Canadian harvesters and consumers both benefit from fisheries monitoring and increased transparency across the seafood supply chain. Monitoring fishing activities not only helps minimize bycatch and prevent overfishing, but it enables the story of where your seafood comes from to be told, which allows people to make more sustainable choices.

The decline of culturally significant fish species is not only a loss of food but also a loss of identity and culture. Canada’s obligation to rebuilding fisheries is inextricably linked with its commitment towards reconciliation. This requires a balanced approach to fisheries management that embraces the unique knowledge systems held by Indigenous Peoples.

To restore ocean abundance in the face of climate change, more conservation-focused fisheries management is required, but it should not stop there. To rebuild overfished stocks, it is imperative to fully account for species vulnerability to climate change and urgently employ adaptive management strategies.

The continuing poor health of Canada’s fish stocks clearly indicates that we’re failing to manage our fisheries and we’re getting a dismal return on investments. The loss of abundance and diversity — and the consequences that creates for future generations — cannot be overstated.