the 2025–2026 commercial season, following reopening of this fishery after a lengthy moratorium. Allocation decisions reflect input from the Redfish Advisory Committee, Indigenous organizations, industry stakeholders, and provincial partners. Data and outcomes from the first two years of renewed harvesting will inform long-term management and adjustment of regulatory measures.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Leads S-100 Digital Sea Trials on St. Lawrence River

The Canadian Hydrographic Service has commenced S-100 Sea Trials on the St. Lawrence River, introducing mariners to new interactive digital charts that layer real-time depth, tide, and navigational information. These trials, running through November 2025, make the digital data products available free of charge to mariners and developers. Results are expected to feed into international standardization efforts and facilitate the global adoption of digital navigation and marine data integration.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

First Successful Marine Mammal Approach Distance Prosecution Under Marine Mammal Regulations

A B.C. jet skier was fined $5,000 and banned from operating motorized vessels for six months following conviction for approaching a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins within the 100-metre legal limit. The conviction, under Section 7(1) of the Marine Mammal Regulations, is the first of its kind in Canada and was accompanied by a prohibition on related social media posts. Fisheries and Oceans Canada continues to accept public reports of violations to support enforcement efforts.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Ocean Condition Account Data

Statistics Canada's latest Census of Environment features an updated Ocean Condition Account, detailing the environmental status of waters surrounding Canada and their influence on ecological and economic activity.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

NOAA Issues Final Harvest Specifications for Cook Inlet Salmon

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published the 2025 final harvest specifications for salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), setting total allowable catches (TACs) by species, based on the Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and feedback from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The combined sockeye salmon TAC for 2025 is 800,126 fish, an increase over the 2024 level and above the 10-year average. Other TACs include 261 Chinook, 16,753 coho, 78,006 chum, and 52,357 pink salmon. The measures responded to 18 public comments and maintained existing management buffers to prevent overfishing. These specifications allow for in-season closures if quotas are reached.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

FDA Expands Shellfish Sanitation Data Collection and Export Documentation

The Food and Drug Administration is revising its Interstate Shellfish Dealer's Certificate program to require additional sample collections (including data on date, location, temperature) from state regulatory agencies, as well as compliance documentation for shells exported under international equivalence agreements. The updated information requirements support ongoing participation in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program and facilitate export compliance, including with the European Union.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Maintains Zero Dumping Margin for Vietnamese Fish Fillets

Following its latest administrative review, the Commerce Department determined that Bien Dong Seafood Joint Stock Company and five additional Vietnamese exporters sold certain frozen fish fillets in the U.S. from August 2022 to July 2023 at or above normal value, maintaining a zero margin on these entries.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

NOAA Adjusts Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Retention Limits for Angling Category

Effective July 1 through December 31, 2025, NMFS raised the daily retention limit for Atlantic bluefin tuna for private HMS Angling permitted vessels to one fish between 27 and 73 inches, and for HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels to two fish in this size range (only one may be a large school/small medium fish). The changes apply outside the Gulf of America and reflect updated fishing effort and quota performance. NOAA may initiate additional adjustments or early closures if quotas are at risk of being exceeded.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Public Comment Open on Exempted Fishing Permit Modifications for Surf Clam Compensation Trips

NOAA is accepting public comments through July 7, 2025, on a request to modify and extend an Exempted Fishing Permit for the Coonamessett Farm Foundation. The modification would shift 207 remaining surf clam compensation trips from Davis Bank East to the Rose and Crown area of the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area and extend project duration, enabling continued habitat mapping with mobile gear otherwise prohibited under standard regulations.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Minister Requests Community Benefit Details from Finfish Aquaculture Licensees

Nova Scotia's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture requested current and prospective finfish aquaculture licensees outline their social and economic contributions to local communities, ahead of planned regulatory changes that will formalize these requirements.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

B.C. Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program Receives Provincial Funding Boost

The British Columbia government will provide $4.25 million to support the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program in 2025, increasing support for local food purchases—including fish and seafood—by low-income households.

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

Nova Scotia Loyal Program Expands to Specialty Pet Retailers and Fishing Product Companies

Nova Scotia added Pet Valu and seafood-based pet product maker Ocean Pride Fisheries to its Nova Scotia Loyal initiative. The program recognizes local producers, including those using marine ingredients, for their support of the province’s economy.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

MP Joanne Thompson stated on June 18 that a stronger cod fishery supports Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, referencing the day's announcement on a sustainable quota increase for Northern cod.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 20, MP Joanne Thompson notified constituents that dates for the recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador are now available.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Joanne Thompson credited engagements with industry stakeholders and scientific advice for supporting this year's cod fishery quota decision.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 18, MP Patrick Weiler announced his ongoing role as Chair of the Fisheries and Oceans Committee, noting its importance for ocean protection and support of coastal communities in British Columbia.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Aaron Gunn reported his appointment to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, mentioning his intent to advocate for fishermen and aquaculture workers.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Ottawa’s decision to double cod catch in Newfoundland and Labrador questioned by scientists: Fisheries scientists raise concerns about risks of rapid quota increase.