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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Canada Invests Over $2.3 Million in Wolastoq/Saint John River Science and Nutrient Reduction

The Government of Canada, through the Canada Water Agency, announced more than $2.3 million to fund 14 projects targeting water quality and aquatic ecosystem health in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed in New Brunswick and Quebec. Projects include the development of a nutrient flow model for the St. John River, urban stormwater management infrastructure in the Greater Saint John area, and research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination. Several initiatives are led by Indigenous organizations, such as the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, which will train community members in scientific monitoring and integrate Indigenous knowledge into environmental assessment. Other recipients include Belleisle Watershed Coalition, Nature New Brunswick, and the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council, focusing on nutrient reduction in agricultural settings and the use of mussels as bioindicators. The funding falls under the strengthened Freshwater Action Plan for 2024-2026, with an explicit focus on both nutrient management and supporting Indigenous-led efforts.

Sources: www.canada.ca, www.canada.ca

Government of Canada and A-Tlegay Member Nations Sign Fisheries Resources Reconciliation Agreement

On February 19, the Government of Canada and A-Tlegay Member Nations entered a 20-year Reconciliation Agreement for Fisheries Resources (RAFR), signed in Vancouver by officials including Minister Joanne Thompson and leaders from five First Nations. The RAFR enables A-Tlegay Member Nations in coastal British Columbia to acquire commercial fishing licences and quotas via open market transactions and provides support for the development of sustainable shellfish aquaculture. The agreement includes provisions for collaborative fisheries management with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and establishes frameworks to support training and business development. The RAFR aims to enable coordinated management of fisheries resources and increased economic opportunities, incorporating commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Two Harvesters Fined in British Columbia for Illegal Shellfish Activities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada reported the conviction of Chao Jan Yu and Li Hua Chen, who were fined a total of $10,500 for various violations of the Fisheries Act following a June 2024 enforcement operation in the Nanoose Bay Recreational Shellfish Reserve. Offences included harvesting closed and prohibited species, exceeding daily limits, obstruction of a fishery officer, and possession of illegally caught fish. Both individuals received two-year prohibitions on fishing activities. DFO stated the conviction underscores the consequences of non-compliance and reiterated the public's role in reporting Fisheries Act violations. The enforcement action was carried out after officers observed illegal activity and an attempt to evade inspection.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Provincial Investment in St. John’s Wastewater Infrastructure

Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John’s jointly announced over $139 million for an upgrade to the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility. The project will increase the plant’s primary treatment capacity and initiate preparatory work for a future secondary treatment facility. This funding aims to improve compliance with federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, enhance water quality for local communities, and provide infrastructure necessary for further housing developments in the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

China Suspends Tariffs on Some Canadian Seafood Following Official Visit

China announced the suspension of certain tariffs on Canadian seafood and canola exports following a diplomatic visit by former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney. This move affects Canadian seafood sectors exporting to China and may influence market access and bilateral trade flows. Further details on the scope of the changes are expected as government and industry stakeholders assess the impact.

Sources: www.ctvnews.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Imposes $4,500 Fine for Illegal Commercial Fishing on Lake Erie

Robert Johnston of Wheatley was fined $4,500 for multiple commercial fishing violations, including failure to retrieve and report lost gill nets and spoilage of fish, as ruled by the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Expands Veterinary Assistance Program to Include Fish

Ontario is updating its Veterinary Assistance Program, effective April 1, 2026, to include fish as eligible livestock and broadening program eligibility for rural and northern areas, with applications opening in late March.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• B.C. shellfish harvesters fined more than $10K for illegal catch, obstruction: Reporting on recent penalties issued for illegal shellfish harvesting in coastal British Columbia.
• Seafood tycoon John Risley sold art, planes as loan interest spiralled: court filings: Article outlines the financial pressures facing a prominent industry figure.
• China suspends some canola, seafood tariffs on Canada after Carney visit: Coverage of a move affecting Canadian seafood exports to China following official talks.

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