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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 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

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

Government of Canada launches $75M Market Diversification Streams for AgriMarketing Program

On February 10, Minister Heath MacDonald announced the launch of two new Market Diversification streams under the AgriMarketing Program at Food and Beverage Canada's annual Policy Breakfast. The initiative allocates $75 million over five years (2026-27 to 2030-31) to support the agri-food sector, including fish and seafood, in addressing market instability by promoting expanded market opportunities. Applications for both streams open February 13, targeting national industry associations and small to medium-sized enterprises—entities previously excluded from the core funding. Eligibility guidelines are posted on the program site. This funding runs parallel and separate from the $129.97 million announced under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The move is aimed at bolstering sectors most exposed to trade disruptions and offers exporters and processors new tools to respond to global shifts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

DFO to install electronic trackers on fishing equipment to monitor ocean conditions

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is rolling out a plan to install electronic trackers on commercial fishing gear, particularly in Atlantic Canadian fisheries. The program aims to collect data on ocean temperatures, gear locations, and marine animal interactions, supporting marine ecosystem management and compliance with gear retrieval requirements. Implementation will begin with pilot projects involving selected fishers and expand to the broader industry in successive phases. The data is expected to inform DFO protocols for habitat protection, bycatch reduction efforts, and enhance responses to adverse weather and gear loss incidents.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

DFO announces quota increase for 2026 juvenile eel (elver) fishery

DFO has published new quota levels for the 2026 elver fishery in Atlantic Canada. The increase follows internal stock assessments and ongoing discussions with licence holders. The policy is expected to affect allocation among authorized harvesters and first nations groups involved in elver fishing. Quota management details, enforcement provisions, and reporting mechanisms are being circulated to licencees. The measures are positioned as part of DFO's adaptive fishery management for at-risk aquatic species.

Sources: www.cbc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario issues $95,000 fine for illegal import and possession of invasive snakehead fish

A St. Thomas individual was fined $95,000 after being convicted for importing, possessing, and offering for sale invasive snakehead fish following a provincial investigation and court proceedings.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario offers licence-free recreational fishing over Family Day weekend

From February 14–16, residents can fish without a licence or Outdoors Card; catch limits and regulations remain in force during this province-wide program.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba hosts Free Winter Family Fishing Weekend

Anglers may fish without a licence in Manitoba between February 14–16, with regular possession limits and AIS regulations enforced; free access to provincial parks continues until April 30.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Nova Scotia announces funding for coastal infrastructure protection in Halls Harbour

The Halls Harbour Community Development Association received provincial Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund support to reinforce coastal wharf infrastructure and safeguard the local economy.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation on proposed use of rosemary extract as a food preservative

Health Canada is consulting until February 21 on authorizing rosemary extract as a food preservative, setting new specifications for its use in foods, including seafood products.

Sources: www.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• The lesson from Sydney’s fish market: A review of Sydney Fish Market as a public asset and its redevelopment’s impact on local economies.
• DFO raises quota for juvenile eel fishery for 2026 season: Update on quota changes for elver fishing in Atlantic Canada.
• DFO to install trackers on fishing equipment to better monitor ocean conditions: Overview of DFO's gear tracking initiative to enhance industry data.
• Keith Sullivan, former FFAW leader and fish farming lobbyist, named deputy minister: Keith Sullivan is appointed deputy minister in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• UN report aims to map out ways to make business and biodiversity both sustainable: Coverage of global strategies for aligning business with biodiversity outcomes.
• Free Family Fishing Weekend: News on upcoming recreational fishing opportunities in Canada.
• WP Daily: Exporters demand solution to trade with Europe: Exporters signal unresolved market access issues in Europe.

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