July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Manitoba Complete Second Roadside Aquatic Invasive Species Blitz of 2026

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), working alongside Manitoba’s provincial government, concluded the second aquatic invasive species (AIS) roadside inspection blitz of the summer, held on Highway 1 near the Manitoba-Ontario border from June 19 to 21. The effort targeted vehicles transporting watercraft and equipment, focusing on risks posed by zebra and quagga mussels. Over three days, officers inspected 455 vehicles with 502 watercraft and related equipment. Of these, 382 watercraft met clean, drain, and dry standards; 120 watercraft failed inspection; 13 required decontamination instructions; and one watercraft was found with visible zebra mussels. DFO states these measures support the protection of freshwater ecosystems and infrastructure by intercepting vectors for invasive species before they establish new populations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Initiates Public Consultations on Forced Labour Legislation in Global Supply Chains

Global Affairs Canada, led by Minister Anita Anand and Minister Patty Hajdu, launched public consultations to inform new measures strengthening the country’s fight against forced labour in supply chains, open from July 27 to August 21, 2026. The process considers approaches, evidence, and methods for identifying goods suspected of being produced with forced labour and outlines information importers must provide under Bill C-35. Employment and Social Development Canada's Labour Program is conducting parallel consultations on due diligence requirements for Canadian companies abroad regarding labour rights. These steps follow Canada’s introduction of the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act and the 2024 intent to legislate stronger trade restrictions on such goods. The consultation seeks input on civil liability provisions and due diligence that would complement the import prohibition framework.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Authorities Seize Nova Scotia Halibut, Charge Vessel Captain with Illegal Fishing

Federal fisheries officials in Nova Scotia have seized multiple tonnes of halibut and laid charges against a commercial fishing vessel captain for illegal activity. The seizure marks a renewed focus on enforcement of Fisheries Act regulations surrounding quota compliance, reporting, and fishing area restrictions in Atlantic fisheries. Federal authorities have underscored the significance of targeted enforcement for high-value species such as halibut in maintaining the integrity of domestic fishery resources. Details on the final disposition of the seized catch and further judicial proceedings remain pending.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Awards Energy Efficiency Funding to Seafood and Aquaculture Companies

Twenty seafood and aquaculture firms in Nova Scotia received a combined $2.22 million from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund to support technology upgrades that reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Expands Efforts to Prevent Spread of Invasive Fish Species

The Government of Alberta, through its 'Don’t Let It Loose' campaign, reinforced its message against the release or transfer of aquarium and invasive fish, such as goldfish, into public waterways, referencing significant penalties for violations.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

British Columbia Supports Cowichan Estuary Restoration with $500,000 Investment

British Columbia and partners are restoring 70 hectares of marshland in the Cowichan Estuary, aiming to improve fish and wildlife habitat, support salmon and shellfish populations, and strengthen resilience to flood risks.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Health Canada Consultation on Jagua (Genipin-Glycine) Blue as Permitted Food Colour

Health Canada is seeking feedback on a proposal to authorize the use of jagua (genipin-glycine) blue as a food colouring in Canada. The consultation runs through July 28, 2026.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Community Control Of Kauaʻi Fishery In Hawaii Is Showing ‘Remarkable’ Results: Coverage of local management practices in Hawaiian fisheries.
• Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, are making a comeback thanks to conservation: An update on oystercatcher population trends in North American shorelines.

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