July 05, 2026 to July 11, 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

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

Federal Government News

Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature: Federal Launch and Investment in Habitat Restoration

On July 7, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced progress under the $3.8 billion 'A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature.' The strategy, rooted in three pillars—Protecting Nature, Building Canada Well, and Valuing Nature and Mobilizing Capital—aims at harmonizing biodiversity protection with economic growth. Secretary of State (Nature) Nathalie Provost detailed eight new tree-planting projects in Saskatchewan, allocating $24.5 million toward over five million trees. These efforts target restoration of critical habitats for species at risk, development of Indigenous-led forest planting initiatives, improvement of air and water quality, and support for thousands of green jobs. The federal plan includes expansion of protected areas, networks of parks, and recognition of working landscapes, serving to capture and store carbon, address urban heat, and restore nature in line with international biodiversity commitments. The government remains committed to protecting 30% of lands, waters, and oceans by 2030, emphasizing Indigenous stewardship as central to both ecological and economic outcomes. The strategy signals acceleration in safeguarding marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including fish habitats and coastal biodiversity.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Releases Young American Eels into Rivers and Lakes

The Government of Quebec released about 150,000 young American eels into the Bécancour and Richelieu rivers and Missisquoi Bay in May, continuing its action plan to strengthen eel populations and aquatic ecosystem resilience.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Conservation Planning Projects Expand Protected Areas

The B.C. government, in partnership with First Nations, initiated conservation planning for Qat'muk, Skagit Headwaters, and Raush Valley, covering 127,000 hectares, aiming to protect biodiversity including fish habitats and endangered species as part of its 30x30 goal.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

B.C. Invites Public Input on Goat River Watershed Plan

A working group formed by the Province, yaqan nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band), and the Regional District of Central Kootenay seeks public feedback on long-term water management in the Goat River watershed, addressing water scarcity and aquatic ecosystem health.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Protection of New Wetland Habitats in Northern British Columbia

B.C. has designated a new Meteor Lake Wetland Wildlife Management Area over 2,226 hectares and expanded Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area by 42 hectares, enhancing protection for regionally significant fish and bird habitats.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinions clash over N.S. plan to grow aquaculture in 3-year seafood strategy: Coverage of competing views in Nova Scotia regarding expansion of aquaculture under a new seafood sector plan.
• Indigenous lobster fishing: N.S. judge says dispute must be handled by Ottawa: A Nova Scotia judge directs Indigenous lobster fishing conflicts to federal authorities for resolution.

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