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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Fisheries channel? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Environment and Agri-Food.

Dates: 2025-10-26 to 2025-11-01

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Ocean Carbon Sequestration Policy Session: On November 4, the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans will examine ocean carbon sequestration policy with an in-camera session scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
• Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans: Continued Ocean Carbon Sequestration Review: Another session on ocean carbon sequestration takes place November 6 at 8:30 a.m., with witnesses to be announced.
• Senate Committee on Transport and Communications: Rail and Marine Labour Disruption Study: November 5, the committee will discuss essential services in rail and marine sectors during labour disruptions; industry and business association witnesses scheduled.
• Senate Transport and Communications Committee: Labour Disruption Impacts on Marine Sector: On November 4 at 9:00 a.m., the committee will convene hearings on continuity of essential marine services during labour disruptions, with testimony from Canadian Labour Congress and Freight Management Association representatives.

Canadian Federal GR News

DFO Issues $76,000 Fine and One-Year Ban in Illegal Atlantic Halibut Case

On October 31, Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported that Grant William Cameron of Nova Scotia received $76,561.35 in penalties, including $40,000 in fines for deploying fishing gear during a closed period and providing incorrect vessel coordinates to DFO at-sea observers. Cameron received a further fine representing the gross profits from the sale of 4,390 lbs of illegally caught Atlantic halibut. The court also imposed a one-year groundfish fishing prohibition in NAFO division 4S and subarea 4T2a, with mandatory vessel monitoring system (VMS) installation for the duration. The infraction originated from a September 2022 authorized test fishery, during which Cameron fished outside the permitted area. DFO continues to encourage public reporting of unauthorized fishing activities as part of its enforcement mandate.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

DFO Reviews Scientific Knowledge and Recovery Outlook for North Atlantic Right Whales

DFO scientists delivered a Recovery Potential Assessment for North Atlantic right whales on October 29, finding feeding areas have expanded northward into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, driven by rising ocean temperatures and changes in prey distribution. Main threats identified include vessel traffic, fishing activity, underwater noise, and pollution. If these are managed appropriately, population models project potential for recovery within 35 to 100 years. The review will inform ongoing management measures including targeted surveillance, area closures, whale-safe gear trials, and ghost gear removal.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Launches Construction of Diesel-Electric Hybrid Research Vessel

The Canadian Coast Guard commenced construction of its Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel, the first electric hybrid in its fleet, at Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Québec. The new vessel is engineered to operate on up to 20% biodiesel, supporting environmental response operations and fishery science. Simultaneously, completion of the tenth and final Bay Class search and rescue lifeboat, CCGS Baie de Gaspé, was announced. Both projects fall under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, part of the government’s commitment to modernizing maritime infrastructure, supporting marine safety, and providing new capabilities for environmental monitoring and research.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans Scrutinizes Fisheries Act Policy and Licensing

The FOPO committee (House of Commons) met on October 30 to evaluate owner/operator and fleet separation policies under the Fisheries Act. Michael Barron (Cape Breton Fish Harvesters Association) and Bernie Berry (Coldwater Lobster Association) discussed pressures faced by independent harvesters from corporate consolidation, urging stronger regulatory enforcement to protect local control of licenses. Witnesses recommended further amendments and comprehensive data collection efforts to improve licensing transparency, address foreign ownership, and modernize science for fisheries management. Calls for preserving regional wealth through community-based policy were prominent, as were discussions about the impact of the 2019 Act amendments. The meeting advanced to an in-camera session following initial discussions.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Stakeholders Debate Aquaculture Provisions and Enforcement in Fisheries Act Review

At the October 28 FOPO committee hearing, Morley Knight advised against major revisions to the Fisheries Act due to recent amendments, but suggested adjustments to address Indigenous access and licensing adjacency. Nico Prins (BC Shellfish Growers Association) cited operational challenges from regulatory gaps in aquaculture definitions and the need for precautionary measures. Deborah Carlson (West Coast Environmental Law Association) and others discussed cumulative impact management, compliance reporting, and commercial licensing reform. The committee also covered evolving fishing technology and the urgency for data-driven monitoring to counter illegal harvest and potential foreign ownership within British Columbia’s fisheries. Specific recommendations focused on improved regulatory clarity and streamlined enforcement processes.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Review: Coordination for Great Lakes Fisheries Commission and Sea Lamprey Program

On October 28, the Senate’s Fisheries and Oceans committee analyzed the functioning of the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC) and Canada’s contributions. Niall Cronin (Global Affairs Canada) and Davide Cargnello (Privy Council Office) addressed the transition of responsibility for the GLFC from Fisheries and Oceans to Foreign Affairs, clarifying DFO’s continued involvement, notably in the Sea Lamprey Control Program. Collaboration among Global Affairs Canada, DFO, and GLFC was reported as effective in upholding the binational convention. Program delivery and scientific advice for the protection of Great Lakes fisheries remain under inter-agency oversight.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canadian Coast Guard, Shipyard Marks Vessel Completion Milestone in Bay Class Series

On October 27, the Canadian Coast Guard publicly commemorated the completion of the CCGS Baie de Gaspé, marking the tenth and final Bay Class search and rescue vessel built at Chantier Naval Forillon. This event coincided with the launch of the Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel construction in Gaspé, Québec. Both projects continue the Coast Guard’s fleet renewal under federal maritime strategy, with new vessels designed for high-endurance support in marine safety and fishery research.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Senate Committee Explores Policy and Research Gaps in Ocean Carbon Sequestration

The Senate Fisheries and Oceans committee meeting on October 30 considered Canada’s approach to marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Anya Waite (Ocean Frontier Institute) called for coordinated government policy, consistent monitoring, and investment in research. Dr. Abed El Rahman Hassoun (GEOMAR) noted the need for robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) standards. Issues raised included potential barriers from international regulations (London Protocol), scientific uncertainty about ocean carbon budgets, and the necessity of collaboration with communities and international partners to develop regulatory frameworks for research and implementation.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Assessments: Offshore Petroleum Industry and Fishing Data Integration

During its October 30 session, the Senate’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources committee addressed the efficiency of environmental assessments in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry. Darren Christie (Canada Energy Regulator) and retired engineer Wesley Foote described use of GIS tools to assess fishing impacts and highlighted remaining challenges in regulatory data availability. The committee inquired into risks from stranded assets, emissions data, and anticipated oil demand scenarios, including the competitiveness of local refining and broader implications for offshore fishery operations.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Standing Committee Discusses Climate Targets, Indigenous Policy, and Net Zero Shipping Impacts

On October 30, the House ENVI committee reviewed Canada’s progress on emissions targets and climate policy. Catherine Potvin (McGill University) warned of potential forest transition to carbon emission sources; Amy Nugent (Oceans North) addressed the significance of marine ports in clean energy transitions, including the impact of the U.N. net zero shipping tax. AFN representatives called for strengthened Indigenous partnerships and policy engagement. Economic implications for First Nations’ fisheries and emissions reductions were debated, while concerns about insufficient stakeholder consultations and infrastructure needs were raised.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

NMFS Implements Closure of Alaska Pollock Fishery for Statistical Area 620

Effective October 25, 2025, the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service prohibited directed fishing for pollock in Gulf of Alaska Statistical Area 620 to prevent exceeding the area's 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) of 82,265 metric tons. Retainable amounts remain available for incidental catch supporting other groundfish fisheries. The closure follows recent fishery data reviewed on October 23, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FWS Publishes Annual Review of Candidate Species for Endangered Status

The Fish and Wildlife Service released its annual Candidate Notice of Review, stating 16 species remain as candidates or are proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The updated list is based on findings between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, with priority assignments informed by threat magnitude and agency resource constraints. Full listing determinations for species such as monarch butterfly and Rio Grande cutthroat trout remain in progress.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Exempts Priestia megaterium Strain SYM36613 from Food Residue Tolerance

On October 31, EPA issued a final rule exempting residues of Priestia megaterium strain SYM36613 from food commodity tolerance requirements when used as directed. The action follows a petition by Indigo Ag, Inc., and assessment indicating no anticipated toxicity or pathogenicity. The strain may be used in agricultural settings early in the growing season.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Ontario Invests $10 Million to Upgrade Wheatley and Port Dover Fisheries Facilities

The Ontario government committed over $10 million on October 31 to enhance two fisheries management facilities on Lake Erie, supporting infrastructure modernization, increased lab capacity, and new technologies. Construction at Wheatley is scheduled to complete by 2029, Port Dover by 2027.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Modernizes Water Act under Bill 7

Alberta announced plans to update its Water Act (Bill 7), aiming to streamline water licensing, clarify definitions, and enable easier access for agricultural, municipal, and commercial users. The updates maintain the seniority system of license allocations and do not introduce volumetric pricing.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Opens Feedback Process for State of the Coast Report

The Government of New Brunswick launched a public consultation on October 30 to gather input for an upcoming State of the Coast report, intended to inform coastal protection strategies. The feedback window remains open through December 1.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Government Consultations

Marine Industry Engagement Opportunity: Canadian Marine Advisory Council, Fall 2025

Transport Canada will host the Canadian Marine Advisory Council meetings from November 4–6, offering an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss marine safety and security regulations.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: tc.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Multi-million-dollar investment announced for local fishing sector: Industry draws additional regional infrastructure funding.
• Federal food-safety regulator launches inspection blitz after deadly listeria outbreak: CFIA initiates expanded food safety inspections.
• Marine biodiversity centre opening in Halifax: Nova Scotia sees new facility for marine research and biodiversity monitoring.
• Land & Sea: Fishing cod in southern Labrador: Spotlight on cod harvesting practices in Labrador.

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