Who handles fisheries & oceans?
Fisheries & Oceans
Fisheries are primarily federal under the Fisheries Act. Provinces manage inland fisheries and licensing, and municipalities handle local waterfront access.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
- ● Commercial fishing quotas
- ● Marine conservation and habitat protection
- ● Coast Guard services
💡 Example: Contact DFO about fishing quotas or marine conservation.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Provincial inland fisheries management
- ● Recreational fishing licences
- ● Provincial fish stocking programs
- ● Freshwater habitat management
💡 Example: Contact your provincial natural resources ministry about fishing licences.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Local waterfront access and marinas
- ● Municipal dock and wharf maintenance
- ● Local fish habitat protection
- ● Waterfront parks and trails
💡 Example: Contact your municipality about marina permits or waterfront access.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
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