Fisheries and Oceans Canada Continues to Take Cautious Approach to Herring Fishery

February 16, 2023 Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Conservation is the federal government’s first priority in managing Canadian fisheries. In British Columbia, Pacific herring are an important forage species and play a critical role in supporting BC’s rich coastal ecosystem. In order to preserve the abundance of this vital species, the management of Pacific herring will remain precautionary while allowing fishing allocations where possible.

MSC: Urgent Government Action Needed to Protect Vital Pelagic Fish Stocks in the North-East Atlantic

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is calling for urgent action as ecologically and economically vital pelagic fish stocks in the North East Atlantic continues to be overexploited due to years of failure by governments to agree catch quotas in a way which safeguards their future. 

Management Plan Released for Atlantic Herring in Southwest Nova Scotia and the Bay of Fundy

Atlantic herring is a vital species in Atlantic Canada. As one of the largest commercial fisheries in Atlantic Canada, the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy herring stock directly or indirectly employs more than 1,000 people in rural Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and contributes over $140 million to the local economy. Atlantic herring is also an important source of bait for other commercial fisheries, such as lobster and snow crab.

Herring Quota Decision Not Enough to Rebuild Fishery

June 27, 2022 Oceans North

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced that the quota for the largest herring fishery in Canada would be cut from 35,000 tonnes to 23,450—a 33 per cent reduction that on its own will not be enough to rebuild this severely depleted fishery and ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits. The quota is set for one year.

Immediate Closure of Herring and Mackerel Commercial Fisheries a Broadside Into Coastal Fishing Communities

On March 30th, 2022, DFO announced the closure of the commercial fishery for herring and Atlantic mackerel to rebuild key forage fish stocks for a healthier East Coast fishery. The Coalition of Atlantic and Québec fishing organizations questions the rapidity of the government decision and the lack of transparency in the science.