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: 2026-03-01 to 2026-03-07

📋 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 and Herring Sustainability: On March 9, 2026, the House of Commons Fisheries and Oceans Committee will hold a session from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to review action on 28 previous recommendations concerning Atlantic mackerel and herring stocks; key departmental witnesses include Céline Gaudet (Gulf Region), Bernard Vigneault, Todd Williams, and Mario Gaudet.

Federal Government News

China Suspends Tariffs on Canadian Lobster, Crab, and Canola Seed

As of March 1, 2026, China has suspended its anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian canola meal, peas, lobster, and crab until the end of 2026 and lowered combined tariffs on canola seed to 14.9% from nearly 85%. The government announced the move after high-level discussions led by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ministers Anita Anand and Maninder Sidhu. The tariff relief reinstates market access for major agricultural and seafood exports, benefiting seafood harvesters along Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The agreement is expected to stabilize prices and increase export opportunities in the Chinese market, which is in line with Canada’s aim to boost exports to China by 50% by 2030. In addition to seafood, Canada’s beef and genetic exports to China have resumed, with new agreements on pet food entering into force. The government reported that the previous beef export ban ended as of January 15, representing renewed access for 20 Canadian meat facilities. The removal of trade barriers on seafood is anticipated to expand opportunities for Canadian fisheries over the next two years.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Commits $5.2 Million to 31 Species at Risk Habitat Stewardship Projects

Environment and Climate Change Canada marked 25 years of the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) by announcing up to $5.2 million in 2025-2026 for 31 conservation projects nationwide. This year’s funding will support initiatives ranging from riparian restoration in the Bell Slough area of Chilliwack, BC, to plant species protection in Saskatchewan dunes and prairies, and Blanding’s turtle monitoring in Outaouais, Quebec. Projects include partnerships with First Nations, such as the Cheam and Sqwá in BC and southern Saskatchewan landowners, integrating traditional ecological knowledge and ecosystem-based management. The Rivershed Society of BC received $404,884 for collaborative riparian habitat work; the Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan received $332,350 to address invasive species threats; and Université du Québec en Outaouais secured $143,039 to address nest predation risks for turtles. The federal funding is expected to support cross-sector work involving NGOs, community groups, and local governments to address at-risk species and aquatic habitat conservation over multi-year periods.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Matane Port Facilities Expansion Project in Quebec Completes Federal Impact Review

On March 5, 2026, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada concluded its impact review for the Matane Port Facilities Expansion Project in Quebec. The assessment determined that any adverse effects on areas of federal jurisdiction would be minimal or addressed by existing federal and provincial legislation. The decision drew on input from federal experts, Indigenous Peoples, and other stakeholders, citing compliance with the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, and Quebec’s Environment Quality Act, among others. The project proponent, Société portuaire du Bas-Saint-Laurent et de la Gaspésie, will need to secure further federal and provincial permits prior to commencement. Key considerations included aquatic habitats, navigable water protections, threatened species, and wetland conservation. The federal process is now closed, with authorizations to be addressed at the permitting stage.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Quebec Snow Crab Fishermen Zone 16: Public Meeting Notice and Periodic Evaluation

The Quebec Agricultural and Food Markets Board will hold a periodic evaluation of Snow Crab Fishermen of Zone 16’s interventions in product marketing, with a public meeting scheduled for February 2027; interested parties are invited to submit comments in advance.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

British Columbia Integrates Freshwater Fishing Licences into the WILD System

BC anglers can now acquire freshwater fishing and hunting licences via a unified online platform, effective for the 2026-27 season, eliminating paper licence requirements for most fishing activities except conservation surcharge stamps.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Individual Fined for Abandoning Ice Fishing Hut

A Sault Ste. Marie resident received a $3,000 fine and fishing licence suspension for failing to remove an ice fishing hut in Fisheries Management Zone 10, contrary to provincial regulations.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Proposed Amendments to Susceptible Species of Aquatic Animals List Open for Comment

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is consulting on changes to the list of susceptible species of aquatic animals, with submissions accepted until May 1, 2026.

Sources: inspection.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Alaska Natives, advocates hail state's new restrictions aimed at helping chum salmon recover: State-level measures seek to rebuild chum salmon stocks important to cross-border fisheries.
• 'It’s too warm’: Greenland’s fishermen are under threat from climate change: Changing conditions present challenges for traditional northern fisheries.
• Salmon conservationists oppose termination of south coast MOU: Conservation groups are voicing concern after the dissolution of a south coast salmon management agreement.

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