June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026

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.

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. Also consider subscribing to our Fisheries - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Fisheries and Oceans Committee: Atlantic Mackerel, Herring, and Clam Studies — June 15: The House of Commons Fisheries and Oceans Committee meets June 15 to consider Atlantic mackerel and herring fisheries, with discussions on recreational and traditional softshell clam fishing, and report drafting on marine harvesting season dates. Meeting scheduled 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wellington Building, Ottawa.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee: Affordability in Northern Canada — June 16: The Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee will meet June 16 to hear from witnesses on affordability challenges in Northern Canada. The session runs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes a closed segment on Indigenous policing and public safety.
• Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee: Food Security in Canada — June 16: The Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee convenes June 16 to examine the agriculture and agri-food sector’s role in Canadian food security, meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Room B45, Senate of Canada Building.

Federal Government News

Canada Secures Expanded Market Access for Fish, Seafood and Aquatic Products

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a series of new and expanded market access agreements for Canadian fish, seafood, and aquatic products in Vietnam, Oman, Brazil, Armenia, and Costa Rica. Access was restored for chilled and frozen finfish fillets and steaks in Vietnam, following the country's recognition of a Canadian health certificate. Oman now accepts Canadian health certificates for a full range of fish and seafood products, increasing opportunities for exporters in a high-demand market. In Brazil, approval for aquaculture finfish now extends access beyond wild-caught products. Armenia has also approved Canadian seafood products for human consumption, and Costa Rica has opened its market to Canadian ornamental fish feed. These agreements support Canada's trade diversification strategy and expand commercial opportunities for exporters.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Northern Cod Quota Increases 55% for 2026 Fishing Season

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has increased the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for Northern cod (2J3KL) to 59,000 tonnes, up from 38,000 tonnes, following scientific assessments that place the stock in the healthy zone for the first time since the 1992 moratorium. Allocation shares now provide 41,300 tonnes to the inshore fleet, 11,806 tonnes to the offshore and midshore fleet, and 5,895 tonnes to Indigenous and special allocations. The TAC for 2J3KLPs capelin remains at 14,533 tonnes, maintaining a precautionary approach. No directed commercial fishery for the Northern Gulf cod is authorized, with total removals capped at 500 tonnes. These management decisions implement a 12% harvest rate, grounded in peer-reviewed science, and adjust allocations to reflect stock health and sector needs.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Northern Cod: Economic Performance, Export Growth, and Processing Expansion

Recently released figures from Fisheries and Oceans Canada detail strong economic results for the reopened commercial Northern cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Landings doubled in 2025 to 32,700 tonnes with a landed value of $75 million, contributing 6% of the province’s total landed value. The sector involved approximately 1,175 fishing enterprises and supported hundreds of jobs in 34 processing facilities. Cod exports rose in 2025 to nearly 8,200 tonnes valued at $80 million, with key markets including the US, UK, Denmark, Portugal, France, and the Netherlands. Pursuit of Marine Stewardship Council certification is also underway. For the 2026–27 season, the TAC is set at 59,000 tonnes, with allocation increases across all fleet categories.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for New Brunswick Oyster Industry Recovery

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced up to $4.6 million in non-repayable funding over three years to support oyster growers in New Brunswick affected by MSX and Dermo diseases. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will provide up to $6 million for a one-time license buy-back for wild oyster harvesters and invest $130,000 in developing a sector-wide strategy to address disease and strengthen future supply. Farm Credit Canada introduced a Customer Support Program to provide short-term financial relief. These initiatives are designed to help oyster growers access disease-resistant seed and rebuild stocks while supporting sectoral and community recovery.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Launches North Pacific Mission Against IUU Fishing

Fisheries and Oceans Canada commenced its fourth annual high seas patrol—Operation North Pacific Guard—to deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North Pacific. The patrol deploys fishery officers, the Canadian Coast Guard, RCMP, as well as representatives from the US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, over a 15,000 km maritime area. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier will conduct boardings and vessel inspections, while an aerial surveillance aircraft is operating from Japan. The mission's objectives include verifying regulatory compliance, detecting IUU activity, and contributing to international efforts to protect fish stocks and uphold fair market conditions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada to Host 12th Our Ocean Conference in 2027

On World Oceans Day, Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that Canada will host the 12th Our Ocean Conference in spring 2027 in Halifax. The conference will focus on international collaboration in ocean governance, sustainable ocean economies, and marine protection, building on Canada’s multi-ocean experience and Indigenous knowledge systems. The announcement positions Canada at the center of multilateral efforts to advance marine policy objectives, including the protection of up to 30% of Canadian marine areas by 2030.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Coast Guard Commissions New Science Vessel and Welcomes 2026 Graduates

The Canadian Coast Guard celebrated its 57th Officer Training Program graduating class in Sydney, Nova Scotia, inducting 58 new officers. Attendees toured the new science vessel Naalak Nappaaluk, which will augment research missions and data collection in the Atlantic and Arctic. The vessel is designed to enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity for critical missions, including ocean monitoring and marine safety. Graduates will be deployed across Canada to support marine operations and environmental protection.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Schedules Technical Briefing on Newfoundland and Labrador Commercial Fisheries

A virtual media technical briefing was scheduled for June 12 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to provide updates on management approaches for key Newfoundland and Labrador commercial fisheries. The briefing is subject to embargo until the release of an official statement and is structured to provide information for attribution. These technical briefings precede public release of management decisions affecting the province’s fishery sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Tables Legislation to Strengthen Forced Labour Prohibition in Imports

Global Affairs Canada tabled new legislation—An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour. The bill aims to reinforce Canada’s framework to prevent the entry of goods associated with forced labour into the Canadian market. If enacted, the Act will introduce clearer enforcement processes, enable information sharing among federal agencies, and align Canadian policy with international standards for ethical supply chains. The legislation is positioned to provide businesses with greater certainty and transparency regarding compliance obligations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Hosts Atlantic Arc Commission General Assembly

Quebec hosted the General Assembly of the Atlantic Arc Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions, drawing representatives of European coastal and island regions to discuss cooperation on maritime and climate challenges.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Manitoba Announces Free Recreational Fishing and Park Access

Manitoba provided free access to provincial parks and licence-free recreational fishing from June 12 to 14. Regular angling regulations remained in effect, with events including a fish hatchery tour in Whiteshell.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Expands Local Food Access Through Coupon Program

British Columbia continued its Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program, allowing eligible residents to use coupons at local markets to purchase fish and other local foods. The 2026 program operates in roughly 100 communities.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Flood Management Projects Boost Fish Habitat Protection in Okanagan

Floodplain and embankment improvement projects in Vernon, Penticton, and Lumby were completed or initiated, supporting fish habitat restoration and strengthening infrastructure against flooding in the Okanagan region.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Wharf 403 Reconstruction — Newport Harbour, Gaspésie

Fisheries and Oceans Canada invites feedback on the planned reconstruction of Wharf 403 in Newport Harbour, Gaspésie. The comment period closes June 15.

Sources: www.iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Consultation: Wharf 401 Reconstruction — Millerand Harbour, Magdalen Islands

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is seeking input on the reconstruction of Wharf 401 in Millerand Harbour, Magdalen Islands, until June 15.

Sources: www.iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• How does Canada handle sustainable fishing?: Media overview on Canadian fisheries management practices.
• Northern Cod and Capelin Quota Decisions Prioritize Short-term Gains Over Long-term Abundance: Reporting on quota decision debates and industry reactions.

.