QSA's Week in Fisheries (#9, 2025)
Funding boosts aquaculture; Elver fishery regulations updated; MSX research advances; Rockfish rule enforcement; Species protection in BC.
Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest 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: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Nova Scotia Seafood Sector Secures $36.8M for Modernization
On March 6, 2025, the Government of Canada and Nova Scotia announced a $36,838,064 investment from the Atlantic Fisheries Fund to support 142 projects aimed at modernizing the province's fish and seafood sector. This initiative targets harvesting, processing, and aquaculture improvements, enhancing equipment, data collection, and sustainability. Notably, $6.3M will aid the Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
New Brunswick Fisheries Receive $13.3M for Sustainability
The federal and New Brunswick governments unveiled $13,350,111 in funding on March 6, 2025, to support nine projects enhancing the province's fishery sustainability. Key allocations include $3M for Benson Lobster Co Ltd and $1.8M for Island Fishermen’s Co-operative Association, driving innovations in seafood quality and resource management.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada Strengthens Elver Fishery Regulations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada introduced new regulations for the 2025 elver fishery season on March 3, 2025, emphasizing sustainability and traceability. These include mandatory reporting via the Elver Management and Tracking (EMT) application and a set Total Allowable Catch of 9,960 kg, half of which is allocated to First Nations. Compliance will be strictly monitored.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Research Funding Announced for MSX Disease in Oysters
On March 7, 2025, the Canadian government pledged over $850,000 to fund research combating MSX disease in oysters. The initiative aims to address knowledge gaps in disease resistance and rapid detection, supporting the oyster industry in Atlantic Canada. This follows a Science Summit co-chaired with Prince Edward Island.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Fines Imposed for Rockfish Conservation Violations
In January 2025, a British Columbia court fined Rainbow Covenant Fishing Yacht Charter Ltd. and two guides $22,000 for illegal Yelloweye Rockfish fishing. This action highlights ongoing enforcement by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to protect vulnerable species under the Species at Risk Act.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
Canada Funds Aquatic Species Protection in BC
The Canadian government announced $4.79 million on March 5, 2025, for projects aimed at protecting aquatic species at risk in British Columbia, including initiatives in the Fraser and Columbia River watersheds.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Provincial Announcements
Alberta's Anti-Invasive Species Plan
Alberta plans to invest $18 million over five years to prevent invasive species like zebra mussels, expanding inspection stations and introducing K-9 teams.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
New Brunswick Action Plan Against U.S. Tariffs
New Brunswick announced a four-pillar response to U.S. tariffs, including support for affected businesses and promoting local goods, on March 4, 2025.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
Saskatchewan Ice Shelter Removal Reminder
The Government of Saskatchewan reminded anglers to remove ice shelters by March 15 in the south and March 31 in the north to avoid fines.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
New Brunswick Redfish Fishery Support Announced
On March 6, 2025, New Brunswick announced funding for developing the redfish fishery, aiding shrimp fleet diversification and regional economic growth.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Patrick Weiler Highlights Invasive Species Work
Patrick Weiler, MP, praised the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council's work on European Green Crabs in Squamish on March 7, 2025.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Steven Guilbeault on Marine Area Protection
Steven Guilbeault, MP, noted that Canada's coastal and marine protected areas have grown to nearly 17% since 2015.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Steven Guilbeault on Saguenay Marine Park Expansion
Steven Guilbeault, MP, announced the expansion of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, emphasizing beluga habitat protection.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
What We're Reading This Week
- CBC News: Nova Scotia's seafood sector faces tariff chaos: Tariffs impact Nova Scotia's seafood industry.
- CBC News: P.E.I. industries brace for tariff impacts: P.E.I. seafood and agriculture sectors' outlook amid tariffs.
- CBC News: Newfoundland Fisheries Minister on Tariffs: Tariffs pose major challenges for the fishing industry.
- Global News: Maritime Businesses React to Tariffs: Maritime sectors' concerns over U.S. tariffs.
- CBC News: DFO Extends Herring Moratorium: Fishermen frustrated by extended herring moratorium.
