This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning fisheries, aquaculture, shellfish, and marine conservation. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government Announces 2026 Snow Crab Management and Precautionary Approach Review

Fisheries and Oceans Canada confirmed a total allowable catch (TAC) of 61,004 tonnes for the 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador Snow crab fishery, marking a 3% decrease from the previous year. The TAC, though slightly reduced, represents the third highest level historically recorded for the region, with 2025 being the second highest. Notable quota adjustments include increases of 4% in area 3LNO and 19% in 4R3Pn, while significant reductions impact 3K (down 18%), 2HJ (down 20%), and 3Ps (down 30%). The approach is described as moderate and follows consultations with Indigenous partners and industry stakeholders. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will open a comprehensive review of the Snow crab precautionary approach framework, aimed at supporting greater TAC stability and predictability amid recent years of quota fluctuation. The snow crab industry generated over $700 million in 2025 for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sources: www.canada.ca

DFO Increases Elver Fishery Total Allowable Catch for 2026

Minister Joanne Thompson announced that the 2026 elver (juvenile eel) fishing season opens around April 1 with a TAC of 12,180 kg, reflecting a 22% increase over the prior year's quota of 9,960 kg. The new quota follows science advice based on index river data and recent positive trends. Consultations with commercial licence holders and First Nations informed the allocation of the increased quota, with no licence holders facing decreases. The 2026 season also reserves 180 kg of quota for scientific research under the Fisheries Act, with participation from both industry organizations and First Nations. The increase builds on reporting compliance improvements noted in 2025, as all licence holders are now required to use the Elver Monitoring and Traceability (EMT) digital application. Fishery officers will maintain an enforcement presence at river and export points, targeting unauthorized harvest activity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Extends Protection Measures for North Atlantic Right Whales

DFO and Transport Canada renewed vessel and fishery management protocols to curb threats to the endangered North Atlantic right whale, whose population stands at approximately 380. Adaptive closure protocols will be maintained in fishing areas where right whales are detected. The voluntary shallow water whalesafe gear pilot will run for three more years, allowing harvesters using break-away gear to operate in otherwise closed areas. Additional advisories will now be provided to harvesters on right whale sightings even when these do not trigger closures, aiming to improve situational awareness. Transport Canada will reimpose a mandatory 10-knot speed limit for vessels over 13 metres throughout much of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, alongside dynamic slowdowns and a returning voluntary slowdown period in the Cabot Strait. These measures represent the tenth consecutive year of federal action in the Gulf and include collaborative efforts with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Illegal Crab Harvest in British Columbia Results in $5,000 Fine for Charter Operator

A charter vessel operator in Richmond, British Columbia, was fined $5,000 after being convicted under Section 33 of the Fisheries Act. The operator was found in possession of undersized Dungeness crabs and fishing with traps not registered to people on board, among other infractions, during a DFO fishery officer patrol on May 30, 2025. The operation also resulted in warnings to two clients under B.C. Sport Fishing Regulations. Fisheries and Oceans Canada states that routine patrols and enforcement are ongoing across the recreational crab fishery to curb non-compliance and protect the resource, which has significant economic and cultural importance to coastal communities and Indigenous peoples.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Construction Completed for Clyde River Small Craft Harbour in Nunavut

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the completion of a new small craft harbour in Clyde River, Nunavut. The $38-million project includes breakwaters, a fixed wharf, dredging, a launch ramp, and floating wharves capable of accommodating up to 72 vessels. It is designed to improve access and safety for commercial fish harvesters and enhance the delivery of goods by sea. The Niutaq Harbour Authority, comprised of local residents, will oversee the new facility, which will be operational by the 2026 open-water season. The investment supports infrastructure needs for Arctic and northern fisheries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Thompson to Announce New Marine Infrastructure Investments in Iqaluit

Minister Joanne Thompson is scheduled to hold a press conference in Iqaluit on March 27 regarding federal investments in small craft harbour infrastructure in Canada’s high Arctic. The announcement highlights marine infrastructure projects which support safety, water access, and contribute to Arctic sovereignty. Details are to be shared at the Ministers’ Regional Office in Iqaluit, following the in-person event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Targeted Food Security Research Grants Fund Nine Indigenous-Led Northern Projects

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada announced over $2 million in funding for nine Indigenous-led research projects under Phase 2 of the Food Security Research Grant program. The selected initiatives focus on food access, subsidy program models, harvesting practices, supply chain logistics, and the impact of online retailers in northern and isolated communities. Projects will examine both traditional and store-bought food access, community food systems, harvester support programs, and the effects of seasonality and economic conditions on food security. The program runs from 2025 to 2028, supporting research intended to inform future food policy interventions in remote regions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Food Sovereignty Summit Outlines Next Steps for Northern Food Solutions

The federal government convened a two-day Food Sovereignty Summit in Ottawa focused on strengthening food security and advancing Indigenous-led food systems in northern communities. Participants included Food Banks Canada, Indigenous leaders, youth, harvesters, non-profits, and federal officials. The discussions addressed resilient local economies, community-driven harvesting, distinctions-based approaches, and collaboration across departments. The government also announced $1.75 million in new projects funded through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency for food security initiatives in the Northwest Territories. Ministers Rebecca Chartrand, Rebecca Alty, Mandy Gull-Masty, Heath MacDonald, and Buckley Belanger participated as event hosts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Nutrition North Canada: Program Overview and Updated Investment Figures

Nutrition North Canada provided a summary of its food subsidy, harvesters support, community food program, and research grant activities. Since its inception, $1.4 billion in food subsidies have been delivered to isolated northern communities, including $163 million for 2025-2026. The Harvester’s Support Grant and Community Food Programs Fund have together provided over $257 million and supported over 15,000 harvesters and more than 400 community hunts. Nine research projects have been funded in March 2026, building on earlier investments in supporting food security measures in northern regions. The latest commitments stress reliability of food access and the importance of both environmental and economic components of local food systems.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases 2024 Manufacturing and Raw Materials Data

Statistics Canada published revised 2023 data and preliminary 2024 statistics on the value of products manufactured and sold, including raw materials purchased or used by manufacturing industries across the country. The information—covering national, provincial, and territorial breakdowns—is available upon request. Industry stakeholders may examine the data for insights into seafood processing, packaging, and supply chain trends.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Senate Sitting Discusses Fisheries Policy and Atlantic Interests

During Senate sitting no. 60, Senator Allister W. Surette welcomed the Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation and spoke on the economic value of fisheries and the importance of defending Atlantic policies. The session also included tabling of Charter statements for three bills, a proposal for a Committee of the Whole on AI, and the appointment of Annette Ryan as Parliamentary Budget Officer. The Senate reviewed appropriations, transparency in spending, and discussed chronic kidney disease, autism, sport for public health, and broader health system leadership. Senator Prosper addressed funding for Indigenous friendship centres. Procedural motions closed the session.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Launches Marine Sector Tech Testbed

The B.C. government introduced a marine and coastal testbed within its Integrated Marketplace program, enabling local tech firms to trial technologies tied to environmental monitoring, vessel optimization, and salmon population tracking. Partnerships involve Indigenous organizations and industry, with investments supporting vessel cleaning robotics, AI-enabled salmon enumeration, and smart shore power solutions for marinas.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Trio Fined for Illegal Fishing and Camping in French River Provincial Park

Three individuals were fined a total of $7,610 by the Ontario Court of Justice for multiple violations, including unlawful possession of a gillnet, fishing without licences, and illegal camping activity. The group received one-year fishing prohibitions, and the gillnet in question was forfeited.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Introduces Legislation to Enable Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition

Bill 21, the Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition Act, aims to reduce trade barriers by facilitating the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods. The measure, if enacted, is set to take effect June 30, 2026, and will support the movement of goods and services across Canada.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Manitoba Government Invests in Interprovincial Trade Missions

As part of Budget 2026, Manitoba will provide $500,000 to support business participation in interprovincial trade missions. The initiative, run via the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, aims to help up to 120 small- and medium-sized firms expand their Canadian market access and strengthen supply chains.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Offers Free Fishing and Park Entry During Spring Break

From March 27 to April 5, all Manitobans and visitors can fish without an angling licence and access provincial parks free of charge. Standard federal rules and water-specific regulations remain in effect.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New Fourchette bleue eco-guide for sustainable St. Lawrence seafood: A new eco-guide is released to help consumers and industry source sustainable seafood from the St. Lawrence region.
• Split quota continues between Indigenous, commercial harvesters for contentious baby eel fishery: Ongoing quota division between Indigenous and commercial fishers remains a key issue in the baby eel fishery.
• Ottawa raises catch limit for juvenile eels in the Maritimes, but complaints linger: Federal authorities raise juvenile eel catch limits in the Maritimes, prompting mixed reactions from stakeholders.
• Louisiana’s crawfish industry feels the pinch of limits on foreign workers: Workforce shortages present operational difficulties for crawfish producers in Louisiana.
• Oil spill deals economic blow to fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico: Gulf coast fisheries experience financial losses following a large-scale oil spill.
• Bringing P.E.I. to Alberta: a culinary showcase: Prince Edward Island seafood producers spotlight local fare at a high-profile event in Alberta.
• Food security in B.C. and the fight to save ‘a little piece of California’: An examination of food production and security dynamics in British Columbia.

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